Kiddies in a sweatshop

Kiddies in a sweatshop

In our on-going series on the inhuman working conditions of the television fraternity, Sapana Patil Poojary talks to child actors who work from dawn to midnight, often skipping meals too

Richa Batra, 13

Seen In: Instant Khichdi, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kasautii Zindagi Kay
At present: Baa, Bahoo aur Baby

I have a busy schedule. I get up at 5.30 am daily. I am back from school by 1 pm. After that, I go to the sets and return by 10 at night and I just crash. I do my home-work on the sets and try napping between shots. Often, we are called to shoot during school hours so I have to skip school. Luckily, my teachers don't mind as I score good grades. Although I like acting, I hate missing out on family functions and other social events.


Sakshi Sem, 12

Seen In: Rishtey, Krishnaarjun, Sanjeevani, Ssh Koi Hai… and Home Sweet Home
At Present: On a break

I did my first assignment 10 years ago. My school timings are from 12 noon to 7 pm. On the days I have to shoot, I take a half-day. On the sets, I work for at least 10 hours. Moreover, there are other hassles such as unforeseen delays and last-minute cancellations. This adds to my fatigue. But I am not so fed up to give up acting. My mom ensures that I enjoy what I do and also get enough rest.


Shivani Joshi, 10

Seen In: Dhadkan, Insaf, Sukanya and Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Dhoom and Home Sweet Home.
At Present: Vikram Aur Vetal (a forthcoming show)

I attend school from 7 am to 3 pm. After that I shoot till 11 pm. When I come home, I am so exhausted that I go to sleep without eating. I don't like the rigid shooting schedules. Once I had fever and yet I had to shoot. Another time, I had hurt my eye and still I continued shooting.


Chinki, 5

Seen In: Kyunki…, Kasautii…, Jassi... and Kkususm.
At Present: Prithviraj Chauhan and Viraasat.

I attend school in the morning, and after that I go to the sets to shoot for Viraasat. Usually, I am in hurry, so I eat in the car. However, I made it clear that I wouldn't miss school, because I go to a CBSE level school. I spend my weekends shooting for Prithviraj Chauhan in Baroda.


Doc-Speak

Child actors who work long hours and also skip school may find it very stressful to manage multiple tasks. It is not a healthy practice. And if there aren't other children of their age on the sets, the child actors may socialise and spend more time with grown-ups. This could be hamper their psychological growth. They may face frustration if their career doesn't do well. Parents should let their children work for limited hours and ensure they have regular breaks.
— Dr. Satishchandra Shenoy, GP