Not a child's play: Young television actors on the challenges of their job

They might not be as old or experienced as most adult TV stars in the industry, but that doesn’t mean working in television is any easier for child stars. On Children’s Day, we speak to some of these child actors and ask them what they love and hate about spending time on the sets.

They might not be as old or experienced as most adult TV stars in the industry, but that doesn’t mean working in television is any easier for child stars. Like their senior counterparts, these young artistes, too, spend long hours shooting, rehearsing and memorising their lines. As a result, many of them end up making their show sets their home and theirplayground.

On Children’s Day (November 14), we speak to some of these child actors and ask them what they love and hate about spending time on the sets.

Akshat Singh (9)

Last seen in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Colors

I love eating on the sets. I eat the food that I get from home and I also try the unit’s food. I love dancing. So, on the sets, you’ll most probably see me dancing or rehearsing. But I don’t like shooting late hours. Also, I am a one-take artiste; I don’t like giving retakes.



Bhavy Gandhi (17)

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Sab TV

I enjoy facing the camera. But waiting in the vanity van for a shot to be ready is very boring. Thankfully, there are other kids who are part of my show, so we play games and even end up doing some mischief on the sets sometimes.



Dev Joshi (14)

Baal Veer, Sab TV

I love working with the action director. I look forward to the days when I have to shoot scenes that involve fights and stunts. What I really dislike is when the shoots get delayed and I have to wait on the sets for long.

Ruhanika Dhawan (7)

Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, Star Plus

I love playing games with my co-actors. Everyone is also always willing to play dumb charades with me. I have board games such as Scrabble and Pictionary in my make-up room. But I hate it when people tell me how to give a shot over and over again. I keep explaining to them that telling me once is more than enough.



Ananya Agarwal (8)

Bandhan, Zee TV

On the sets, I like playing with the elephant, Golu, who is part of my show. He is very close to my heart, and I treat him like my own pet. I feed him peanuts and bananas. Apart from this, I like reading, so whenever I get the time, I pick up a book. I don’t like night shoots.

Ashnoor Kaur (10)

Tum Saath Ho Jab Apne, Sony Pal

I love playing badminton, ludo and carom with the other kids on the sets. What I hate doing is sleeping. I love roaming around, but my mother keeps insisting that I sleep in between shots. At times, I have to pretend to be asleep.