No Kidding in Bollywood: Child artists to Super Stars

Famous Child artists who made it big

1. Shashi Kapoor:

The handsome member of the Kapoor clan started his debut as a child artist in the movie Tabdir(1945). He went on to act in 30 other films as a child artist. His most noted performances as a child actor are in films like Aag (1948) and Awara (1951) where he played the role of Raj Kapoor's younger counterpart. Later on, he went on to become a famous actor with movies like Deewar, Namak Khalal, Jab Jab Phool Khile and Aamne Saamne.

2. Neetu Singh

The effervescent actress first acted in the movie Do Kaliyan (1968) and was introduced with the name Baby Sonia. She continued as a child artist in films like Waris (1969) and Pavitra Paapi (1970) until she made her debut as an elder actress in Yaadon Ki Baarat (1973). Then there was no stopping for this bubbly punjabi girl who went on to star in her noted movies like Amar Akbar Anthony, Rafoo Chakkar and Khel Khel Main.

3. Padmini Kolhapuri

As a child artist, Padmini Kolhapure has acted in many movies like Ek Khilari Bawan Pattey, Dream Girl, Zindagi, Saajan Bina Suhagan and Thodi Si Bewafai. But her most noted roles include Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Insaaf Ka Tarazu and Gahrayee. She became famous later as she got plenty of opporunities to act with legends like Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor and Dilip Kumar. Some of her famous movies are Woh Saat Din, Prem Rog and Ishq Ishq Ishq

4. Aamir Khan

Who can forget the cute little Aamir Khan is Yaadon ki Baarat as the youngest brother Tariq and the song and dance where he raises his little finger to indicate nature's call. Aamir also acted as a child artist in Madhosh (1974). And now, the Mr. Perfectionist is one of the leading stars of Bollywood. Truely, the most successful child-artist-turned actor in the industry.

5. Urmila Matondkar

As per the trends back then, in Urmila Matondkar's first movie Kalyug (1980), she acted as a boy. She also played son to Rekha's and Raj Babbar's starrer, Parikshit. Her most famous movie as a child artist was in Masoom (1983). She shot to limelight with her movie 'Rangeela' which was the time Bollywood took notice of this sexy girl and she has given a huge range of movies like Pyar tune kya kiya, Bhoot, Jungle, Pinjar, Satya and Ek Hasina Thi.

6. Aftab Shivdasni

He played the younger role of two of the best Indian actors - Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan. Aftab started with Mr. India (1987). Subsequently he did many films like Shahenshah, ChaalBaaz, Awwal Number, C.I.D. and Insaniyat before making his grown up debut in Ram Gopal Varma's Mast. His other movies are Kasoor, Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai, Ankahee, Red: The Dark Side.

Jugal Hansraj

Hansraj started his career as a child artist in the film along side Urmila Matondakar in Masoom (1983). That film was a the biggest hit for Hansraj till date. Later on, he continued his career as a child artist in several films like Karma (1986) and Sultanat (1986). He also appeared on the 'Nutramul' advertisements. Though he has acted in films in his later life, he hasn't been able to deliver any hits. His movies are Aa Gale Lag ja, Pappa Kehte Hai, Mohabbatein and minor roles in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham and Salaam Namaste. He has turned director in movie Roadside Romeo.

Potential Child Artists of Tommorow

1. Darsheel Safary
He won evrybody's heart with his heart-wrenching performance in 'Taare Zameen Par', has walked the ramp looking dapper, and has loads of attitude for a 12 year-old. The kid is a product of Shiamak Dhavar's Dance academy and was spotted by Aamir Khan during the auditions for TZP. He has already given interviews, won an award and appeared in commercials. We are waiting for his next venture into films.

2. Shweta Prasad:

With her stunning performance in 'Makdee' and in 'Iqbal', this is one girl to look out for. She played a double role in 'Makdee' and played Shreyas Talpede's sister in 'Iqbal', both of which she did a good job role with range of emotions. She has also won a national award for acting in 'Iqbal' and we hope is soon going to join the brigade of film in Bollywood.



3. Swini Khara:


Swini Khara became famous in the movie 'Cheeni Kum' where her character of a dying cancer patient was lovingly called 'Sexy' by the protagonists in the film. She is seen in many TV shows and lots of advertisements. She is cute, energetic and has a good scope in films.




3. Hansikka Motwani:

Hansika Motwani started her career as a child artist and won multiple awards as a child artist. She has appeared in quite of few Television serials like Shaka Laka Boom Boom, Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahui Thi and Hum Do Hain Na. Apart from this, she acted in the movie 'Koi Mil Gaya' and was also featured with Shahrukh Khan in a Santro Ad.

The young Hansika has already started her film career by acting in several films down South. She acted opposite Himesh Reshamiya in 'Aap ka Suroor' and is awaiting her forth coming movies that will release before the end of this year. Here's wishing her all the luck!