Though Anuja lost the Best Live Action Short Film award at the 97th Academy Awards to I’m Not a Robot, producer Guneet Monga remains hopeful, vowing that “we will return again.”
Oscars 2025: Anuja lost to I’m Not a Robot, but producer Guneet Monga remains hopeful, saying, “We will return again.”
The entire country celebrated when Anuja, an American Hindi-language short film, earned a nomination for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards. Though it ultimately lost to the Dutch film I’m Not a Robot, producer Guneet Monga remains optimistic, promising that this is just the beginning of their Oscar journey.
A few hours ago, Bollywood producer Guneet Monga took to Instagram to share stunning snapshots from the prestigious event, where she proudly represented Anuja. In a heartfelt caption, she wrote, “We attended the event with our short film Anuja, but this is just the beginning. As long as we continue to dream and create, we will return again soon!”
Expressing her deep connection to the film, Monga described Anuja as a “22-minute love letter to girls who refuse to be defined by their circumstances.” She highlighted its alignment with the mission of the Salaam Baalak Trust Delhi, where young lead actress Sajda Pathan resides.
The producer also took a moment to acknowledge the incredible team behind the film, including co-producer Mindy Kaling and executive producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who championed the story and played a crucial role in bringing it to life.
Beyond just filmmaking, Monga emphasized her commitment to amplifying the voices of young girls and independent storytellers. “Skills, strength, and spirit—the girls have it all. All hail independent cinema! Independent storytellers hold the truth, and we must continue to champion them,” she declared.
Wrapping up her message, she expressed gratitude to the Academy for giving Anuja a global platform. For those unfamiliar, Anuja is a poignant tale of a gifted nine-year-old girl and her sister, reflecting the struggles and aspirations of young girls from underprivileged backgrounds. Starring Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag, the film is now available for streaming on Netflix.
