Kids in television is not a new phenomenon. I think when General Entertainment channel made kids into central characters like Balika Vadhu thats when they became household names. Was it overwhelming to see these little characters all dolled up? Yes and no. While a few serials do retain the innocence and make kids play their parts there are a few which make them look like quasi adults.
Exposure & Opportunities:
With so much exposure comes lots of opportunities too. Today kids have a stepping stone to every hobby/interest they wish to pursue. With television shows like Sa Re Ga ma, Indion Idol Junior, Dance India Dance, India’s got Talent, history shows like Jhansi ki Rani, Prithviraj Chauhan, Maharana Pratap, soaps Like Bade Ache Lagte Hain, Veera  or sitcoms like Tarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashma. Kids today have the opportunity to get a platform at such an early stage in life vs. the times when we struggled.
The ones who are my hot favourites at the moment and I am sure a lot of you agree with me or Sonali & Suman of Jhalak Dikhlaja. They are powerhouse performers and all of us including the judges are awestruck on what these kids can actually do.Â
So what is it that gets audience glued on to picking kids for these show?
1. Ability to connect well with the audience and instantly strike a chord
2. Needless to say producers continue with the child actors as long as possible to achieve the highest TRP ratings.
Questions raised:
1. Missing school days/education?
2. Education does not necessarily mean studies. Today parents are more forthcoming if their kids want to pursue singing, dancing, or any other talent
Television is an industry that has made parents also look at all professions equally and give some hobbies the title of a profession. Today being a dancer, singer, chef is just as respectable as being a banker, doctor or lawyer. Share with us your views on the Television industry and kids playing pivotal roles.
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