Avneet Kaur, Anushka Sen, Jannat Zubair; From small screen to streaming stars: How these child actors grew into OTT icons

Time of India

2 days ago

Once known for their innocent faces on Indian television, these child actors have gracefully grown into confident, versatile performers in the fast-paced world of
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.
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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.