Priyanka Chopra Jonas Joins Oscar Shortlisted Live-action Short Film ‘Anuja’ as Executive Producer
- Directed by Adam J. Graves, the film, about a little girl growing up in child labor in India, the film is co-produced by Graves’ wife Suchitra Mattai, Mindy Kaling, and Guneet Monga Kapoor.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas has boarded the short film “Anuja” as executive producer. Directed by Adam J. Graves, the film, about a little girl growing up in child labor in India, has been shortlisted for the 2025 Academy Awards in the live-action short film category. The film is co-produced by Graves’ wife Suchitra Mattai, Mindy Kaling, and Guneet Monga Kapoor.
“Anuja” tells the story of a gifted 9-year-old girl, played by Sajda Pathan, who works in a garment factory in New Delhi, according to its synopsis. “When she is offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend school, she is forced to make a heart-wrenching decision that will determine her and her sister Palak’s (Ananya Shanbhag) fate.
In a statement sent to Variety, Chopra Jonas said she is “immensely proud to be associated with such a phenomenal and impactful project.” She said the film “shines a spotlight on a subject that affects millions of children around the world, who are faced with the impossible decision between a future they cannot yet see and the immediate realities of their present. She described “Anuja” as “a poignant, thought-provoking piece that makes us reflect deeply on the power of choices and how they shape the course of our lives.”
The film was developed with help from the India-based non-profit Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT) , which was founded by Dr. Praveen Nair after her daughter Mira Nair’s film “Salaam Bombay!” exposed the harsh conditions of children living on the streets.
Pathan, who plays the lead role of Anuja, brings her personal experience to the role. She currently lives in an SBT home that provides shelter and education for girls formerly living on the street.
The film also stars Indian television actor Nagesh Bhonsle, best known internationally for his supporting role as police deputy commissioner in Hotel Mumbai alongside Dev Patel. Krushan Naik (“Resurgence”), Aaron Kopp (“Saving Face,” “Liyana,” “Hunting Ground”) and Alexandra Blaney (co-CEO and creative director, Shine Global) also serve as producers on the film. Other team members include Michael Graves and Ksheetij Saini.