Priyanka Chopra Jonas has boarded the short film “Anuja” as executive producer. The film, which won the live-action short award at the 2024 HollyShorts Film Festival, has been shortlisted for the 2025 Academy Awards in the live-action short film category.
Directed by Adam J. Graves and produced by Suchitra Mattai, “Anuja” centers on the 9-year-old title character, who works in a back-alley garment factory with her older sister Palak. The narrative follows the young protagonist as she faces a decision that will impact both her future and her family.
“This beautiful 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,” Chopra Jonas said in a statement. “‘Anuja’ is a poignant, thought-provoking piece that makes us reflect deeply on the power of choices and how they shape the course of our lives. I am immensely proud to be associated with such a phenomenal and impactful project.”
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The film was produced in collaboration with the Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT), a nonprofit founded by Mira Nair’s family supporting street and working children, alongside Shine Global — known for Academy Award-winning films “War/Dance” (2007) and “Inocente” (2012) — and Krushan Naik Films. Mindy Kaling is one of the producers on the film. Oscar winner Guneet Monga Kapoor has also boarded “Anuja” as an executive producer.
Lead actor Sajda Pathan brings authenticity to the role, drawing from her personal experiences of surviving on the streets of old Delhi with her sister before finding support through the Salaam Baalak Trust.
Mattai said: “Priyanka’s faith in the power of ‘Anuja’s story means a lot to us, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her join our team.”
“She brings so much table not only as a world-class talent, but as an advocate for the rights of children and girls across the globe,” Graves added. “Her involvement will supercharge ‘Anuja’s’ global impact.”
The film premiered at DeadCenter Film Festival before its Oscar-qualifying win at HollyShorts. Chopra Jonas joins the project following her executive producer roles on the Oscar-nominated documentary “To Kill a Tiger” and Netflix’s “The White Tiger.”