Or there won't be any Darsheel Safary to render a powerhouse performance in Aamir Khan's unforgettable 'Taare Zameen Par' to highlight the plight of dyslexic kids.
NEW DELHI: How would it be if there were no ageless classics like 'Kitaab' or 'Parichay'. Or there won't be any Darsheel Safary to render a powerhouse performance in Aamir Khan's unforgettable 'Taare Zameen Par' to highlight the plight of dyslexic kids.
A directive by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) banning any child under the age of 12 years to participate or work in any reality show or film has sparked a debate in Bollywood and the television world.
Noted Bollywood director, writer and lyricist Gulzar disagrees with the NCPCR decree. "Children have a tremendous potential and their creativity should be encouraged. Otherwise, my films 'Kitaab' and 'Parichay' would never have been completed," he says.
The NCPCR's directive has been disapproved by various Bollywood celebrities like Sunidhi Chauhan, Sulaiman and Gajendra Singh who feel that this rule may hamper the creative potentials of children.
Music director of many a hit flicks like Dhoom, Life in a Metro, Jab We Met and the judge of Saregamapa Challenge 2009, a music contest for children, Pritam points out, "It is a serious setback for the talented children participating in such shows. It is like scuttling a child's talent."
The producer of hit reality shows like 'Voice of India' and 'Chak De Bachche', Gajendra Singh says "Children won't be able to prepare themselves to be competitive in the changing times. Reality shows play a very important role in providing them a deserving opportunity and a platform for showcasing their talent".
He further adds, "It is because of reality shows only that little Aishwarya got to sing for Kareena Kapoor in a film while Tanmay got to sing in 'Bhootnath'. When a child's mistake is pointed out in school, does it become a national issue?"
Suleiman, of the music director duo that composed music for films like Dor, Iqbal and Aaja Nachle and a judge in a reality show 'Chak de Bachche', observes: "Children should be given a chance to display their incredible talent. We should not discourage them by restricting the participation age because they will be our artistes in future"
Famous playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan says "I had participated in 'Meri Aawaz Suno' at a very young age and I have reached where I am today. So there should not be any restriction in age.
"However there was no concept of public voting earlier. These days with the advent of public voting, pressure has tremendously increased on children, which is something I have always disapproved of."
"Working in films is really nice. It felt very good to work with Amit uncle in 'Bhootnath'. All children should be allowed to work as per their wishes," says Aman Siddique who played the child protagonist along with Amitabh Bachchan in 'Bhootnath'.
However, NCPRC member Sandhya Bajaj says: "We are not restricting the reality shows or any other programmes, but only propose to decide the age of children.
"We intend to reduce the unnecessary pressure on children," she said.
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