Its not easy being a kid in today's TV shows!

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In the early years of television in India, a certain chubby-faced Master Bittu was cast to add that cutesy element to shows. Or a pretty-looking Baby Guddi who viewers could adore. Few episodes into the serial, their role was restricted to a bare minimum or they grew up to be the main protagonist. But in recent times, the responsibilities of child artistes have increased manifold. "They are the backbone of our script and they can carry the entire serial on their tender shoulders," says Arun Mavnoor, director of Main Teri Parchayi Hoon on NDTV Imagine, a serial which narrates the plight of three children after the death of their mother.

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Megha Gupta who plays Aanchal in the same show has a similar view but she feels this sudden transition towards performance-oriented roles for children is because of advancement of television in India. "Today, directors want to capture all kinds of emotions and they want character to be uniquely different from each other," says Gupta. Bigg Boss 2 Updates


While children these days are required to laugh, cry and fight in serials, Colors' show Balika Vadhu deals with a more mature topic, that of child marriage. "While there have been roles written for children of late, this is the first serial that actually has children playing lead roles and addressing the age-old problem of child marriage," says Sunjoy Wadhwa, producer of Balika Vadhu. Wadhwa also praises the maturity and dedication these tiny tots exhibit. "You don't have to repeat the scene to them. They listen very attentively to you and grasp every detail. In fact it is easier working with them." LIVE Sensex - World Market


Mavnoor talks about the special needs one has to bear in mind before having children as part of their cast. "When you have really young kids, playing major roles, one must make sure that they are provided food on time. Adequate rest and sleep are also a must."


But these young guns are not main protagonists for nothing. They work as hard as the adults in the unit. Nine-year-old Aditansh, who plays the role of Ayush in Main Teri... puts in 12 to 14 hours of shooting per day. "It is very difficult to manage shooting and school. But I make sure I study whenever I get the time," he says, adding, "Initially it was tough mouthing dialogues, but all the senior actors were very supportive and helped me out."

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If you thought performances are restricted to just soaps, then you must watch Amey Pandya and Swini Khare perform on the reality dance show Zara Nachke Dikha. "They are more talented than the older members of the team. Their raw energy and enthusiasm just makes you feel that there is more competition than ever before," says Ali Asgar, the captain of the boys' team on the show. 11 Jodis of Nach Baliye 4

Having children on a show also lightens the atmosphere on the sets. "Playing with them and listening to their stories could have you rolling on the floor with laughter," says Gupta. Wadhwa agrees, "But at times when they are unwell, it does take a toll on the entire unit."