The 97th Academy Awards saw fierce competition in the Best Live Action Short Film category, with Anuja, the Hindi short film backed by Priyanka Chopra, Mindy Kaling, and Guneet Monga, vying for the prestigious trophy. However, the Oscar ultimately went to the Dutch short film I’m Not a Robot, leaving Anuja just short of victory.
A Film That Touched Many Hearts
Directed by Adam J. Graves, Anuja tells the compelling story of two sisters, Anuja and Palak, who work in a garment factory in Delhi. Faced with a life-changing decision, Anuja shoulders the responsibility of providing for her family. Featuring talented young actors Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag, the film is a heartfelt portrayal of resilience in the face of adversity.
The short film has been widely appreciated for its sensitive storytelling and representation of the struggles faced by young girls in marginalized communities. The filmmakers were careful not to reduce the characters to statistics but instead highlighted their strength, spirit, and the small joys that keep them going.
An Impressive Backing and Global Recognition
Anuja was produced by a team of industry stalwarts, including Suchitra Mattai, Krushan Naik, Aaron Kopp, Devananda Graves, Michael Graves, Ksheetij Saini, and Alexandra Blaney. Priyanka Chopra and Anita Bhatia served as executive producers, further elevating the film’s visibility on the global stage.
The short film gained international recognition through screenings at renowned festivals such as the HollyShorts Film Festival, New York Shorts International Film Festival, and Montclair Film Festival. Its nomination at the Oscars was a testament to its impact and the power of storytelling in shedding light on real-life struggles.
Priyanka Chopra on Anuja‘s Oscar Journey
Priyanka Chopra, who has been a strong advocate for meaningful storytelling, expressed immense pride in the film’s nomination. She described Anuja as “a beautiful reminder of the power of storytelling, how it can shine a light on love, family, and resilience in the most authentic way.”
While the film did not secure the Oscar, it left a lasting impression, adding to the growing representation of Indian narratives in global cinema.
A Tough Year for Indian Films at the Oscars
Anuja was one of only two films with Indian connections nominated at the Oscars this year. The other was Smriti Mundhra’s I Am Ready, Warden, which was in contention for Best Documentary Short Film but lost to No Other Land.
Despite not winning, Anuja‘s journey to the Academy Awards has been inspiring, proving once again that Indian stories resonate far beyond borders. As director Adam J. Graves put it, the film aimed to capture not just hardship, but also the magic and mischief that define childhood, making it a story that will continue to touch hearts worldwide.
