Child star

Over the years we have seen a sharp rise in the presence of child stars in media. Movies, web series, serials, advertisement - we see child stars everywhere. While watching the media I would always wonder how the life of child stars is. My friend Sudha (pseudonym) had provided the answers to my question.

I met Sudha in college. Initially she did not reveal her identity as a one of the child stars. Once we had been discussing the performance of one of the child stars in the movie that time she accidently mentioned that she had worked in the media.

Sudha began her career as a child star when she was a few months old. Her first advertisement was for baby products wherein she had appeared as the main character. After that various films, TV projects, and advertisement came along. Sudha confessed herself that she did not remember any of those. She knew only because she had photographs from those projects.

Later when she was 4 years old she started getting roles in major films where she was supposed to be the main actress from the childhood days or the child of the main protagonist. She had received significant roles for these projects. Because of the shooting schedule several times Sudha had to miss her school, even exams. Sudha mentioned that her childhood was not enjoyable because of the work commitments.

Sudha had also confessed that she did not enjoy the work and the fame that came along with it. She was not able to go anywhere without the security. Wherever she would go people would chase her to get her autographs. A lot of people would try to come near her to hug or kiss her which she absolutely despised. A lot of people were trying to use her to get more money and fame only by association. She had also expressed that she was never able to enjoy a quiet meal in the restaurant with her family because someone would try to intrude. Her house was also under strict security because there would be fans who would try to break in.

When she was around 10 years old she had played a role in a film which was considered controversial at that time. She had received death threats. Stones were pelted at her home. An attempt of attack was made when she was going to the school. Threats and attempts of kidnapping were frequent. Her safety had become a major concern. This is when Sudha decided that she wanted to bid a farewell to the entertainment and glamour industry.

Sudha still mentions about her days working as a child star. She never mentions them as her achievements but rather always mentions that how much painful that period was. According to her she was not able to enjoy the childhood that other kids get. She says that she was robbed of the childhood pleasures.

Now Sudha work in academia. She is happy that she was able to leave the limelight and live a private life. She is happy to live a quiet and peaceful life away from the public eye. The research and books are keeping her safe from any intruders or kidnappers.

A journey that began with fame and limelight had continued and diverted to a path which is full of knowledge and peace.