Oscars 2025 nominations: Indian film Anuja nominated in Best Live Action Short Film Category

Indian Short film Anuja

The Indian short film, Anuja, produced by Guneet Monga Kapoor, has been shortlisted for the Best Live Action Short Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.

The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards were announced on January 23, 2025, highlighting a diverse range of films and performances from 2024. Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott revealed the nominees across various categories, including acting, directing, and Best Picture.

Anuja tells the story of a 9-year-old girl working alongside her elder sister, Palak, in a small garment factory in New Delhi. The narrative dives deep into the struggles of the young protagonist as she faces a life-altering decision: whether to continue her education or support her family by working at the factory. This pivotal choice not only shapes her future but also impacts the trajectory of her family’s survival.

Anuja, released in the United States in June 2024, boasts a talented cast including Nagesh Bhonsle, Sajda Pathan, Gulshan Walia, and Ananya Shanbhag. The film is a collaborative directorial effort by Adam J Graves and Suchitra Mattai. The production is a joint venture of Graves Films, Krushan Naik Films, and Shine Global.

Notably, the project has attracted significant industry support, with Guneet Monga serving as executive producer alongside Hollywood star-writer Mindy Kaling and global actress Priyanka Chopra.

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In a powerful collaboration, the film was produced in partnership with the Salaam Baalak Trust, a nonprofit established by the family of acclaimed director Mira Nair. This organization provides education and opportunities to thousands of street and working children. Notably, the film's lead role is portrayed by Sajda Pathan, a resident of a Salaam Baalak center that offers shelter to girls who were previously living on the streets of Delhi.

The live-action film, which has been shortlisted for the Oscars, will soon be available for streaming on Netflix, allowing audiences to experience its compelling story.