by Bollywood-turned-global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas continues to redefine the boundaries of influence, storytelling, and purpose-driven cinema. In a significant development that underscores her commitment to meaningful narratives, Priyanka has come on board as an Executive Producer for the Oscar-shortlisted short film Anuja. Directed by Adam J. Graves, the film has already made waves on the international festival circuit and earned a coveted spot on the 2025 Academy Awards shortlist in the Live Action Short Film category.
More than just another accolade in Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s illustrious career, Anuja represents a powerful alignment of art and activism. The short film sheds light on an issue that affects millions of children worldwide—child labor, poverty, and the impossible choices forced upon young lives—while doing so through an intimate, human-centered narrative.
This article explores the significance of Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s involvement in Anuja, the story and impact of the film, the creative forces behind it, and why this project matters in today’s global cinematic and humanitarian landscape.
From Bollywood Stardom to Global Changemaker
Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s journey from Indian cinema to international recognition is nothing short of extraordinary. A former Miss World, she transitioned seamlessly from Bollywood superstardom to Hollywood success, becoming one of the few South Asian actors to build a truly global career.
Yet, beyond red carpets and box office numbers, Priyanka has consistently used her platform to advocate for social justice, gender equality, children’s rights, and marginalized communities. Her decision to join Anuja as an executive producer reflects a deeper philosophy—that cinema is not merely entertainment, but a tool for empathy, awareness, and transformation.
By associating herself with Anuja, Priyanka reinforces her identity not just as an actor or producer, but as a global citizen invested in storytelling that challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths.
What Is Anuja About? A Story Rooted in Childhood Resilience
At its heart, Anuja tells a deeply emotional and human story. The short film follows Anuja, a 9-year-old girl who works in a back-alley garment factory alongside her older sister, Palak. Their lives are defined by survival, responsibility, and sacrifice—realities far removed from the innocence typically associated with childhood.
The narrative centers on a life-altering decision Anuja must make—one that will determine not only her own future but also the well-being of her family. Unlike conventional coming-of-age stories, Anuja presents a childhood shaped by urgency, where dreams compete with hunger, and hope must coexist with hardship.
The film does not rely on melodrama. Instead, it uses restraint and realism to depict the quiet courage of a child navigating an adult world. Through Anuja’s eyes, viewers are confronted with a question that resonates far beyond the screen:
What happens when a child is forced to choose between survival today and a future she cannot yet imagine?
A Narrative That Reflects a Global Crisis
Child labor remains a harsh reality across many parts of the world. According to global estimates, millions of children are engaged in labor that deprives them of education, safety, and basic rights. Anuja does not attempt to solve this crisis—but it does something equally important: it humanizes the statistics.
By focusing on one child, one family, and one pivotal moment, the film transforms an abstract global issue into a deeply personal experience. This is precisely why Anuja resonates so strongly with international audiences and why it has earned recognition from prestigious platforms like the Academy Awards.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, in her statement quoted by Variety, articulated this impact poignantly:
“This beautiful film shines a spotlight on a subject that affects millions of children around the world, who are faced with the impossible decision between a future they cannot yet see and the immediate realities of their present.”
Her words capture the emotional core of the film and explain why she chose to lend her voice and influence to the project.
The Emotional and Ethical Weight of Choice
One of the most compelling aspects of Anuja is its exploration of choice—or rather, the lack of it. For many children like Anuja, the concept of choice is distorted by circumstance. Education, safety, and dreams become luxuries rather than rights.
The film invites viewers to reflect on how privilege shapes opportunity, and how the absence of systemic support forces children into moral dilemmas no child should face. This thematic depth elevates Anuja from a social issue film to a philosophical meditation on fate, agency, and responsibility.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas described the film as:
“A poignant, thought-provoking piece that makes us reflect deeply on the power of choices and how they shape the course of our lives.”
This reflection is central to why Anuja has garnered both critical acclaim and emotional engagement.
A Star-Studded and Purpose-Driven Creative Team
Anuja is backed by a formidable team of creatives and advocates who bring both artistic excellence and social commitment to the project.
Adam J. Graves: A Director with Vision
Director Adam J. Graves approaches the story with sensitivity and authenticity. His restrained direction allows the narrative to breathe, ensuring the emotional weight of the story is never overshadowed by spectacle.
Graves expressed his gratitude for Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s involvement, stating:
“She brings so much to the table not only as a world-class talent but as an advocate for the rights of children and girls across the globe. Her involvement will supercharge Anuja’s global impact.”
His words underscore how Priyanka’s participation extends beyond credit—it amplifies the film’s reach and relevance.
