Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas has joined the short film Anuja as an executive producer. The film has been shortlisted for the Live Action Short Award at the 2024 HollyShorts Film Festival. 2025 Oscars in the Live Action Short Film category.

Directed by Adam J. Graves and produced by Suchitra Mattai, Anuja tells the story of a nine-year-old girl who works in a back-alley textile factory with her elder sister Palak. The film traces her journey as she faces a life-changing decision that could shape her family’s future.

Variety quoted Priyanka Chopra as saying, “This beautiful film sheds light on a topic that affects millions of children around the world, who face impossible decisions between a future they can’t yet see and the immediate realities of their present. Anuja is a poignant, thought-provoking work that forces us to reflect deeply on the power of choices and how they shape the course of our lives. I feel extremely proud to be associated with such a ground-breaking and impactful project.”

Matai expressed his happiness to see Priyanka in the film. Talking about the same, he said, “Priyanka’s belief in the power of Anuja’s story means a lot to us, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her join our team.”

Director Graves said, “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 around the world.” “Their partnership will supercharge Anuja’s global impact,” Graves said.

the film Salaam was created in partnership with Balak Trust (SBT), a non-profit founded by Mira Nair’s family to assist street and working-class children. The film is backed by Shine Global, the production house behind the Academy Award-winning films War/Dance (2007) and Innocent (2012), as well as Krishna Naik Films. Its producers include Mindy Kaling and Oscar winner Guneet Monga Kapoor.