Anuja’: Indian Short Film Shines with Oscar 2025 Nomination!

On Thursday, the Oscars nominations for 2025 were announced, and not all Indian films got a chance. While “All We Imagine As Light” and “Santosh,” the UK’s official entry, didn’t make the cut, there was good news for India!

The short film “Anuja,” set in Delhi, received a nomination for Best Live Action Short Film. It’s exciting because big names like Priyanka Chopra, Mindy Kaling, and Guneet Monga are supporting it. The spotlight is on 9-year-old Sajda Pathan, who plays the lead role.

So, what is “Anuja” about? Directed by Adam J Graves and Suchitra Mattai, the film tells the story of a talented 9-year-old girl named Anuja. She faces a tough decision: should she go to school or help work in a factory with her sister? This choice will change their lives forever.

Sajda Pathan, who stars as Anuja, has a remarkable story herself. “Anuja” is only her second film. Before this, she was rescued from the streets by an organization and acted in “The Braid,” a French movie. Sajda had a tough start as a child laborer in Delhi but is now living at the Salaam Baalak Trust’s daycare center.

This trust was created in 1988, thanks to the movie “Salaam Bombay,” which was nominated for an Oscar. The trust is a co-producer of “Anuja” along with Shine Global and Krushan Naik Films.

The 2025 Oscars will take place on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. “Anuja” will compete against other films like “A Lien,” “I’m Not a Robot,” “The Last Ranger,” and “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent” in the Best Live Action Short category. Plus, you can soon watch “Anuja” on Netflix!