Youngistan Rules / Aasiya : TOI Article

Youngistan rules!

Teenage actors are ruling the television scene. BT finds out more on this new trend

Amrita Mulchandani

New faces on the small screen is no big news. But now, it's a different story as the young faces have stepped into the shoes of the seniors. There was a time when lead actors used to be in their late 20s. Today if you happen to see all the bahus and betis on the street, you won't be able to recognise them as they are all in the age group of 16 to 19 years in real life. Just sample this — Pratyusha Banerjee as Anandi in Balika Vadhu, Binny Sharma as Gauri in Sanjog Se Bani Sangini, Aasiya Kazi as Santo in Bandini, Shivshakti as Bebo in Sabki Ladli Bebo, Priyal Gor as Mona in Preet Se Bandhi Ye Dori Ram Milaayi Jodi, Anupriya Kapoor as Tani in Tere Liye, Swati Kapoor as Rachna in Kaali Ek Agnipariksha and Amrapali Dubey as Suman in Palkon Ki Chhaaon Mein all fall in this age bracket.
It is only with heavy jewellery and several layers of make-up that these young kids are 'made' to project their adult matured look. But, are they comfortable playing these roles? "There are lots of newcomers who are struggling to get in this industry. I feel I am lucky to get a lead role," says TV actress Aasiya Kazi. And how do they manage fame and popularity at such a young age? "It is tough . My fans call or SMS me a lot. I reply sometimes, but I can't do it always," says Aasiya.
Looks like the trend is here to stay, if television directors are to be believed. "Once a character is established, their character so become popular that it overshadows a new story, and the audience don't accept them easily. It is also easier to train and mould newcomers," says TV director Romesh Kalra. However, casting newcomers isn't easy. "Initially, it is difficult to shoot with them, but we make them go through workshops and rehearsals for at least a month before the shoot starts," says Romesh.
However, established actors aren't very comfortable with the trend. Actress Riva Bubber, who has been in the industry for almost eight years, says, "It is sad to see an 11-year-old playing a protagonist in tele serials while in Hindi films even today 30-year- old women play the role of a college girl. It is a bit of a regression."
But, the producers don't seem to mind, "To create a new image or brand name, a new face is required. A new star can't be created out of an established character like Jassi, Tulsi or Parvati. It is also about sustainability — shows go on for a year or two and that time it becomes difficult to sustain a senior actor."
Well, as long as these youngsters are able to deliver TRP topping performances and grab eyeballs, no one seems to be complaining!

Thanks for sharing this article.