Friday, August 2, 2013

Bollywood's child actors: Then and now

Aamir Khan made his debut as a child artist in 1973 film 'Yaadon Ki Baraat'. The actor played the role of young Tariq in the film. He later made his debut as an actor in Ketan Mehta's 'Holi'. Since the time of his first role, Aamir has come a long way as an actor. Known to be Mr. Perfectionist, the actor is one of the most sought after actors of the recent times. 


Aditya Narayan became a popular name in the 90s with his performance in films like 'Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai', 'Pardes' and 'Taal'. However, his Bollywood debut as an actor in 2009 film 'Shaapit' did not work in his favour. He was last seen hosting a reality show. 


Aftab Shivdasani played child artist in films like 'Mr India', 'Chalbaaz' and 'Shahenshah'. He shot to instant fame with films like 'Mast' and 'Kasoor'. He was last seen in a horror film '1920: The Evil Returns' which turned out to be a hit at the box office. He is currently shooting for his film 'Grand Masti'


Bollywood's child actors have come a long way. From facing the camera at a young age, a lot of them have turned into Bollywood's stars while others have faded into oblivion. Alia Bhatt was first seen in Mahesh Bhatt's 1999 film 'Sangharsh'. She was later spotted by Karan Johar and was the lead actress in 'Student Of The Year'. 


Born to an actor, Hrithik Roshan's tryst with films started as early as 1980. He played the child artiste in films like 'Aap Ke Deewane' and 'Bhagwan Dada'. With his debut in 2000 with 'Kaho Na Pyaar Hao', there has been no looking back for the actor. He has played an array of characters in his decade long career and has also played India's first super human in 'Krrish'. 


Bollywood's heartthrob Imran Khan played young Aamir Khan in 1992 film 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander'. After 16 years, he made his Bollywood debut in 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' and became an overnight star. From playing a boy next door to rustic village boy, the actor has experimented with his looks and characters on screen.


The innocence of Jugal Hansraj in 1983 film 'Masoom' still makes many hearts warm. The actor later went onto make his debut in 1994 with 'Aa Gale Lag Jaa'. Despite good looks and his several attempts at acting, Jugal could not make a mark for himself in Bollywood as an actor. He later turned into a director. 


 Kunal Khemu is one actor who received more accolades for his performances as a child actor than a Bollywood hero. His work in 'Raja Hindustani', 'Zakhm' and 'Hum Hai Rahi Pyaar Ke'. While his Bollywood debut as an actor in 'Kalyug' did get him good reviews but he is still finding a foot for himself in Bollywood as an actor.


Popular in the 90s for the Dhara ad and his stint as a child actor in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', Parzan Dastur is one of the most loved child actors. The actor has now taken up roles in films like 'Parzania' and 'Sikander' and has proved his acting mettle through his performances. 


Sana Saeed went on to become one of the most popular child artist with her role in 1998 film 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'. Karan Johar yet again gave her the break in his college drama 'Student Of The Year'. Shedding away her innocent looks, she had an image makeover in 'SOTY'.


Very few know that actor Sanjay Dutt also made an appearance on screen as a child artist in 1972 film 'Reshma Aur Shera'. He later went on to make his debut in films with 1981 film 'Rocky'. After three decades in Bollywood, Sanjay Dutt is one of the most sought after actor in Bollywood and has was recently applauded for his role in 'Agneepath'.

 Urmila Matondkar made her debut as a child artist along with Jugal Hansraj in 'Masoom'. But unlike the actor, she went onto rule the Bollywood in the 90s. She has given some of the most memorable performances in 'Rangeela', 'Ek Hasina Thi' and 'Kaun'. She later dabbled with television. Urmila is no longer seen in Bollywood films. The actress is currently shooting for a Marathi film. 


Zoya Afroza made her Bollywood debut as a child artist in 1999 film 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'. She played Neelam Kothari's daughter in the film. The popular child artiste has gone ahead to clinch the most coveted beauty pageant. She is the second runners up in Femina Miss India. 


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