Adam J. Graves’s short film Anuja received a nomination for Best Live Action Short at the 97th Academy Awards. Prominent figures like Mindy Kaling, Guneet Monga Kapoor, and Priyanka Chopra have supported the moving story.
Priyanka called Anuja being nominated for the Oscars an ‘incredible moment’, saying, “Anuja being nominated for an Oscar in the Best Live Action Short Film category is such an incredible moment. This film is a beautiful reminder of the power of storytelling—how it can shine a light on love, family, and resilience in the most authentic way.” She shared that she was ‘proud’ of the director and ‘moved’ by Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag’s performances, adding, “It’s an honor for me to be part of this journey alongside our amazing partners—Suchitra Mattai Studio, Mindy Kaling, Guneet Monga Kapoor, and Shine Global.”
Guneet spoke about the honour and said, “Incredibly honoured for this nomination at the 97th Oscars. It is a privilege to share the story of Anuja, representing the work of Salaam Baalak Trust India – the voice of countless youth who bravely face formidable circumstances every day. Even through unimaginable odds, they show us there is reason to smile. Director Adam J Graves and Producer Suchitra Mattai have poured their hearts into this.” She thanked Mindy Kaling and Priyanka Chopra Jonas for their support, saying the nomination is a “testament to how we can cross borders, collaborate, and bring honest stories to life.”
Suchitra, Mindy, Guneet, Krushan Naik, Aaron Kopp, Devananda Graves, Michael Graves, Ksheetij Saini, and Alexandra Blaney are among the producers who support Anuja. Executive producers Priyanka and Anita Bhatia are involved. Albie Hecht, Susan MacLaury, and Archana Jain are co-executive producers. The film explores Mira Nair’s Salaam Baalak Trust, a nonprofit empowering street and working children, with lead actor Sajda, herself a beneficiary.
“It is an honor to bring a beautiful, homegrown film like Anuja to audiences around the world,” said Monika Shergill, VP of Content at Netflix India, in response to the nomination. In addition to winning India another Oscar following The Elephant Whisperers, we hope that this stirring tale of resiliency and redemption touches people’s hearts everywhere. Kudos to the amazing group behind this inspiring story of sisterhood. Netflix will shortly stream Anuja.