Our current entertainment industry has opened many avenues for children to be a part of. From talent shows to films, there’s plenty of opportunity. But while older people themselves struggle to make a niche and stay constant, if not successful, under the harsh glare of the spotlight, how healthy is it for our children? That was the burgeoning question that was addressed at the panel discussion held at the 18th International Children’s Film Festival going on in the city. Taking the issue head on was the panel including actor and filmmaker Amol Palekar, Assamese actress Bobbeeta Sharma, Festival director and CEO of Children’s Film Society India (CFSI), Shravan Kumar and M Vedakumar, Chairman of Children’s Film Society in Andhra Pradesh (CFS.A.P).
Rubbishing the concept of reality shows and talent hunts, Amol Palekar got the discussion moving. “These shows are only for momentary glory. They never produce sustained success. Where is the first winner of Indian Idol now?,” he said. Sharing the story of two child artists that he worked with, Amol also talked about whether a child is given a choice when it comes to being in the industry. “I was pleasantly surprised to meet two child artists – Dhruv and Saloni – who had acted in my movie Dumkata. Both of them have chosen diverse paths in their lives since. While Dhruv has decided not pursue acting, Saloni has gone on to become a popular face in the television industry,” he said. Expressing that children do indeed have the final say, he conceded that parents also often try to live their dreams through their children. “Whether Dhruv’s decision not to pursue acting was his or his parents, we do not know. Do we give parents the right to decide for their children, and if so, is it justified? It is most unfair that parents expect their child to fulfil their dreams. I want to see the child by his or her strengths and not their parents’,” added the filmmaker.
Bobbeeta Sharma, who was a child artist herself, spoke from the position of personal experience. “The environment when I was a child artist was very different. I never felt like I was acting in a film. In fact, I didn’t even know about it. The director had spoken to my family and I was taken to this house with a huge garden. It felt like a picnic,” she said. The Assamese actress though was quick to point out that it is not always so rosy and there are several issues which need to be addressed. “The moment I was being shot in front of people, I became extremely shy. I think the emotional and psychological well being of a child is very important,” she added. She also reiterated the views of Amol Palekar and said that it most always parents who are keen for their children to act; one must ask the child instead.
Keeping things light and not creating a ‘work’ environment seemed to be the general consensus. But nevertheless, considering that children do get paid for it, does this mean they are actually being submitted to labour?
Chairman of CFS AP, M Vedakumar, was of the opinion that acting must be taken as a hobby rather than paying the children. “Talent should be treated like a hobby. If a child is paid money, then it is child labour. Also, monetary gains and stardom would increase the pressure on the child. It would lead to parents promoting the child beyond his/her capacity which could be dangerous,” he said. He also expressed his concern over undue publicity given to child artists. “One must not give unnecessary publicity to the child as it hampers their growth. Children have their own hobbies and fancies. They should be allowed to act preferably through non-payment, without affecting their education and leisure time,” he said.
Amol Palekar, however begged to differ. “Paying children for their work is a sign of respect for what they have done. It means we value their work and their contribution to cinema. By using them in the movie and not paying them because it would be child labour, is it not another form of exploitation?” he questioned. The filmmaker also expressed that one should treat children and adults differently. “They are after all children and hence require different treatment. After 15 retakes, if you are still not satisfied and continue to ask the child to perform, he/ she may not retain the same fresh mind which an adult has learned to adopt,” he explained.
The most vocal during the discussion, Amol also urged parents to not try and clone their kids after a particular celebrity. “Why are we trying to make our children a carbon copy of Salman Khan or Aishwarya Rai? Why not give them their own identity,” he concluded.
Festival director Shravan Kumar also stressed on some of the concerns of the organisation. “Our main concern at CFSI is that children should have enough space for themselves. They should not have rigorous schedules,” he said. He also mentioned that the amount of time spent by children for shooting has been drafted and the new regulations will be applicable from this year. “How many hours a day should be devoted by a child in filmmaking is a key area we are focusing on,” he added.