Producer Guneet Monga reflects on Anuja's Oscar loss: 'We will return soon...'

Two-time Oscar winner Guneet Monga, who joined Anuja as an executive producer last year, shared in an Instagram post that celebrating independent cinema at the 97th Academy Awards reaffirms the belief that dreams can indeed come true.

Just hours after Anuja missed out on the Best Live Action Short Oscar, producer Guneet Monga shared her thoughts on Monday, expressing that her involvement in the project was driven by a desire to support the filmmakers and amplify children's voices.

The coming-of-age film, set in New Delhi and directed by Adam J Graves, competed at the prestigious ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday but ultimately lost to the Dutch-language short I'm Not A Robot.

Two-time Oscar winner Guneet Monga, who joined Anuja as an executive producer last year, shared in an Instagram post that celebrating independent cinema at the 97th Academy Awards reaffirms the belief that dreams can indeed come true. "Celebrating independent cinema at the 97th Academy Awards is a testament to the idea that dreams do come true! We attended the event with our short film Anuja, but this is just the beginning. As long as we continue to dream and create, we will return again soon! “Anuja” is a 22-minute love letter to girls who refuse to be defined by their circumstances, and it aligns perfectly with the vision and mission of the @salaambaalaktrustdelhi , where our young lead, Sajda Pathan, resides."

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A post shared by Guneet Monga Kapoor (@guneetmonga)

Further praising the cast and team of Anuja, she continued, "Every effort made by our incredible team—Sajda Pathan, @ananya_shanbhag_, @adam_j_graves, @suchitramattaistudio, @mindykaling, @priyankachopra, @belabajaria, @monika__shergill, and the entire Anuja family—has been worthwhile. I joined this project not only to support the filmmakers but also to amplify the resilience and voices of children."

Guneet also expressed her gratitude to the Academy Awards for nominating Anuja. "Skills, strength, and spirit—the girls have it all. All hail independent cinema! Independent storytellers hold the truth, and we must continue to champion them. I am deeply grateful to the Academy for bringing “Anuja” to a global stage. As Producer Samantha Quan said, “To all the dreamers and young filmmakers—tell the stories that move you. You will never regret it.”

"Please watch our Oscar-nominated short film “Anuja” on Netflix and stand behind the life-changing work of Salaam Baalak Trust, empowering children with hope and opportunity. A special thanks to Manish Malhotra and Manisha Melwani for making the night even more memorable!" she concluded the post.

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Anuja, featuring Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag, tells the poignant story of a talented nine-year-old girl who faces a life-altering choice between pursuing education or joining her sister in factory work— a decision that will define their futures. The film is now streaming on Netflix.

Meanwhile, producer Guneet Monga Kapoor turned heads at the 97th Academy Awards, dazzling in a stunning brown ensemble designed by renowned Indian couturier Manish Malhotra.