As we celebrate Children’s Day, it’s the perfect time to look back at some of our favourite television stars who grew up right before our eyes. From Balika Vadhu’s Avika Gor to Aladdin fame Siddharth Nigam and Jhansi Ki Rani’s Anushka Sen, these actors began as child artists and have blossomed into some of showbiz’s most loved faces.
Updated On: 2025-11-13 04:33 PM IST
Compiled by : Aakruti Bagla
Avika Gor became a household name with her portrayal of young Anandi in Balika Vadhu, a role that made her one of television’s most loved child stars. She later transitioned to the big screen and has been a part of some prominent Telugu films. She recently participated in Pati, Patni Aur Panga and got married to Milind Chandwani.
Bhavya Gandhi started his television career in 2008 with the popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. He appeared as Tipendra Jethalal Gada (commonly known as Tapu). In no time, Bhavya gained immense recognition. He is now working on three Gujarati films.
Ashnoor Kaur's journey began at the age of five with her debut in Jhansi Ki Rani (2009) and included notable roles in shows like Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha, Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev, and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. She has also been a part of some prominent movies, including Sanju. She is currently a part of Bigg Boss 19.
Faisal Khan started his journey as a child artist at age 15, winning the reality dance competition Dance India Dance Li'l Masters season 2. His success on this show led him to act in the historical series Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap.
Anushka Sen began her acting career at the age of eight with Zee TV’s Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli. She gained immense popularity for portraying the young warrior in Jhansi Ki Rani. She has recently gained international recognition as she became a part of some well-known Korean projects.
Navika Kotia forayed into showbiz at the age of six, with early roles in TV shows like Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak? and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, before gaining wider recognition in films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) and English Vinglish (2012).
Roshni Walia has been a part of the entertainment industry since she was seven years old. She made her TV debut with Main Lakshmi Tere Aangan Ki and went on to be a part of shows like Devon Ke Dev Mahadev and Maharana Pratap. Now, at 24, she has marked her Bollywood debut with Son of Sardaar 2.
Aditi Bhatia began her career as a child artist, appearing in films such as Shootout at Lokhandwala, The Train, and Chance Pe Dance. She later rose to fame with her portrayal of Ruhi Bhalla in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, a role she played from 2016 to 2019.
Siddharth Nigam began his career as a child actor in the film Dhoom 3 and quickly gained fame through popular TV shows like Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat and Aladdin – Naam Toh Suna Hoga. He has transitioned into music, recently debuting as a singer and lyricist.
Reem Shaikh’s journey as a child artist began at the age of six in the 2010 TV serial Neer Bhare Tere Naina Devi. She gained recognition for roles in shows like Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat and Tujhse Hai Raabta, eventually transitioning to lead roles in both television and film, including the biopic Gul Makai.
Vishal Jethwa's journey from child actor to film star began with roles in historical television dramas like Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap and progressed to a notable film debut as the villain in Mardaani 2. He started his career as a background dancer on shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs.
Avneet Kaur started her journey in the entertainment world at just eight years old with Dance India Dance Li’l Masters. She soon transitioned to acting, featuring in shows like Meri Maa, Savitri, and Aladdin – Naam Toh Suna Hoga, where she won hearts as Yasmine. Today, she is one of the most popular young stars of her generation.
Jannat Zubair started her acting career in 2008 when she was just six years old with Chand Ke Paar Chalo on NDTV Imagine. She gained recognition as a child artist through Imagine TV's Kashi – Ab Na Rahe Tera Kagaz Kora and Colors TV's Phulwa in 2010 and 2011, respectively. She is one of the most followed influencers now.
Dev Joshi’s journey started in the industry when he was 9 years old. He played a role in the mythological TV show Mahima Shani Dev. He was later seen playing the lead character in Baalveer in 2012. The show became very popular at the time, and Dev Joshi became a household name. He recently got married.
Hansika Motwani began her career as a child artist, featuring in popular television shows such as Shaka Laka Boom Boom and Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand, and appeared in the film Koi... Mil Gaya (2003). She made a successful transition to lead roles with the 2007 Telugu film Desamuduru.