No doubt, Bollywood was once home to heartwarming stories that centered around child actors. Films like Taare Zameen Par, Chillar Party and Bhoothnath brought us closer to young characters, giving child actors meaningful roles that resonated with families. Today, as we celebrate Children’s Day, it’s hard to overlook the fact that child-centric stories are rarely made today and young actors rarely find a prominent place in Bollywood’s films. This raises a question – Why has Bollywood moved away from this? How will be the future of child-centric storytelling?
Bollywood’s History of Child-Centric Films and Young Stars
In past decades, Bollywood offered us beloved child stars like Ahsaas Channa, Hansika Motwani, Omkar Kapoor, Aman Siddiqui, Shweta Basu Prasad, and many more. These actors weren’t just child characters – they were the heart of many stories, leaving an indelible mark on audiences. Films like Bhoothnath, Makdee, Taare Zameen Par, Chillar Party, Ferrari Ki Sawaari, My Friend Ganesha, I Am Kalam, Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii, Stanley Ka Dabba, The Sky Is Pink, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and many more films inspired young viewers and gave children the kind of films they could see themselves in. But we can hardly count in five on any child-centric film that released on big-screens in a last decade or in recent years, which have nearly disappeared from mainstream cinema.
Why Aren’t Child-Centric Films Popular Anymore?
There can be several factors behind this decline. Firstly, Bollywood’s storytelling has shifted toward more intense, action-packed, larger-than-life films, adult-focused themes, reducing the space for children in film narratives or to find a room in any of the flicks. Modern films often explore serious, complex and sometimes dark topics that don’t always suit young characters or stories.
Additionally, the rise of streaming platforms has given rise to diverse content aimed at mature audiences. Though there’s no space for child-centered stories on streaming platforms, where it is largely focused on adult-driven narratives, leaving family-friendly, child-centric films behind.
ALSO READ: Happy Children’s Day: Bollywood Child Artists Who Grew BIG As Leading Actors
Another reason for the decline in child-centric stories might be the changes in children’s entertainment. Today’s children are more engaged with technology and digital platforms than ever before, which could explain the lack of interest in traditional movie-going experiences that we earlier had with different TV channels cut to now younger audiences are consuming online content.
However, we cannot say stories can’t be made or there isn’t room for child-focused narratives. Stories about today’s issues – like the influence of technology, online safety and friendships in a digital world how that affects to a children – could speak to children today in a way that resonates with modern times.
Meanwhile, it is await to see the interesting narrative coming from Aamir Khan with Taare Zameen Par sequel titled Sitaare Zameen Par. As shared by Khan, the film will center on how over 10 people with disabilities help his character overcome life’s challenges. But it is unclear if it will feature child or adult actors is yet to be seen.
Looking to the Future of Child Actors in Bollywood
Meanwhile, comparatively South Indian cinema is still trying to bring child-centric narratives where child actors play meaningful roles or where backstories include childhood journeys of main characters. Recent movies like Chithha, Jersey, Pyali, Hi Nanna or upcoming Don’t Trouble The Trouble and more show how child actors can still shine if given the chance.
This Children’s Day, let’s hope Bollywood will reimagine the way it tells stories for younger audiences, bringing back memorable and groundbreaking child-centered narratives that inspire, entertain and leave a mark on young minds.
