Avneet Kaur, Anushka Sen, Jannat Zubair; From small screen to streaming stars: How these child actors grew into OTT icons
OTT
entertainment. Their journeys—from daily soaps and reality shows to powerful digital roles—reflect not just personal evolution, but also how India's content landscape has transformed. With diverse roles, global recognition, and dedicated fan bases, these stars are proving that early fame was just the beginning.
Ahsaas Channa: From Divine Roles to Digital Darling
Many remember her as the lovable child in
Oh My Friend Ganesha
and from mythological shows like
Devon Ke Dev... Mahadev
, but Ahsaas Channa has since reinvented herself as a prominent face on the web. With popular shows like
Girls Hostel
,
Kota Factory
, and
Sisters
, Ahsaas has carved out a strong digital identity. Her ability to portray layered, relatable young characters has made her one of the most loved names among Gen Z OTT audiences.
Avneet Kaur: From Dancing Star to Digital Diva
Avneet Kaur began her journey at the age of 8 with
Dance India Dance – Li'l Masters
, impressing everyone with her charm and talent. She smoothly transitioned into
TV
with shows like
Meri Maa
and rose to fame with
Aladdin – Naam Toh Suna Hoga
as the leading lady. Now, she's exploring her place in the OTT universe with projects like
Babbar Ka Tabbar
and
Party Till I Die
, while also maintaining a strong presence across social media platforms.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Jolie-Pitt Family Shows Support For Shiloh's Change
Drivepedia
Undo
Anushka Sen: A Global Face in the Making
Starting with
Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli
, Anushka Sen grew to prominence with shows like
Baal Veer
and
Jhansi Ki Rani
. On OTT, she's impressed with
Dil Dosti Dilemma
and
Crash
, building a strong connect with digital viewers. But Anushka's ambitions now span beyond India. She became the
Honorary Ambassador of
Korean
Tourism in 2023
, and has worked on her first Korean film
Asia
, and show
Crush
. Speaking exclusive to Etimes, Anushka said, 'I like to focus on multiple things and I'm capable of doing that because I love what I do.I feel I'm representing India globally, and that makes me happy.'
Anushka Sen Returns from Cannes in Style
Jannat Zubair: From Phulwa to Fierce Competitor
Jannat Zubair, who won hearts as the little girl
Phulwa
on Colors TV, has steadily built her career with a range of TV roles. As she grew older, she explored reality TV through
Khatron Ke Khiladi
and is currently seen in the reality game show
The Traitors
. With a strong digital following and polished presence, Jannat continues to expand her creative choices.
Siddharth Nigam: From Ashoka to Action-Filled Avatars
Siddharth Nigam started strong with his Bollywood debut as young Aamir Khan in
Dhoom 3
, and quickly became a TV star with roles in
Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat
,
Chandra Nandini
, and
Aladdin – Naam Toh Suna Hoga
. On OTT, he's taken on more stylised, modern roles in series like
Escaype Live
,
Amly
,
Blue Tick
, and
Hai Junoon
, signaling his readiness to experiment and evolve with the times.
Rajat Tokas: From Historical Hero to OTT Explorer
Rajat Tokas became a household name with historical TV dramas like
Dharti Ka Veer Yodha Prithviraj Chauhan
and
Jodha Akbar
. Known for his intense expressions and quiet strength, he's now exploring more nuanced and darker characters in digital storytelling. While his OTT projects are still under wraps, the actor is clearly preparing for a shift in tone and medium.
Mahima Makwana: Quietly Bold, Steadily Rising
Mahima Makwana started young with TV shows like
Balika Vadhu
and
Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke
. Today, she stands tall alongside Bollywood heavyweights like
Emraan Hashmi
and Naseeruddin Shah in her OTT project
Showtime
and the gritty political drama
Rangbaaz
. Speaking to the ETimes, she confessed feeling the weight of responsibility: 'It's like carrying a huge responsibility on one's shoulders. I'm already very critical of my work and push myself constantly. But getting to work with names like Dharma Productions is a dream come true. It's something I never thought was possible—but maybe I manifested it.'
