New kids on the block

Sandeep Sinha

Kanishka Bhagat is just nine years old and is featuring in Neeru Bajwa-Tarsem Jassar-starrer Punjabi film Uda Ada, which has been directed by Kshhitij Chaudhary. Along with her 11-year-old brother Abhay Bhagat, they are part of the child cast in the film — essaying the roles of Tanya and Lakshya.  

The child artistes earned their break after an audition with Shivi Mahajan of SG Dance Academy, who is helping them out with it. Kanishka was required to send a video of hers and was selected after it passed muster while Abhay bagged the role on the spot, after singing a song.

“It is fun acting in films,” says Kanishka while revealing that Neeru Bajwa calls her ‘Sweetie’ on the sets. The brother-sister duo has also acted in the film Atte Di Chiri directed by Harry Bhatti, featuring Neeru Bajwa and Amrit Mann. This time, the shooting is taking place in Manimajra at RIMT World School. Uda Ada is slated for release on December 20.

Kanishka has also acted in a song album directed by Sanjeev Bhardwaj and has offers for three more from him. The brother and sister duo is clear that while they are enjoying their foray into films, they will first finish their studies first. Kanishka wants to become an IPS officer like her grandfather Lekhraj Bhagat, while Abhay wants to emulate his father Kuldeep Bhagat, who is Commissioner, EPFO, presently posted in Bathinda. The family lives in Sector 30, Chandigarh, and the kids study in St Joseph’s Senior Secondary School, Sector 44.

Their mother Rekha Bhagat says she is happy that her children have got a break in films opposite famous stars even if the roles are in bits and pieces. “Small beginnings may lead to bigger things,” she says exuding optimism, but at the same time making it clear that their studies will not be compromised.