Studies and Spotlight

Today,Amrita — better known as Ram and Priya’s daughter Pihu on Sony’s Bade Achhe Lagte Hain — is perhaps the most popular child actor on television. “I made it clear to the production house that no compromises will be made as far as her studies are concerned,” explains Mukherjee.

The issue of children acting in TV serials has been one of intense debate. In 2009,under pressure from child rights activists,the Maharashtra government had sent notices to TV production houses who had child artistes on board,pointing out the long and erratic schedules that the children were put through,often missing school for days to end. However,the Information & Broadcast Ministry chose to overrule it,but in return ensured that no compromises are made as far as the children’s education and health is concerned. Ever since,most TV production houses ensure that child artistes are called on sets only after their school hours,and are given ample time to rest and study on the sets between breaks.

It was for Rakshit Wahi’s passion for acting that his mother Jagruti allowed him to audition for Sasural Simar Ka on Star Plus. But when he got a better offer from Parvarrish — Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi on Sony,Star Plus let his track wane in order to accommodate the new show so that Rakshit’s studies don’t suffer. “Very often,my on-screen mother,Rupali Ganguly,helps me with my homework,” says the 10-year-old.

In case of 10-year-old twins Anmol and Apoorv — separated twins Anand Diwan and Anand Chopra,respectively,in Parichay-Nayee Zindagi Ke Sapnon Ka on Colors — they have imbibed their love for acting from their father,theatre and TV actor Prashant Jyotir. “We study on the sets and get days off during exams,” explains Anmol,who says they both usually score close to 80 per cent.

Parents believe that it is better if the show has more than one child artiste as it means that the child will have company to study and play with. However,it is imperative that one parent be with them on the sets as guardian. “I am usually there to ensure Amrita’s well-being. Since she is a child,there are times when the director needs me to explain a scene to her,especially the dramatic ones,” she says.

It is not unusual that an early exposure to fame channels these children’s aspirations towards acting. While Rakshit dreams of becoming a “superstar” one day,Anmol too,is “focusing on a career as an actor,although studies will be pursued alongside”. Also,at this age,to have to work for up to 25 days in a month — even though it fetches a cool Rs 5,000 a day — with full-day shoots on Saturdays and Sundays,can sometimes take a toll on the child’s health and education.

In order to counter this,many parents wish to discontinue their acting careers “once studies get tougher”. Pallavi — mother of four-year-old Dishti Hemdev who features in Mann Kee Aawaaz Pratigyaa on Star Plus and Zee’s Punar Vivaah — wants her daughter to act till the age of six. “After that she needs to focus on studies,” Pallavi asserts. Alpa Bhanushali too has explained to her six-year-old son Divyam — Ansh on Punar Vivaah — that he will have to give up acting on TV after this show gets over.