Anuja is a 2024 American Hindi-language short film written and directed by philosopher-turned-filmmaker Adam J. Graves. Starring Sajda Pathan, Ananya Shanbhag and Nagesh Bhonsle, it tells the story of a gifted nine-year-old girl who, alongside her sister Palak, faces a life-changing opportunity that tests their bond and mirrors the struggles of girls worldwide.

Sajda Pathan grew up living with her older sister on the streets of the slum in Old Delhi, after being abandoned by her parents. She spent her days begging outside a Hanuman temple. Sajda featured in the short film Anuja, released in 2024. The film depicts the real-life story of Sajda.

6 days ago · Based in Delhi, Anuja is co-produced by powerhouses Priyanka Chopra, Mindy Kaling, and Guneet Monga. As they celebrated the nominations on their official social media handles, netizens have been curious about the 9-year-old actress Sajda Pathan.

Jan 24, 2025 · Sajda Pathan, the film's star, has a pretty cinematic story of her own. Anuja is her second film. The girl, who rose from the slums and was rescued from the streets by an NGO, has previously ...

Jan 14, 2025 · The film is grounded in deep research and filmed in collaboration with several community partners, including Mira Nair's Salaam Baalak Trust. This nonprofit organization focuses on empowering street and working children, and the lead actor, Sajda Pathan, is herself a beneficiary of the Trust.

6 days ago · Anuja, India’s Oscar-nominated short film, tells a heartfelt story of resilience, starring Sajda Pathan, a 9-year-old who rose from child labor to the global stage. As the 2025 Oscar nominations were announced on Thursday, there was disappointment for some of India’s anticipated entries.

6 days ago · The film is headlined by a 9-year-old girl named Sajda Pathan; Sajda was rescued by Salaam Baalak Trust from child labour; Priyanka Chopra and Guneet Monga-backed film, Anuja, bagged a nomination in the 97th Academy Awards. The film earned a nomination for Best Live Action Short Film. As the buzz around the film heats up, the attention is on ...

6 days ago · The titular role is portrayed by 9-year-old Sajda Pathan, whose powerful performance has captivated audiences and critics alike. For those eager to witness her remarkable talent, Anuja will stream on Netflix later this year, bringing this poignant story to a global audience.

6 days ago · Sajda Pathan, the 9-year-old star of the Oscar-nominated short film Anuja, has a story that mirrors the resilience and hope of her character. Rescued from child labour by the Salaam Baalak Trust, an NGO founded to support street children, Sajda’s life transformed from the harsh realities of Delhi’s slums to the global spotlight.

Our film's lead role is played by Sajda Pathan, a resident of a Salaam Baalak center that provides a home for girls formerly living on the streets of Delhi.