Are child artist beyind net of labour laws?

They put in 12 hour days, slog while their friends play and have working Sundays — so why are child actors beyond the safety net of labour laws? Sapana Patil Poojary finds out

While the Indian legal system cries hoarse against children working to make a living, the law seems to have clearly exempted child actors.

While they might not be working for a living in the very basic sense, but are definitely working as hard as any underprivileged child doing menial jobs.

However, surprisingly, while their parents claim that they’re helping their child pursue their ‘interest’ without hampering their studies, children too don’t seem to mind being out of the house from early morning to almost midnight.

Seven-year old, Khushi Dubey (whop plays the little snake-girl in ‘Naagin’ on Zee TV) admits that she has a hectic schedule. “I attend school from 8 am to 2.30 pm.

After that, I report on the sets at 4 pm and return by midnight,” she says. Nine-year old Swini Khara (Chaitali of ‘Baa, Bahu Aur Baby’ on Star Plus) and eight-year old Ahsaas Chanana (Ganga of ‘Kasamh Se’ on Zee TV) too have a similar schedule.

Startlingly, while weekends are supposed to be for rest and recreation, it is just the opposite for child actors. Since they aren’t going to school on those days, they end up shooting for 12 hours! For Swini, weekends are the busiest as she does photo shoots, interviews, screen tests or auditions, commercials, meetings and even graces events as guest of honour. Admits Khushi, “It is rare that I am free on Sundays. I work in a daily show and hence I need to give extra time on weekends.”

While the kids are enrolled in many activity and sports classes, more than often they cannot keep with the schedules. Says Ahsaas, “I like to swim and cycle. But I can go only on days when I am not shooting.” Swini too has enrolled for Kathak, singing and computer classes but can’t attend them regularly.

Although they say that they don’t mind shooting for long hours, they admit that they regret missing their activity class and playing with their friends. Says Khushi, “I miss sleeping for long hours.” Adds Swini, “I make up for the loss of my friends by playing with other children on the sets.”

These kids study on the sets or while travelling. However, their parents insist that they ensure that their child does not feel stressed and that they consult their children before taking up any project. Shilpa Khara, Swini’s mother says, “I ensure Swini gets eight hours of sleep. Moreover, her acting has not hindered her studies. She always gets over 90 per cent.”

Preeti Dubey, Khushi’s mother says, “Khushi is a natural actor and takes great interest in this art, so we don’t want to restrict her talent. She can act as long as she can balance it with her studies.”

p_sapana@dnaindia.net