Sajda Pathan: When Life and Art Intersect
The role of Anuja is played by Sajda Pathan, whose performance adds extraordinary authenticity to the film. Sajda’s own life mirrors aspects of the story—she survived on the streets of Delhi before receiving support from the Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT).
Her casting is not just symbolic; it is transformative. Sajda brings lived experience to the screen, making Anuja’s emotions raw, honest, and deeply moving. Her presence blurs the line between fiction and reality, reinforcing the film’s commitment to truth.
Salaam Baalak Trust: From Real Lives to Real Change
Anuja is produced in collaboration with Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting street and working children. Founded with the aim of rehabilitation, education, and empowerment, SBT’s involvement ensures that the film is rooted in real-world understanding rather than distant observation.
By partnering with SBT, Anuja becomes more than a cinematic project—it becomes part of a broader ecosystem of advocacy and action. The film raises awareness while the organization works on tangible solutions, creating a powerful synergy between art and impact.
Shine Global: A Legacy of Oscar-Winning Storytelling
Another key collaborator on Anuja is Shine Global, an organization renowned for producing socially impactful films, including Oscar-winning documentaries. Shine Global’s expertise lies in elevating underrepresented stories to global platforms, making them an ideal partner for a film like Anuja.
Their involvement lends credibility and experience, particularly in navigating the awards landscape and ensuring the film reaches the audiences who need to see it most.
Guneet Monga Kapoor and Mindy Kaling: Women Powering Purposeful Cinema
The executive production team includes Oscar winner Guneet Monga Kapoor, a trailblazer in Indian independent cinema, and Mindy Kaling, a prominent voice in global entertainment.
Guneet Monga Kapoor’s association reinforces the film’s artistic integrity, while Mindy Kaling’s involvement highlights the growing cross-cultural collaboration shaping contemporary cinema. Together with Priyanka Chopra Jonas, these women represent a powerful collective pushing boundaries and redefining what global storytelling looks like.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Her Legacy of Impactful Projects
Anuja fits seamlessly into Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s expanding portfolio of socially conscious projects. She previously served as an executive producer on the Oscar-nominated documentary To Kill a Tiger, which addressed gender-based violence and justice, and the acclaimed Netflix adaptation of The White Tiger, which examined class disparity and systemic inequality.
These projects share a common thread: they challenge audiences to confront uncomfortable realities while centering marginalized voices. Priyanka’s consistent choices reflect a deliberate commitment to stories that matter—stories that linger long after the screen fades to black.
Why Anuja Matters in Today’s Cinematic Landscape
In an era dominated by franchises and spectacle, short films like Anuja remind us of cinema’s original power—to tell human stories with honesty and depth. The film’s Oscar shortlist recognition is not just a milestone for its creators; it is a testament to the growing appetite for narratives that prioritize empathy over escapism.
Short films, in particular, have emerged as a powerful medium for social commentary. With limited runtime, they demand precision, emotional clarity, and narrative focus—qualities Anuja exemplifies.
The Global Impact of Oscar Recognition
Being shortlisted for the Academy Awards places Anuja on a global stage. This recognition amplifies its message, drawing attention from policymakers, educators, activists, and general audiences alike.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s involvement further magnifies this impact. As a globally recognized figure, her association ensures that Anuja reaches beyond traditional film circles, entering mainstream conversations about children’s rights, ethical labor practices, and social responsibility.
Cinema as Advocacy: A Shared Responsibility
Anuja stands as a reminder that cinema can—and should—play a role in shaping social consciousness. While films alone cannot dismantle systemic injustice, they can ignite dialogue, influence perception, and inspire action.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s decision to executive produce Anuja reflects an understanding of this responsibility. By backing stories that challenge indifference and provoke empathy, she exemplifies how artists can use their influence for meaningful change.
A Story That Transcends Borders
Though set in a specific socio-economic context, Anuja transcends geography. The struggles it portrays are not confined to one country or culture. Poverty, child labor, and forced sacrifice are global issues, and the film’s universal themes ensure it resonates with audiences worldwide.
This universality is precisely what makes Anuja a strong contender on the international awards circuit—and a vital piece of storytelling in our time.
Conclusion: A Feather That Carries Weight
Priyanka Chopra Jonas boarding Anuja as an executive producer is more than a career milestone—it is a statement of values. It reflects her belief in cinema as a catalyst for reflection, empathy, and change.
With a compelling story, a dedicated creative team, and a powerful social message, Anuja stands poised to leave a lasting impact—both within the film industry and beyond it. As the world watches the journey of this Oscar-shortlisted short film, one thing is clear: stories like Anuja’s deserve to be told, heard, and remembered.
And through her involvement, Priyanka Chopra Jonas ensures that this story reaches hearts across the globe—where it truly belongs.
