Who Is ‘Anuja’ Lead Actress Sajda Pathan? Know the Incredible Story of Rescued Child Labourer From Delhi Who’s the Star of Priyanka Chopra’s Oscar-Nominated Short Film

The nominations for the 97th Academy Awards were revealed on January 23. While Indians were disappointed to know that Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light did not find a spot, they celebrated Adam J Graves’ Anuja being nominated for the Best Live Action Short Film at the prestigious award event. The movie, backed by Priyanka Chopra and Guneet Monga, stars a nine-year-old Sajda Pathan in the lead role. The short film was made available for streaming on Netflix today (February 5). As fans celebrate the Oscar nod, they remain curious about the nine-year-old actress and her background. ‘Immensely Proud’: Priyanka Chopra Reacts to Backing ‘Anuja’, Oscars 2025 Shortlisted Film, as Executive Producer.

Who Is Sajda Pathan?

Sajda Pathan, the nine-year-old star of Anuja, has an interesting story of her own. She was rescued from the streets by the NGO Salaam Baalak Trust. However, Anuja wasn’t the first film in which she acted. Sajda Pathan’s acting debut was with The Braid (La Tresse), a French film directed by Laetitia Colombani, where she starred alongside Mia Maelzer and Nehpal Gautam.

‘Anuja’ Nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at Oscars 2025

Short on time, big on talent, here are this year’s nominees for Live Action Short Film. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/Wx0TZIpUen

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) January 23, 2025

Speaking about Anuja, executive producer Priyanka Chopra said, “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 the present. Anuja is a poignant, thought-provoking that makes us reflect deeply on the power of choices and how they shape the course of our lives. I am immensely proud to be associated with such a phenomenal and impactful project.”

Watch the Trailer of ‘Anuja’:

Sajda, who was rescued in Delhi by the Salaam Baalak Trust, currently resides at the NGO’s SBT Day Care Centre. The NGO was set up with Mira Nair’s award-winning 1988 film, Salaam Bombay! starring Nana Patekar, Anita Kanwar and Shafique Syed. The Salaam Baalak Trust has co-produced Anuja with Shine Global, Graves Films and Krushan Naik Films.

‘From SBT to the Oscars’ – Sajda Pathan

About ‘Anuja’

Adam J Graves’ Anuja follows the story of a nine-year-old who is torn between working at a factory alongside her sister and pursuing her education that can change her future for the good. While Sajda Pathan plays the titular role of the little girl, the role of her elder sister has been essayed by Ananya Shanbhag. The film delves into the unspoken stories of such children who have to work for a living and forgo education. Oscars 2025 Live Streaming Date and Time: Here’s When and Where To Watch the 97th Academy Awards Online.

The 97th Academy Awards aka 2025 Oscars is scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2, 2025.

(The above story first appeared on Pune Media on Feb 05, 2025 05:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website Pune Media.com).

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