Guneet Monga, the celebrated producer behind the Oscar-winning documentary short The Elephant Whisperers, has gracefully responded to the Academy Awards’ snub of her latest live-action short film, Anuja. Co-produced by Priyanka Chopra and Mindy Kaling, the film may have missed an Oscar, but Guneet remains undeterred, vowing to return stronger.
“Celebrating independent cinema at the 97th Academy Awards is a testament to the idea that dreams do come true! 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 soon,” the 41-year-old filmmaker shared in an inspiring Facebook post on Monday.
A poignant and heartfelt tribute to young girls who refuse to be defined by their circumstances, Anuja is a 22-minute film that aligns deeply with the mission of the Salaam Baalak Trust, an organization dedicated to empowering children in need. The film’s young lead, Sajda Pathan, is a resident of the trust, embodying the resilience and spirit the story aims to celebrate.
Guneet took a moment to express her gratitude for the film’s talented team, saying, “Every effort made by our incredible team—Sajda Pathan, Ananya Shanbhag, Adam Graves, Suchitra Mattai, Mindy Kaling, Priyanka Chopra, Bela Bajaria, Monika Shergill, and the entire Anuja family—has been worthwhile.”
Beyond its cinematic impact, Anuja also champions a greater cause—amplifying the voices of young girls who possess unwavering strength, skills, and spirit. “I joined this project not only to support the filmmakers but also to amplify the resilience and voices of children. Independent storytellers hold the truth, and we must continue to champion them,” Guneet added, reinforcing her commitment to socially impactful cinema.
Despite the Oscar setback, the filmmaker remains grateful for the recognition Anuja has received on a global stage. Quoting fellow producer Samantha Quan, she shared an encouraging message: “To all the dreamers and young filmmakers—tell the stories that move you. You will never regret it.”
Guneet also urged audiences to watch Anuja on Netflix, emphasizing that every view contributes to empowering children with hope and opportunities.
Adding an extra touch of elegance to Oscar night, Guneet donned a stunning Manish Malhotra-designed brown three-piece ensemble consisting of a sari, a corset-bodice, and a coat. She expressed her gratitude to the designer for making the night even more special.
Ultimately, the Oscar for Best Live Action Short went to the Dutch-language film I’m Not a Robot, edging out Anuja and other nominated films—The Last Ranger (Darwin Shaw, Cindy Lee), A Lien (David Cutler-Kreutz and Sam Cutler-Kreutz), and The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent (Nebojša Slijepčević, Danijel Pek).
Directed by Adam J. Graves and produced by Suchitra Mattai, Anuja tells the deeply moving story of two sisters navigating a world filled with exploitation and exclusion while holding onto hope. The film’s universal themes highlight the struggles and triumphs of young girls worldwide, ensuring that Anuja leaves a lasting impact far beyond the Oscars.