Hyderabad, January 9, 2025: Priyanka Chopra has signed on as the executive producer for Anuja, a film that has earned a spot on the 2025 Oscars shortlist. The movie tells the compelling story of a nine-year-old girl, Anuja, who works in a garment factory alongside her older sister, Palak. As the plot unfolds, Anuja faces a crucial decision that will affect both her future and her family’s well-being, according to Variety.
Chopra expressed her pride in joining the project Anuja, highlighting its relevance to global issues. “This poignant film draws attention to the difficult choices many children face worldwide between uncertain futures and the harsh realities of their present,” she shared. “It’s an incredibly powerful narrative that compels reflection on how our choices shape our lives.”
Anuja Maker Mindy Kaling’s Third Oscar Nomination: A Career Milestone
Mindy Kaling has earned her third Oscar nomination, continuing her remarkable journey in the film industry. Kaling’s previous works have received prestigious recognition, with The Elephant Whisperers winning the Best Documentary Short award at the 95th Academy Awards. Additionally, Period: End of Sentence clinched the same honor at the 91st Academy Awards.
Apart from Anuja, another film making waves in the Oscar race is Santosh, a British-Indian film directed by Sandhya Suri. Starring Shahana Goswami, Santosh represents the United Kingdom as its official entry for the Oscars. The film also premiered earlier this year in the esteemed Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival.
The film, produced in partnership with the Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT) — an organization supporting working and street children — also counts Shine Global and Krushan Naik Films among its backers. Shine Global has previously been behind Academy Award-winning films such as War/Dance (2007) and Inocente (2012). Other notable producers attached to the project include Mindy Kaling and Guneet Monga Kapoor.