Punyashlok Ahilyabai: Child Star Aditi Jaltare Opens Up About Balancing Acting Career With Studies
Being a child actor sounds glamorous until you think about the reality – long hours on set, early call times, constant pressure to perform, all while supposedly also being a normal kid going to school and doing homework. Aditi Jaltare, who plays young Ahilyabai in the Sony TV historical drama Punyashlok Ahilyabai, recently talked about how she manages to balance her acting career with her education. The answer seems to be “with difficulty and lots of help from the adults around her.”
Punyashlok Ahilyabai tells the story of Ahilyabai Holkar, an 18th century ruler of Malwa region who is remembered for her administrative abilities and religious contributions. Its the kind of historical show that Indian television does well – elaborate costumes, dramatic storytelling, educational elements about figures from the past. Jaltare plays the childhood version of the character before the lead actress takes over for the adult years.
The Reality Of Child Acting In Indian Television
Indian television production schedules are notoriously demanding. Daily soaps often shoot six or seven days a week with long hours to produce the volume of content needed for regular broadcast. Child labor laws provide some protection for young actors but the nature of the business still means their lives are very different from typical kids their age. School happens around shooting schedules not the other way around.
Jaltare reportedly studies on set between takes and has a tutor who travels with her to ensure she doesnt fall behind academically. Her parents are closely involved in managing her career while trying to maintain some normalcy. Child stars across the entertainment industry face similar challenges – the work is exciting and potentially lucrative but childhood is short and education matters for whatever comes after acting.
What The Industry Should Do Better
Conversations about child actors often focus on the kids themselves rather than the adults making decisions around them. The real questions should be directed at producers, casting directors, and parents – are they prioritizing the childs wellbeing or just their productivity as a performer? Are education requirements actually being met or just checked off on paper? Is there psychological support available for kids dealing with adult work environments?
Jaltare seems to be handling things well from what she shares publicly, crediting her parents and production team for creating a supportive environment. Thats good to hear but shouldnt be exceptional. Every child actor deserves that level of care. The industry tends to self-regulate poorly which is why laws exist, but enforcement is inconsistent and creative scheduling can technically comply with rules while still being exploitative.
Young performers bring something genuine to their roles that older actors cant fake – the natural quality of actual childhood. But extracting that performance has costs for the children involved. The least adults can do is make sure education doesnt become collateral damage and that kids have space to be kids even while working professional jobs. Jaltare seems to have that. Hopefully her story is typical rather than exceptional.
The money children earn acting should be protected too. Horror stories abound of parents spending their kids earnings before they turn 18, leaving successful child stars broke as adults. Some jurisdictions have Coogan Laws requiring portions of earnings be set aside in trust accounts. Enforcement varies and loopholes exist. The industry could do more to protect young performers financial futures but theres no strong incentive when parents are often the ones making decisions.
Jaltare is navigating a path that many have walked before with varying degrees of success. Some child stars grow into successful adult careers. Others burn out or struggle with the transition to normal life. The common thread among those who thrive seems to be strong family support, maintained education, and limits on how much childhood gets sacrificed for career. Time will tell which category Jaltare falls into but the early signs seem positive based on what shes sharing publicly about balance.