These actors—once beloved as child stars—are now redefining themselves through powerful OTT roles. Their journeys reflect more than personal ambition; they signal a generational shift in Indian entertainment, where screens may have changed, but talent continues to shine brighter than ever. As storytelling evolves and boundaries blur, these young performers stand as proof that early fame doesn't fade—it transforms.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
28 minutes ago
- India.com
WATCH: Yuvraj Singh jokingly warns a content creator for copying Rohit Sharma, video going viral
WATCH: Yuvraj Singh jokingly warns a content creator for copying Rohit Sharma, video going viral Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh humorously warned a content creator famous for imitating Rohit Sharma, during a public event. Their playful exchange was captured on video and is now going viral online. Advertisement WATCH: Yuvraj Singh jokingly warns a content creator for copying Rohit Sharma, video going viral New Delhi: Former Team India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh jokingly scolded a content creator who became famous for imitating Rohit Sharma on social media. A video is going viral on social media in which Yuvraj Singh is seen meeting this content creator face to face. During this, Yuvraj laughingly said, 'Sharma ji's son… when he sees you, he will hit you so hard…'. Both of them posed together and also got pictures clicked for the camera. Got recognition by imitating Rohit This content creator has become famous all over the country for imitating Rohit Sharma, presenting a great mix of cricket and comedy. His funny videos are well liked by the fans, and a large number of people follow him on social media. Advertisement === Yuvraj Singh to Rohit Sharma's look like person : 'Sharma ji ke bete' wo tere Ko dekega na itna marega na tere ke wo itna marega na wo' — ⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) August 11, 2025 Yuvraj's appeal regarding Women's World Cup On Monday, Yuvraj Singh reached the '50 Days to Go' event in Mumbai, which was organized ahead of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 to be held in India this year. Yuvraj said, 'Everyone expects India to win. We should support the women's team as much as we support the men's team. The World Cup is being held in India, so I appeal to all the fans to come and watch the matches and cheer for our team. We want our girls to win.' Advertisement === Presence of veterans in the event On this occasion, BCCI Secretary and ICC Chairman Jay Shah started the program. Current and former stars of Indian cricket participated in the panel discussion. Indian women's cricket legends Mithali Raj, captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues were also present at the event. This World Cup will be of 50 overs, and for the first time since 2016, a senior ICC women's tournament will be hosted in the subcontinent. Earlier, India hosted the Women's World Cup in 1978, 1997, and 2013.
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
The thinking woman: An unwelcome truth
Namrata is a writer, editor, and book reviewer. A published author her stories and articles have been published in various anthologies and magazines. After being an investment banker for a decade she found her true calling in books. With numbers playing in her mind and words throbbing through her veins for close to a decade now she writes, reads, and of course forgets to count them. She is currently working on her debut work of fiction based on Partition. When not reading, she can be found writing about books, music, and films on Twitter @privytrifles LESS ... MORE She thinks. She asks. And suddenly, she becomes a threat. In every sphere of life, the thinking woman is viewed with suspicion. Not because she lacks charm or beauty, but because she refuses to silence her mind. Whether it's in cinema, literature, or even the very interviews that promote women, the message is the same: keep your thoughts light, your questions few, and your opinions palatable. The 'play dumb' script: Acting dumb for popularity It's a bitter truth of Indian popular culture that actresses often feel pressured to 'play dumb' to become more likable and marketable. In interviews, many actresses are subtly — or sometimes overtly — encouraged to downplay their intellect, avoid controversial opinions, and stick to safe, agreeable answers. Compliments pour in for 'sweet,' 'innocent,' or 'simple' answers, while articulate, nuanced responses are met with discomfort or dismissiveness. This expectation is not only unfair but deeply insulting. Women who choose to express themselves thoughtfully risk losing mass appeal. The pressure to conform to this image has silenced many voices. Women who think and speak out: The exception, not the rule Take Vidya Balan, Taapsee Pannu, and Sushmita Sen — three women who have refused to stay quiet. They are outspoken, politically aware, and vocal about feminism, mental health, and social issues. Despite their talent and popularity, their outspokenness often leads to polarized reactions. Vidya Balan, known for portraying strong, complex women on screen, is equally fearless off-screen — speaking openly about women's rights and gender stereotypes. Taapsee Pannu, who speaks candidly about industry politics and social injustices, has faced trolling and backlash for her bluntness. Sushmita Sen, a former Miss Universe and an icon of independence, consistently challenges patriarchal norms with her unapologetic confidence and liberal views. Yet, all three are sometimes labeled as 'too political,' 'controversial,' or 'difficult,' showing how society is uncomfortable with women who think loudly and live authentically. Contemporary Indian literature: Voices that refuse to be silenced The literary landscape in India today features fearless women writers who refuse to simplify female experience or shy away from uncomfortable truths. Writers like Meena