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STARRY babes
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Child stars need guidance to takle popularity.
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Sanusha
A STAR seems to be born every day in the Malayalam film and television industry. Many of these film stars don the greasepaint when they are four or five years old. And before they step into their teens they become stars with all the trappings of a celebrity. All the private television channels in Malayalam have children below the age of 15 compering and anchoring programmes that are targeted at family audiences. They anchor live programmes, chat with viewers, sing songs, conduct quiz programmes and interview celebrities with ιlan. Recently released films such as `Kazhcha' and `Mambazhakalam' have children playing important roles.
Phone-in shows
Nine-year-old Surya, who was the anchorperson of a phone-in programme in a private television channel, began the trend of little children anchoring phone-in programmes. Her poise and confidence made her a household name.
This poise is evident also in 11-year-old Manjima and 14-year old Aparna who are the anchorpersons of phone-in programmes on private television channels. Manjima, Aparna, Sanusha, Yash and Ashwin Thampy are some of the children who have admirers all over Kerala. What is remarkable about these children is their determination to excel and their interest in their acting career.
"Recently, I sang with Rimi Tommy. It is against AIDS. I hope it comes out well," says Sanusha excitedly.
Aparna learns dance, music, veena, mimicry and monoact among other things. "I enjoy learning all this and it is my choice," avers Aparna.
Manjima
"I have to learn a lot of songs. It is not easy," admits Manjima, a student of Class VI. But she adds that she has no difficulty in talking to viewers. Perhaps it is in Manjima's genes as her father, the cinematographer Vipin Mohan, was a child star who won accolades for his role in the film "Neelakuyil.'
"I know the film industry well and so I try to guide her. My wife and I ensure that she does only select roles in which she has something substantial for her," he says. Manjima made her debut in `Kaliunjaal' at the age of four. Later, she won a State award for the best child actor for her role in the film `Madhuranombarakattu.'
Fourteen-year-old Ashwin Thampy won a national award for the best child actor for `Jalamarmaram' when he was 10. "I remember receiving the award from the then president K.R. Narayanan. He advised me to study well," he recounts.
On the other hand actress Geethu Mohandas, who was all of three-and-a-half, when she made her debut in `Onnu muthal poojyam vare', says, "I was pampered and the shooting took place according to my moods. "
Although child artistes like Sarika and Sridevi, who had to miss school on account of their hectic acting schedules, have wistfully talked about their lost childhood, Geethu says that she never went through such growing pains. "My parents introduced me to the arc lights when I was three and pulled me out of it when I was five. In retrospect, I think it was the best decision they made. It was only later that I realised that I had won a State award for the best child actress."
Trauma spared
At present, the children seem to be spared the trauma of Macaulay Caulkin of `Home Alone' fame.
Emphasising the importance of parental support psychologist Krishnaprasad Shreedhar says, "In Kerala, so far, we have not had child stars complaining about their parents. In fact, I feel that more children should come forward to participate in programmes on TV. It develops their self-confidence and personality. Usually, many children are inhibited by the fear of adverse opinion."
Not only do the parents keep a protective eye on their children's career but they also try to ensure that the children get ample time for studies, play and leisure.
Gethu Mohandas
"I write down the notes. Usually, there are long gaps in between the shots. I make him learn his lesson then. He has got used to it and his grades are above average," says Lathika, Ashwin's mother.
None of these children seem to be starry eyed about their future.
Both Aparna and Ashwin emphasise that they have cut down on their assignments to concentrate on their studies. "My ambition is to become an engineer-actor. Education comes first."
Aparna, Manjima and Sanusha also emphasise that they would like to continue working in the visual medial but not at the cost of their schooling.
"Not all child stars make it to the top when they become adults. I intend to let Manjima choose her career when she is old enough," says Vipin Mohan.
SARASWATHY NAGARAJAN
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