On Children’s Day, celebrities go back to where it all began — school picnics, childhood dreams and lessons for life
From the heart
Anupama Solanki
On November 14, school authorities took us for picnics or games every year and it was very exciting. When I was a kid, there was no other medium than radio and television, so I have grown up watching actors like Srimti Irani, Amna Sharif, Sakshi Tanwar and many more, and they have definitely inspired my journey into the entertainment industry. I am extremely hardworking, honest, and passionate about my acting, and I think when children pursue the field they are interested in, they will definitely excel.
Passion for singing
Bhawana Aneja
Children’s Day brings back a cherished memory from my childhood. I was in second grade when I won an award for singing. No one in my family knew I had even participated, so bringing home the trophy in a vegetable basket was a complete surprise. My mom was overjoyed, and that moment marked the beginning of my passion for singing. Growing up, I was a Bollywood enthusiast, deeply inspired by Madhuri Dixit, and performing her songs became my stage highlight. That early passion has stayed with me, eventually leading me to the entertainment industry. My parents instilled in me strong values, grounding me with kindness and confidence. They taught me that everyone has their own identity, so I never see others as competition.
Emotional quotient
Rinku Ghosh
Honestly, I had no clear direction as I grew up—I was an average student, and the only thing that truly resonated with me was dance. I thought I might even become a classical dancer someday. Dance inspired me, especially when people appreciated my expression and performance on stage. It gave me a sense of confidence. I've always believed that values and culture should be instilled in children from a young age, as these lessons stay with us for life. My parents taught me to be compassionate and empathetic, guiding me when I did wrong by someone. These values have also shaped my career, helping me connect emotionally with the characters I portray.
Live and let live
Rohit Choudhary
All my memories of childhood are filled with the time I spent playing with my dad. As a child, my dreams and ambitions shifted constantly, but one thing always stayed the same - I wanted to be like a king because my father used to say, ‘Beta, you are my king’.I believe that a person’s character is shaped by the values they grow up with, regardless of their financial situation. It’s essential for children to pursue a creative field or sports alongside academics. This helps them develop a side of themselves that keeps them in a continuous learning phase, which is crucial to keeping them away from unwanted habits. The simple philosophy I follow is to ‘live and let live’. Mistakes are a natural part of life; the key is to learn from them and try not to repeat them.
Fostering creativity
Ekta Tiwari
Children’s Day is a celebration of innocence, joy, and endless potential. Many of us treasure sweet memories of school celebrations, treats shared, games with friends and family, and learning new skills, all encouraged by the love and support of those around us. Our childhood experiences shape us deeply—instilling values like empathy, perseverance, and curiosity. Encouraging children to explore creative pursuits is essential. Engaging in the arts fosters self-expression, builds problem-solving skills, enhances cognitive abilities, and nurtures innovation. Key lessons learned in childhood—like kindness, integrity, and the power of imagination—lay a foundation for personal growth.
