Indian cinema is celebrating a significant achievement at the 2025 Academy Awards. “Anuja,” a live-action short film backed by prominent Indian and international producers Guneet Monga and Priyanka Chopra, has earned a prestigious nomination in the Best Live Action Short Film category.

This marks Monga’s third Oscar nomination, adding to her impressive track record with previous wins for “The Elephant Whisperers” and “Period: End of Sentence,” both of which brought significant accolades to Indian filmmaking.

The nomination announcement, made on Thursday by presenters Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott, highlights “Anuja’s” selection from a highly competitive pool of 180 qualifying films. The film now contends against “Alien,” “I’m Not a Robot,” “The Last Ranger,” and “A Man Who Would Not Remain Silent” for the coveted award.

“Anuja” itself is a powerful and moving narrative centered around a nine-year-old girl working in a back-alley garment factory. The film poignantly explores the challenges and resilience of working children, following the young protagonist as she confronts a crucial decision that will shape her future and her family’s destiny.

Director Adam J. Graves describes the film as “a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and untold stories of working children,” capturing the spirit of the young protagonist’s strength and vulnerability.

The production of “Anuja” is a collaborative effort, reflecting a commitment to telling authentic stories. It was produced by Graves’ wife, Suchitra Mattai, in collaboration with the Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT), a non-profit organization supporting street and working children founded by Mira Nair’s family.

Shine Global, known for its Oscar-winning films “War/Dance” and “Inocente,” and Krushan Naik Films also contributed to the project. The film stars Ananya Shanbhag, Sajda Pathan, and Nagesh Bhosle and boasts a strong supporting cast. While the official release date on Netflix is yet to be announced, the nomination itself ensures “Anuja” will receive significant global attention.

The 97th Oscars ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2nd. The nomination of “Anuja” marks not only a personal triumph for its creators but also a significant moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.

Sean Diddy Combs has filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit against Nexstar Media Group, the parent company of NewsNation, and Courtney Burgess, a grand jury witness, in a New York federal court. The suit alleges that the defendants knowingly and recklessly spread false and defamatory statements about Combs, severely damaging his reputation and jeopardizing his ability to receive a fair trial.

At the heart of the lawsuit are claims made by Burgess that he possesses explicit video footage depicting Combs engaged in non-consensual sexual acts with both celebrities and minors. These claims, amplified by NewsNation’s reporting, have allegedly poisoned public perception and created a prejudicial atmosphere.

Combs’ legal team argues that the defendants acted with malice, intentionally disseminating these falsehoods for personal gain and without regard for the devastating consequences for their client.

Combs’ lawyer, Erica Wolff, emphasizes the fabricated and malicious nature of the accusations. She contends that the defendant’s actions constitute a reckless disregard for the truth, deliberately undermining Combs’ right to a fair trial. The lawsuit highlights the irresponsible reporting and amplification of unsubstantiated claims, arguing that NewsNation failed to adequately verify Burgess’s statements before broadcasting them to a wide audience.

The suit specifically cites statements made by Burgess during interviews, including claims that Kim Porter, Combs’ late partner and mother of four of his children, sent him videos allegedly showing Combs assaulting intoxicated celebrities and minors.

Furthermore, the lawsuit points to unsubstantiated allegations made by Burgess’s attorney, Ariel Mitchell, regarding police reports supporting sexual assault claims against Combs—claims that were ultimately dismissed by authorities. Mitchell also reportedly mentioned the circulation of these alleged tapes within Hollywood circles, further fueling the damaging narrative.

Combs seeks to hold the defendants accountable for the intentional dissemination of false information, arguing that their actions have not only tarnished his reputation but have also created a significant impediment to his ability to obtain a fair and unbiased legal process. The lawsuit represents a strong defence against what Combs’ legal team describes as a malicious campaign to damage his standing in the public eye.

Dev Joshi, the beloved actor renowned for his portrayal of Baal Veer in the popular television series, has announced his engagement to his partner, Aarti, marking a significant and joyous milestone in his life. The announcement was made with a captivating photograph showcasing the couple’s shared happiness, quickly followed by a heartwarming video and additional images that instantly captivated fans.

The video, while keeping their faces subtly concealed, beautifully depicted the couple holding hands and displaying their engagement rings before a Lord Ganesha idol. This symbolic gesture underscored their seeking of divine blessings as they embarked on this new chapter together. Dev’s accompanying caption perfectly captured the emotion: “And we decided on forever! Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and countless beautiful memories together. #Engaged #ForeverStartsNow #DevAarti”

A subsequent post revealed a touching photograph of Dev and Aarti at Nepal’s Kamakshya Temple, the apparent location of their engagement. Clad in red shawls and adorned with rudraksha malas, the couple exuded a spiritual aura, emphasizing the significance of their union. The simple yet profound caption, “Together, in faith, love and life!” perfectly encapsulated the sentiment.

The announcement sparked an outpouring of congratulations from fans and former co-stars, flooding the comments sections with well wishes and excitement for the happy couple. Dev’s impressive career, beginning with a role in Mahima Shani Dev Ki and culminating in leading roles in Kashi – Ab Na Rahe Tera Kagaz Kora and Baalveer Returns, showcases his versatility and talent. His memorable portrayal of a teenage Chandrashekhar Azad further solidified his reputation as a skilled and promising actor.

As Dev embarks on this new personal chapter, fans eagerly anticipate his future projects and continue to celebrate his success both on and off-screen. The engagement announcement serves as a testament to his personal growth and happiness, adding another heartwarming layer to his already beloved public image.