Child Star in the Spotlight: Bhavesh Balchandani

In this edition of BollyCurry's popular section Child Star in the Spotlight, we shine our light on a powerhouse of talent, a child who's made his place in everyone's heart at a very young age. Best known for his stint as the young Ranvi in Ek Veer Ki Ardaas...Veera, Bhavesh Balchandani has truly carved a niche for himself in the industry!

Born on April 17th, 2001 into a modest Gujarati family, this tiny star first faced the camera as a contestant of the reality show India's Got Talent (Colors, 2009). After receiving much appreciation for his talents, Balchandani moved onto Bollywood, and make his debut with the film Ek Thi Daayan (2013). The film was a supernatural thriller starring Emraan Hashmi, Huma Qureshi, Kalki Koechlin and Konkona Sen Sharma in the leads. He was chosen from among hundreds of child actors and underwent rigorous preparations for the same. These included workshops with stalwarts of Indian cinema such as Vishal Bharadwaj, which helped him polish his acting chops. Balchandani played the role of Zubin, a child adopted by Bobo (Hashmi) and Tamara (Qureshi), and it is ultimately Zubin who saves Bobo and himself in the much thrilling climax of the movie. The film was promoted extensively and he received widespread adulation for his character.

Balchandani has also been a part of popular TV shows such as Phulwa (Colors, 2011) and Ek Veer Ki Ardaas..Veera (Star Plus, 2012). He has also appeared in numerous commercials alongside celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan, no mean feat for a child of his age. He is also the recipient of the prestigious ITA Award for the Best Child Star (2013), aside from being nominated for many others.

Writer: Aishwarya S.

Editor(s): Ritchelle C. and Gunia K.   

Graphics: Komal P.