The li'l prodigies
On Children's Day, After Hours introduces you to some of the most promising little talents in town.
Dancing diva
Pearl Barsivala, 12
She's been dancing with Shiamak Davar's Junior Dance Company since she was only three and half and has already acted with the likes of Naseeruddin Shah and Sarika in the National Award-winning film 'Parzania'. And Pearl Barsivala's friends at JB Vachha High School are mighty proud of her. "I love dancing; it helps me concentrate better on my studies, because even in dance I have to apply similar concentration techniques." Says her mother Veera Barsiwala, 'Her dancing talent has made her more confident and articulate. She drives herself to finish all her school work as soon as possible so that she can make more time for dance practice."
Chess champ
Shiven Khosla, 11
This chess prodigy started playing at the tender age of 4. In 2003, Shiven Khosla finished first in Maharashtra state Under-7 category and since then has won several other national and international awards. He recently won the bronze medal in the National Under-11 in Chennai. "He's also an excellent TT player besides being good in academics — though he misses a lot of school," says his mother Dr Indu Khosla, one Mumbai's leading paediatricians. "I really look up to Gary Kasparov. Next on my calendar is the Commonwealth Games," says Shiven, who has decided to take up the game professionally.
Singing star
Sameer Mohammed, 11
The second runner-up in 'L'iL Champ' has but one goal in life — playback singing for actor Salman Khan. Coming from a family of musicians, Sameer Mohammed says has been singing since he was 5-years-old. "I've missed the first two term exams and going back to school this year seems uncertain. I'm contractually bound to Zee TV for two years and have shows to perform at," says this student of KPS Memorial School. He credits Gajjendrra Siingh and Bappi Lahiri for boosting his morale, guiding him and getting him back in the contest. What does he miss the most? "Playing football with my friends. Now my parents now keep a strict vigil on my movements. But the spankings have reduced though my masti hasn't."
Sculptor scion
Pezzane Khambatta, 12
His interest in sculptures began when he was just four years old. With his father, noted sculptor Arzan Khambatta, surrounding the house with his artistic creations, sculpting came easy to this child. "My friends and family are happy that I am able to do such things at an age like this. When I grow up I will become a sculptor like my father but will do things differently with computers and animation," says Pezzane. Dad Arzaan is delighted with his son's inclinations: "Pezzane is a smart and a bright child. Since he was naturally inclined, I could sense his need to create art. I had never really expected that my son will become an artist and had thought that I'll support him in whatever he wishes to do."
Musical master
Raj Pandit, 12
A twelve year old who can make music, dance and act? Raj Pandit does it all with ease. His passion is music and he devotes four to five hours apart from school and studies for making music. And he comes across as more mature than his age. "The most important word is balance. All parents want their children to do well in studies first. If you have true interest and can coordinate time well then everyone around encourages you," says Raj. While competition is a way of life now, this creative kid says he detests the kind of things people do on reality talent hunts on TV. "He doesn't have the heart to see other children crying when they are shown the door in the competition. He feels kids should be encouraged to do well but not through such shows," says his father, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit.
(Compiled by Saumit Singh, Faheem Ruhani, Nisha Kundnani & Usha Thomas)
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