Kandasamy and Nivedita Menon bring powerful feminist critiques that challenge caste, patriarchy, and social injustice head-on. Nilanjana Bhowmick's work delves into the complexities of womanhood and identity, refusing to shy away from portraying women who think deeply and live unapologetically. Annie Zaidi, through her essays and fiction, highlights the struggles and resilience of women who question societal norms and demand visibility. Tishani Doshi's poetry and prose explore the intersections of gender, identity, and belonging with a sensitivity that refuses to let women's voices be sidelined. Together, these authors and activists create a chorus of modern Indian women who think critically, ask questions, and demand change — even when the world is uncomfortable hearing them. The real cost: Popularity vs. authenticity The sad reality is that women who ask questions and express strong opinions often lose out on popularity. The system rewards compliance and punishes dissent. Even on social media, the trolling of women who dare to think critically and challenge norms is relentless. This extends beyond cinema and literature. In workplaces, women who negotiate salaries or question policies are branded 'bossy' or 'aggressive.' In politics, outspoken women leaders are constantly scrutinized more harshly than their male counterparts. Why does the world fear a thinking woman? Because a thinking woman is unpredictable. She doesn't fit into neat boxes. She disrupts the comfortable narrative of docility. She forces the world to reflect and sometimes, to change. The discomfort is not because thinking women are threatening by nature, but because they threaten the fragile power structures that rely on silence and obedience. The bright future of thinking women Despite the barriers, the thinking woman is rising. For every troll, there are millions who listen. For every closed door, a new path is carved. For every attempt to dim her voice, her fire only grows stronger. The world may fear her now — but it cannot stop her. Because the thinking woman is here, speaking up, questioning, and demanding a seat at every table. And this time, she's not going anywhere. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Who was Danielle Spencer, child star of the '70s sitcom, who passed away at 60?
Dr. Danielle Spencer , who played Dee Thomas on the hit 1970s sitcom What's Happening!! , died at age 60 after a long fight with cancer. Besides her work on TV, she built a respected career as a veterinarian , spending decades caring for and speaking up for animals. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program She overcame personal tragedy, serious injuries, and health problems to live a life dedicated to helping animals and inspiring her fans with her strength and determination, as per a report by Forbes. How did Danielle Spencer become famous? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Danielle Spencer was born in the Bronx, New York, on June 24, 1965. She was cast as Dee Thomas, the smart and funny younger sister on ABC's What's Happening!! when she was only 11 years old. The sitcom, which ran from 1976 to 1979, was loosely based on the movie Cooley High. It followed three Black teenage friends as they dealt with life in Los Angeles. Spencer's sharp, sassy, and lovable portrayal of Dee quickly made her a fan favorite, as per a report by Amsterdam News. ALSO READ: Taylor Swift new album release date: When are the new playlists coming out - here are key details Live Events The show came back in the middle of the 1980s as What's Happening Now!!, and Spencer played Dee again, this time as a college student. She was on the sequel until it ended in 1988, which made her a part of television history. What problems did she have to deal with outside of the spotlight? Spencer's journey was not easy. During the second season of the show, on September 6, 1977, she was in a terrible car accident that put her in a coma for three weeks and killed her stepfather, Tim Pelt. It took her six months to get better, but she was determined to get back to acting, as per a report by Amsterdam News. ALSO READ: iPhone 17 set to break records, and your wallet, in shocking US price hike Years later, she had more health problems. She had partial paralysis from spinal stenosis, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and beat it with chemotherapy, and had to have emergency brain surgery in 2018 to remove a hematoma that was connected to her earlier accident. Through it all, she stayed strong and positive, which inspired both her fans and friends. How did she go from being a TV star to a vet? Many child stars had a hard time finding a new identity, but Spencer took a completely different path. Her late stepfather pushed her to become a veterinarian. She first took pre-veterinary courses at the University of California, Davis, and then graduated from Tuskegee University Veterinary School in 1996, as per a report by Amsterdam News. From a young age, it was clear that she loved animals. "I've always been good at taking care of animals and been curious about how the body works," she said in an interview in 1985. She worked as a veterinarian for almost 30 years, becoming a well-known figure in animal care and a supporter of animal rights. A legacy of kindness and strength Haywood Nelson, Spencer's friend and former co-star on What's Happening!!, confirmed her death. He played Dwayne Nelson on the show. He called her "our Shero" and praised her as a loving, smart, and practical warrior in a touching tribute. Danielle Spencer's life showed both determination and kindness, from being a child star to healing animals. Her work, her advocacy, and the happiness she brought to people and pets will live on in her memory. FAQs What was the cause of death for Danielle Spencer? She died at 60 years old after a long battle with cancer. What did Danielle Spencer do after acting? She became a veterinarian in 1996, focusing her career on animal care and advocacy.
