Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 9: Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas has added another feather to her cap by joining the Oscar-shortlisted film Anuja as an executive producer. The film, which has already garnered attention with two-time Academy Award-winning producer Guneet Monga and actor-producer Mindy Kaling on board, is among the 15 shortlisted in the Live Action Short Film category by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).

Directed by Adam J Graves and Suchitra Mattai, Anuja tells the poignant story of a gifted nine-year-old girl who faces a heart-wrenching decision: to pursue her education or work in a factory alongside her sister. The decision she makes will forever alter the course of their lives. Featuring powerful performances by Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag, the film promises to be a deeply moving narrative.

Priyanka Chopra expressed her pride in being part of the project, stating:

"This beautiful film shines a spotlight on a subject that impacts millions of children worldwide, forcing them to choose between the unseen promise of a better future and the harsh realities of their present. Anuja is a thought-provoking piece that reminds us of the power of choices and their profound impact on our lives. I’m immensely proud to contribute to this impactful story."

This marks another milestone for producer Guneet Monga, whose earlier projects, The Elephant Whisperers and Period: End of Sentence, brought home Oscars and global acclaim for Indian cinema.

Meanwhile, another Indian project making waves at the Oscars is Santosh, directed by Sandhya Suri. A British-Indian production featuring Shahana Goswami, the film is the United Kingdom’s official entry for the Oscars and premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.

With Anuja and Santosh leading the charge, Indian talent continues to shine brightly on the global stage.