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Ahsaas Channa, known for her roles in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Vaastu Shastra, overcame typecasting as a boy in her early career. Now, she stars in Mismatched Season 3 on Netflix, portraying Vinny.
Ahsaas Channa opens up about her journey as a child actor in Bollywood, being typecast in boy roles, and her evolution into a versatile performer.
Ahsaas Channa, known for her versatility and grace, has carved a unique niche for herself in the entertainment industry. While she has garnered acclaim for her roles in web series and television shows in recent years, she remains etched in the memory of Bollywood enthusiasts for her performances as a child artiste. Notable films like Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), Vaastu Shastra (2004), Aryan (2006), My Friend Ganesha (2007), and Phoonk (2008) showcased her immense talent and range. However, her career trajectory as a child actor wasn’t without its challenges, particularly her initial typecasting as a boy in several films.
Ahsaas made a striking debut in Vaastu Shastra, convincingly portraying the son of characters played by Sushmita Sen and JD Chakravarthi. While the role brought her recognition, it also led to a series of boy roles, including in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. Reflecting on her experiences, Ahsaas shared with Bollywood Bubble that the industry pressured her to maintain a boyish appearance, even going so far as to insist she keep her hair short. She revealed, “Since I was four years old, they convinced my mother to let me play a boy. My mom agreed, thinking, ‘She’s just four, what’s the harm?’ After Vaastu Shastra, the film became a hit, and word spread in the industry about a new child actor who was good… But the industry didn’t let my hair grow back, which could have affected me psychologically as a young child.”
Despite this, Ahsaas credited her mother’s guidance for ensuring her sense of identity remained intact. “However, I was always aware of who I was — I knew I was a girl. My mother constantly reminded me, so it didn’t mess with my identity. I went to school and worked on sets as a girl. I was always told that this was acting and just a part of my job. Somehow, it never messed with my head,” she added. Her mother also advocated for an end to the boy roles after Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, but the opportunities at the time were too significant to pass up. “If you get a chance to do a Karan Johar film with Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta, you can’t say no,” Ahsaas explained.
Eventually, the turning point came when her family decided to take a brief hiatus, allowing her to step back from acting as a boy. This break paved the way for her first role as a girl in Ram Gopal Varma’s Phoonk, marking a new chapter in her career.
Currently, Ahsaas can be seen in Mismatched Season 3. In the latest season, Ahsaas Channa returned to portray Vinny, the girlfriend of Anmol. This season offered a deeper dive into Vinny’s character, shedding light on her backstory, personal interests, and inner struggles. Ahsaas described Vinny as a layered and intriguing personality who, despite lacking complete confidence or clarity in her life, stood out for her strong moral values and unwavering sense of right and wrong.
The season also focused on the evolving relationship between Anmol and Vinny, capturing the essence of young love and the obstacles they encounter. The portrayal highlighted the emotional complexities and growth of their bond, adding depth to the narrative.
Currently streaming on Netflix, Mismatched Season 3 showcases Ahsaas Channa alongside Rohit Saraf and Prajakta Koli, delivering yet another captivating installment in the popular series.
