- Friday, January 24, 2025
Directed by Adam J Graves and Suchitra Mattai, the film explores the life of a young girl, Anuja, who has to decide on pursuing education or working in a factory
By: India Weekly
HOLLYWOOD stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Mindy Kaling, and Guneet Monga have expressed their excitement after their film, “Anuja”, earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film.
The short film, directed by Adam J Graves and Suchitra Mattai, is set in New Delhi and explores the life of a young girl, Anuja, who faces a difficult decision between pursuing education or working in a factory alongside her sister. The film stars Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag.
Anuja will compete in the Live Action Short category at the 2025 Oscars, where it will face off against films like “A Lien, I’m Not a Robot”, “The Last Ranger”, and “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent”.
The nominations were announced on Thursday by comedians Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott after being delayed twice earlier this month due to wildfires in Los Angeles.
Monga, who serves as an executive producer on the film, expressed her pride in the project. “Anuja is an ode to the unbreakable bond between two sisters who dared to dream beyond their circumstances. Ultimately, it is a celebration of all the beautiful children who face dire circumstances every day around the world. Even through unimaginable odds, they show us there is reason to smile,” Monga said.
Kaling also praised the film, calling it a story of “resilience, sisterhood, and hope.” She added, “We’re incredibly honoured to be nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the Academy Awards 2025… It has been such an honour to produce this short film and learn from the artists involved.”
Priyanka Chopra Jonas celebrated the nomination on Instagram, thanking the Academy for the honor. “Yaaaay! ‘Anuja’ is heading to the 2025 Oscars as a nominee for Best Live Action Short Film! Incredible!” she wrote.
Chopra Jonas also acknowledged the collaborative effort in the film’s production, adding, “It’s an honour for @purplepebblepictures and I to be a small part of this film’s journey alongside our amazing partners @suchitramattaistudio, @mindykaling, @guneetmonga, and @shine.global.”
Anuja was produced in collaboration with Salaam Baalak Trust, Shine Global, and Krushan Naik Films.
The Salaam Baalak Trust was founded by filmmaker Mira Nair’s family to support street and working children. Monga previously produced the 2023 Oscar-winning documentary “The Elephant Whisperers.”
The 2025 Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
