Meet The Child Artists Who Stole The Spotlight At The National Awards 2025

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At the 71st National Film Awards, five child actors were recognised for their roles in films from different parts of the country and across genres. Each played a character that was central to the film's story, whether set in the past, present, or future. The awards highlight a year where children featured not only in the cast but at the centre of storytelling. Here's a closer look at the young actors who received the Best Child Artist award in 2025 and the roles they played.

Kabir Khandare - "Gypsy" (Marathi)

In "Gypsy", Kabir Khandare plays Jyotya (also spelled Jotya), a seven-year-old boy from a nomadic tribe. His family relies on begging for food, and he becomes fixated on the smell of fresh, hot meals-even when the food itself is stale or spoiled. That focus drives the narrative: the scent becomes a turning point in his life.

Kabir had appeared in multiple short films before this, demonstrating ease in front of the camera. He was cast in "Gypsy" after working with the same director in earlier short-format pieces. During filming in Solapur, Kabir shot barefoot under 42 °C heat for nearly two weeks, walking on rough terrain without visible discomfort.

His effort earned him a Special Jury Mention for Best Actor at the Pune International Film Festival. In addition, he's received Best Child Artist recognitions at various national and international short-film festivals. Soon after, he won the National Award for Best Child Artist for this role. His performance is grounded, quiet, and driven by instinct rather than spectacle.

Sukriti Veni Bandreddi - "Gandhi Tatha Chettu" (Telugu)

Sukriti debuted at age 14 in a small-scale Telugu film called "Gandhi Tatha Chettu". She plays a teenage girl inspired by her grandfather's Gandhian values to save a tree in her village. Her role is central, not supportive. Her work earned her the National Award for Best Child Artist, a Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and attention from film festivals. Though her family is well-known in Telugu cinema, Sukriti's role stands on its own merit. She prepared extensively and approached the character with intent.

Shrinivas Pokale - "Naal 2" (Marathi)

Shrinivas first appeared in Naal (2018), where he earned a National Award at a young age. In Naal 2, he returns as Chaitanya, now a teenager asking deeper questions about belonging and family. His performance feels lived-in and unforced. This time, the award came as part of a shared recognition for the child ensemble in the film.

Treesha Thosar - "Naal 2"(Marathi)

Treesha was around three and a half during filming. She plays Chimi, Chaitanya's younger sister. Her presence is natural, especially in scenes that involve family moments or songs. She was chosen through open auditions and home visits rather than rehearsed coaching. That unpolished authenticity led to a shared National Award.

Bhargav Jagtap - "Naal 2" (Marathi)

Bhargav portrays Mani, a young child with developmental challenges. His casting followed a workshop, and he appears in scenes that explore how a family perceives and cares for him. He delivers a measured, internal performance with full conviction His work, along with Shrinivas and Treesha, was part of a shared award for Best Child Artist.

Each of these performances shares a common thread: child actors given central roles with emotional weight, allowed to behave naturally rather than perform. There was no reliance on spectacle or pressure to deliver standout moments. Instead, the stories and characters were built around their perspectives, and the routines around them were adapted to fit.

That change matters. It means filmmakers are trusting children not as accessories but as the narrative anchors. And it's worth watching what these young actors do next-when given space and story, they can deliver more than most.