In 2024, my heart was captivated by the American Hindi-language short film “Anuja,” which premiered at the HollyShorts Film Festival. Fast forward to the upcoming 97th Academy Awards (Oscars 2025), this film was nominated in the Best Live Action Short Film category. The story revolves around two sisters who stand by each other amidst their shared struggles. As of now, you can catch it streaming on Netflix. I thought it would be fascinating to delve deeper into the lives and talents of the lead actresses, Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag.
Following her global acclaim, Anuja began broadcasting on Netflix as of February 5, 2025. Since this debut, the Indian public has been praising the movie and its two principal characters, Anuja and Palak, portrayed by Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag.
More about Sajda Pathan
- In the film, Sajda Pathan played the titular role of a 9-year-old girl named Anuja. While fate left her to struggle on the streets from a young age, she grew up becoming a mathematical genius.
- For the unknown, Sajda Pathan actually grew up in Delhi slums with her sister and used to reportedly beg to make ends meet.
- Anuja has been roughly inspired by the life of Pathan who was rescued from the streets of Delhi by an NGO.
- The little girl also worked as a child laborer in the national capital, just like her character in the Adam J. Graves film.
- However, Anuja is not her first film. She previously worked in a French film called, The Braid (La Tresse). Sajda shared the screen with Mia Maelzer in the Laetitia Colombani directorial.
- Pathan was rescued by The Salaam Baalak Trust and she currently resides at the NGO’s SBT Day Care Center.
More about Ananya Shanbhag
- Apart from Sajda Pathan, we see actress Ananya Shanbhag who portrayed the role of Anuja’s elder sister, Palak.
- Ananya Shanbhag is a performing artist and an aspiring actress.
- From the age of six, she started dancing and eventually fell in love with Bharatnatyam.
- Her mother, who is a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, had a huge influence on her.
- Anuja was Ananya Shanbhag’s debut film as an actress.
- She is currently studying at a prestigious Mumbai college and plans to get a Masters degree in Bharatnatyam.
More about Anuja
Led by Adam J. Graves, Anuja boasts the support of Guneet Monga, Mindy Kaling, and other notable figures. Subsequently, Priyanka Chopra Jonas took on a role as executive producer within the team. Alongside Sajda and Ananya, this production also features actors like Nagesh Bhonsle, Gulshan Walia, Sushil Parwana, Sunita Bhadauria, and numerous others.
Read More
- ‘Violent Night 2’ Writers Discuss Who Could Star as Mrs. Claus
- Jahan Loh and Stash Team Up for ‘Namecaps: Spaceman’ Exhibition at Central Chidlom
- ‘Fast & Furious’ Feud Continues After Vin Diesel’s “Petty” Gesture at Golden Globes
- Azaad actress Rasha Thadani reacts to comparison with Suhana Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor; ‘They have already…’
- AMBUSH Delves Into Its Archives for New Book With Rizzoli
- Square Enix has a Punishment for Toxic Fans Who Harass Their Employees
- Damon Wayans on Why He “Purposefully” Got Himself Fired From ‘SNL’: “I Snapped”
- Sky Force actor Veer Pahariya gifts his locket to paparazzo; debutant’s sweet gesture goes viral: WATCH
- ANTi COUNTRY CLUB TOKYO’s Ode to American Prep
- Supreme Court to Review Nvidia’s Crypto-Mining Revenue Case
2025-02-12 04:37