Guneet Monga, Mindy Kaling Celebrate Oscar Nom For Anuja

Photo: Netflix

India-West Staff Reporter

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Indian short film Anuja has been nominated for Best Short Film (Live Action) at the 97th Academy Awards. It will compete against Alien, I’m Not a Robot, The Last Ranger, and A Man Who Would Not Remain Silent.

Announced on January 23 by Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott, the film centers on nine-year-old Anuja, who works in a back-alley garment factory with her older sister, Palak. The story explores her life-changing decision that affects her family and future.

Mindy Kaling, a producer on the film, shared her excitement on social media, writing: “AHHHHHHH #AnujaTheFilm is headed to the Oscars! A story of resilience, sisterhood, and hope – we’re incredibly honored to be nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the Academy Awards 2025. Thank you to @theacademy and our partners at @netflix for helping share #Anuja’s message across the globe! Huge congrats to the brilliant filmmakers @adam_j_graves @suchitramattai and the entire creative team. And of course, the incredible young actresses Sajda Pathan and @ananya_shanbhag_. It has been such an honor to produce this short film and learn from the artists involved. So proud @kalinginternational gets to be a part!”

Guneet Monga, another producer of Anuja, expressed her excitement on Instagram, writing: “Incredibly honoured for this nomination at the 97th Oscars. It is a privilege to share the story of Anuja, representing the work of Salaam Baalak Trust India. Ultimately, it is a celebration of all the beautiful children who face dire circumstances every day around the world. Even through unimaginable odds, they show us there is reason to smile.” She added, “This nomination is a testament to how a story made with all heart can transcend all borders, sparking meaningful conversations about education, child labour rights, and the dreams of young children everywhere.”

The project is also supported by Priyanka Chopra, who described the film as “a beautiful project that shines a spotlight on millions of children facing impossible choices between their present realities and unseen futures.”

Monga, whose earlier Oscar-winning projects include The Elephant Whisperers and Period: End of Sentence, called the film “a story of unparalleled courage” and praised director Adam J. Graves for delivering a powerful message.

This nomination marks Monga’s third at the Oscars, further cementing her legacy as a driving force for Indian cinema on the global stage.