AGE NO BAR ----------- ARTICLE

Young kids racing ahead

There are some young boys & girls who, at the tender age group of 16-18 talk about studies, boyfriends/girfriends and a lot more..while there are some who choose to hear the words 'Lights, Camera, Action' and only talk about, make-up, dialogues, shifts & shoots!

Today, many youngsters are lured to the world of glamour; are instantly attracted to the fame that follows. Gone are the days when people would wait till they passed the basic criteria of being "educated" before they would start their struggle to enter the world of glamour and fame. In the current era, one does not need to be academically qualified to join the wall of fame. Today, a good face, a fair amount of talent and some auditions later, and these youngsters are automatically granted lead roles on television. Leaving aside experience, talent and even age for that matter, if a person fits in the criteria of the "character" look, the aspirant bags the role. Recently, the television industry seems to be bombarded with young girls who have barely finished studying but have hit their career paths.

The most talked about amongst this young lot is Prachi Desai (Bani of Kasamh Se) who made headlines when it was revealed that she was barely 17 years old when she was tucked in by Balaji Telefilms. Balaji's next target was Panchhi Bora of Kayamath, who though older than Prachi, still qualified as a very young lady. Balaji's latest catch is the youngest of them all, - Abigael of Kya Dil Main Hain, who is barely 15 years old! She is now the new face of Balaji's 9X show. Joining these girls is the new Bhoomika (Zalak Thakkar) who recently turned 20.

The big screen had seen such a trend earlier with Rekha, Hema, Kajol and many others launching in Bollywood arena in their teens. And now again the same trend is being followed by some of these teen aged stars too. Hrishta ( Hansika Motwani) spread shock waves all across the nation, when she was chosen to star opposite Himesh Reshamiya in his first release - Apka Suroor. She is now followed by Prachi Desai of the small screen who has now joined Farhan Akhtar for his next release.

Though these girls are young and vulnerable; despite gruelling shooting schedules, hats off to all of them for continuing with their education and also making a mark from themselves, and not just being tagged with their current character names.

They say that 'well begun' is half done. Well, it sure looks like these girls have hit the right chords with their careers. But are they on too fast a track? What happens when it all wears off? Will they miss not having experienced the highs & lows of growing up? Whatever the case, just a word of caution - Enjoy the ice cream while it lasts…

Author: Hiral Anju Bhatt, Ekta