India is celebrating a proud cinematic moment as the short film Anuja secures a nomination for the 2025 Oscars in the Best Live Action Short Film category. Produced by big names like Priyanka Chopra, Mindy Kaling, and Guneet Monga, the film follows a compelling narrative rooted in resilience and choices. At the heart of this story is Sajda Pathan, a 9-year-old with an inspiring real-life journey of her own.
What is Anuja About?
Anuja, directed by Adam J Graves and Suchitra Mattai, tells the story of a gifted 9-year-old girl, Anuja, who faces a life-altering decision: pursue education or work in a factory to support her family. The film, set in New Delhi, stars Sajda Pathan in the titular role, alongside Ananya Shanbhag, who plays her sister.
The short film is a joint production by Salaam Baalak Trust, Shine Global, and Krushan Naik Films, with two-time Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga contributing her expertise.
Who is Sajda Pathan?
Sajda Pathan’s journey to stardom is as heartwarming as the story of Anuja. Rescued from child labor in Delhi, Sajda was brought to safety by the Salaam Baalak Trust, an NGO established in 1988 with the proceeds of Mira Nair’s Oscar-nominated film Salaam Bombay. Currently, Sajda resides at the Trust’s SBT Day Care Center.
Before Anuja, Sajda starred in the French film The Braid (La Tresse), directed by Laetitia Colombani, where she acted alongside renowned actress Mia Maelzer. Her performance in Anuja has cemented her place as one of the brightest young talents in Indian cinema.
Oscar 2025: The Journey of Anuja
The nomination for Anuja in the Best Live Action Short Film category has sparked excitement across the Indian film fraternity. The film will compete against other notable shorts, including A Lien, I’m Not a Robot, The Last Ranger, and The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent.
The 2025 Academy Awards will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. This nomination marks a significant milestone for Indian short films on a global platform.
Streaming Details
Anuja is set to stream on Netflix later this year, allowing viewers worldwide to witness the heartfelt story and Sajda Pathan’s remarkable performance.
Conclusion
Sajda Pathan’s journey from child labor to the Oscars spotlight is a testament to the power of resilience and opportunity. With the backing of industry stalwarts and her own inspiring story, Anuja stands as a beacon of hope and talent for Indian cinema.
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