If you enjoyed Chachi 420, starring Kamal Haasan and Tabu, you must remember the duo’s on-screen daughter in the film. But do you know who that adorable little girl was? It was Fatima Sana Shaikh, long before she delivered a powerhouse performance as Geeta Phogat in the movie Dangal. Additionally, as a child artist, she acted in several movies, including Bade Dilwala (1999), Khoobsurat (1999), and One 2 Ka 4 (2001). However, her journey as a child actor wasn’t easy. Recently, in a candid interview with Filmfare, Fatima revealed the dark side of showbiz. Here’s what Fatima Sana Shaikh shared about her experience as a child actor on film sets.

Related: Did You Know Fatima Sana Shaikh’s First Movie With Aamir Khan Was NOT ‘Dangal’?

“I was working 15 hours a day”

On being asked about the situations Fatima Sana Shaikh was exposed to as a child actor, she said, “I was working 15 hours a day. You’re exposed to so much. Conversations you shouldn’t be a part of; people are not mindful of children.” She further elaborated on the kind of conversations she overheard. “They (adult actors and crew members) are living their life. It’s just a random conversation about relationships, per se. You’re discussing your life’s intimate issues in front of an 8-year-old kid. So, people are not mindful,” she said.

Even though Fatima’s parents were with her on film sets, she said, “After a point, you don’t know about the kid. If you ask a kid to sit here and they run around the set and come back to you, you don’t know where they wandered. And sets are a playground.” According to Fatima, such situations were difficult both for her and her counterparts at that time. Are these issues still prevalent today for child actors?

The evolving reality of child actors today

Fatima highlighted how different life is for child actors now compared to her time. “Now, there are several rules and mandates, like schooling and working hours, to protect child actors on sets. Furthermore, it is a must for parents or any guardian to be on the set while their child is working. Or there should be some elder person present with whom the child can share if they face any abuse on the set,” she explained.

Fatima Sana Shaikh on discrimination on film sets

The actor revealed the harsh criticism child actors are exposed to on sets. She said, “You are judged on your looks. If you’re going for an audition as a 6-year-old kid, and you hear, ‘This child isn’t beautiful. Put them under the category of fat people. Or this one is a nerd and a bit ugly. So, put them in another category.’ So, they are extremely insensitive.” Fatima further remarked how this leads to self-image issues while kids are already undergoing bodily changes by the age of 11. She shared how “before the audition tape reaches the director, there are 10 directors.” This is because everyone in the casting team is highly judgemental of the kids. However, Fatima reflected on how the system has changed ever since. She appreciated current casting directors for creating a safe space for upcoming actors.

“After a point, I didn’t want to work”

Fatima revealed she discontinued working for a while in films as a young actor. “I stopped working as I was exhausted. After a point, I didn’t want to work. I didn’t want to go on sets as I was fed up.” Fatima longed for friends of her age. “Because I’ve been around people who are older. So, I didn’t know what it’s like to have friends of my age,” she said.

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