The talented Indian child artist Khushi Bhardwaj, recently seen in the 2023 film ‘Tiku Weds Sheru’, is now set to shine on screen in her exciting new movie, ‘Baby John’. She will share the spotlight with incredible Bollywood stars such as Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Jackie Shroff.
In an exclusive interview with News 24, she shared her journey as a child artist and expressed her excitement about starring in a big-banner movie with such a talented cast.
When asked about her experience with actor Varun Dhawan on the sets of Baby John, who is popularly known as a prankster, what are some notable instances where his prankster nature was on full display during the shoot of Baby John? Were there any moments when his jokes caught his co-stars off guard or unexpectedly crossed a line? She kindly answered, “I had the opportunity to work with Varun Dhawan Sir on the project Baby John – although my role was brief and our interactions were limited, I did not get to witness much of his prankster side. However, one moment from the Kochi set really stood out for me. Varun Sir went out of his way to pull out a chair for me, which was such a thoughtful and humble gesture.”
She further added: “From what I observed, he is genuinely down-to-earth and kind despite his massive success in the industry. His professionalism and respect for everyone on set were evident throughout. Varun Sir’s humility and grounded nature are truly inspiring, especially for young artists entering the industry. He shows us that it’s possible to achieve great things while remaining humble and respectful. Working on Baby John was a reminder that true success isn’t just about talent, but also about kindness and how you treat others.
Later, during our conversation, when asked whether it is justified for TV actors who transition to OTT platforms or Bollywood to feel demeaned or insulted when referred to as ‘TV artists,’ considering their initial success and recognition came from television serials. She replied: “I think television acting deserves more recognition for its unique challenges. TV actors work on long-term character arcs, often across multiple seasons, which requires a lot of versatility and consistency. Unlike film, where roles are typically shot in a few months, TV requires actors to deliver strong performances on tight schedules, sometimes shooting multiple episodes in a single week.”
“Also, the collaborative nature of TV means actors often adjust to new directors, writers, or plot twists without much prep time. It’s a fast-paced, demanding medium, and yet it doesn’t always get the recognition.” she added.
Growing up as a child artist, we asked how she and her parents determined what roles were age-appropriate for you. Were there any specific boundaries or guidelines in place to ensure your comfort and well-being, mainly regarding sensitive or mature themes? She mindfully replied: “When it comes to choosing roles, my mom plays a significant role in the decision-making process. She ensures that I’m comfortable with both the character and the age range specified for the part. Her presence on set has been invaluable, offering constant guidance and support.”
We later asked about her experience working with Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Avneet Kaur in Tiku Weds Sheru. What was the selection process like for her role, and what specific challenges did she face in bringing the character to life? Recalling her past, she answered, “Working on Tiku Weds Sheru is a project I will always cherish. I had the privilege of working alongside Nawazuddin sir and Avneet Kaur over a schedule of 26 days.”
“If I talk about Nawaz sir, he is one of the most humble people I’ve ever met. Despite his immense success, he always took the time to check in on me, asking how I was doing. It was a truly heartwarming experience. As for Avneet di, she is the sweetest person I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She constantly appreciated my work and treated me like her sister, offering support and kindness every step of the way. Both of them made the experience incredibly memorable, and I’ll always be grateful for their warmth and generosity.” she added.
We concluded by asking about her New Year’s resolutions; as the year comes to a close, so are there any unresolved goals or aspirations from this year? She said, “As for New Year’s resolutions, I don’t usually make any. I prefer to take things as they come. However, I do have a few goals for the upcoming year. My primary focus is on studying hard and performing well in my 12th board exams. Alongside that, I’m excited about working on a new project that’s coming up, and I’m looking forward to the opportunities it will bring.”
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