Hours after the short film Anuja lost out on the Best Live Action Short Film Oscar, executive producer Guneet Monga said she joined the project not only to support the filmmakers but also to amplify the voices of children.
The New Delhi-set coming-of-age short film, directed by Adam J Graves, was beaten to the prestigious award by the Dutch entry I’m Not A Robot at the ceremony held in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Anuja, starring Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag, follows a gifted nine-year-old girl named Anuja who must choose between education and factory work alongside her sister – a decision that will shape both their futures. It is streaming on Netflix.
Two-time Oscar winner Guneet said in an Instagram post that 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 again soon,” she wrote.
The short film is produced in collaboration with the Salaam Baalak Trust, a non-profit founded by filmmaker Mira Nair’s family to support street and working children, Shine Global and Krushan Naik Films.
“Anuja is a 22-minute love letter to girls who refuse to be defined by their circumstances, and it aligns perfectly with the vision and mission of the Salaam Baalak Trust, where our young lead, Sajda Pathan, resides,” Guneet said.
She also thanked the film’s cast and crew, including fellow executive producer Priyanka Chopra Jonas and producer Mindy Kaling, in her post.
“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,” said Guneet. “I joined this project not only to support the filmmakers but also to amplify the resilience and voices of children. 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. I am deeply grateful to the Academy for bringing Anuja to a global stage. As Producer Samantha Quan said: “To all the dreamers and young filmmakers – tell the stories that move you. You will never regret it.”
The 97th Academy Awards red carpet witnessed a spectacular display of high fashion, with celebrities like Ariana Grande, Demi Moore, Selena Gomez, Emma Stone, Miley Cyrus, Gal Gadot and Scarlett Johansson showcasing their style.
Guneet made a striking fashion statement of her own, embracing a fusion of tradition and contemporary design as she walked the red carpet in a custom ensemble designed by Indian designer Manish Malhotra, complemented by exquisite fine jewellery.
Her fashion choice paid homage to the timeless elegance of the saree while integrating modern elements to create a sophisticated and bold look.
Celebrity stylist Manisha Melwani, who curated Guneet’s ensemble, shared insights into the design process.
“We wanted to bring the saree back to the international red carpet, but with a contemporary twist,” Manisha explained. “Unlike Guneet’s traditional pink Benarasi saree with elephant motifs at the 2023 Oscars, this year’s outfit featured a structured and refined aesthetic.”
Guneet’s ensemble consisted of a corset, saree drape and trench coat, all crafted from luxurious handwoven tissue fabric. The deep chocolate brown hue exuded sophistication, seamlessly blending Indian heritage with modern fashion trends. She accessorised the look with uncut polki earrings and matching trench coat buttons, all from Manish Malhotra High Jewellery.
