Dance shows and talent shows, in particular dance-based shows, have been accused of showing children in inappropriate ways and allowing them to play the role of adult couples engaging in physical intimacy to the tune of entertainment as well as engaging with dance movements and facial expressions that are not appropriate for their ages.

NCPCR has addressed a complaint an email to Sony Pictures Networks over a YouTube video that showed the clip from an episode of the kids’ dance program Super Dancer -Chapter 3 which airs in Sony Entertainment Television where judges were seen interviewing a minor “vulgar & sexually explicit”

A letter signed by NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo, NCPCR noted that the NCPCR discovered a clip on Twitter of a dance competition called Super Dancer Chapter 3 that was broadcast through Sony Entertainment Television. The judges asked minor children participant in the show inappropriate and sexually explicit questions about his parents while in the audience. The note was addressed to the Grievance Officer at Sony Pictures Networks, Shaeesta Naqvi.

This video has explicit sexual content. The discretion of viewers is recommended.

The commission declared that the majority of the questions offered by the child’s parents were unsuitable and threatening in their manner. In accordance with Section 13 (i)(j) of CPCR Act, 2005, the commission ruled that the channel was in violation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and also the Information Technology Act, 2000. The commission further noted that the material in the film was in violation of the guidelines set out by NCPCR in the “Guidelines for Child And Adolescent Participation In The Entertainment Industry And Any Commercial Entertainment Activity”.

NCPCR ordered the channel to take off the show and provide the commission with an explanation of the reason for these questions being asked by the child who was a who was a participant in a dance program. The commission also directed the channel to not stream similar content on the channel again in the near future. The channel must submit the Commission with an Action Taken Report to the Commission within 7 days of reception of the letter.

Information about the contents of the video

The YouTube video shared via Twitter didn’t contain the entire content that is problematic. Also, we noticed that the video was posted to the child’s YouTube channel. In the first part of the video the child was shown in front of the camera, and then ridiculed by the voiceover that was on the background. As the contestant arrived on stage wearing an Lungi stage, an individual judge Bollywood Director Anurag Basu asked him if the child was wearing any clothing under the garment. He replied that it was underwear and the audience laughed.

The video includes inappropriate content that involves children, so viewers should exercise discretion.

Even though this could be a cause for concern however, the judge did not end there. The boy claimed that the underwear the child was wearing was identical to the father’s. Basu was asked if the underwear is better than the father’s. The kid replied that his own clothes were better than his father’s clothes smelled. Another judge Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty, asked the performer who was the reason he decided to smell the underwear of his father. He replied that the smell was not his own however, he ‘died from the smell and then the judges laughed. The parents, and especially the father, appeared dismayed by this incident, but were unable to take action.

The boy then said “My mother spanks my father after pulling down his pants,” the dialogue could have been prevented from airing but the broadcaster did not want to be a part of the editing. The final judge, Bollywood choreographer Geeta, advised the child by declaring that he was cute and the dad began to look depressed due to the incident.

After the performance, parents were invited to the stage. Asked what his age was the child replied it was five years old. He also said that the parents were his favorite and frequently kissed them in order to show his affection. Basu was asked if he’s father had kissed her mother. The issue could have been easily avoided. The child responded, “No, my father woos my mother on the bed.” The father was embarrassed but did not respond. Shilpa stated that the judge was aware that the father appeared uneasy, however the group smiled. The father was later asked for his opinion, and the father replied “I don’t want to make any comments. The child is just five years old. young. He can say anything the world gives him.”

The problematic content involves child artist

This isn’t the first time this type of material has been featured on TV programs and social media. Gems of Bollywood posted such videos previously also. But, this outrage was not enough to stop the producers of reality shows that involve youngsters from making inappropriate content to promote their products.

Dance shows and talent shows, in particular dance performances, have frequently been accused of portraying youngsters in a way that is inappropriate and requiring them to play the role of adult couples who are intimate to perform as well as engaging with dance movements or expressions completely inappropriate for their years of age. It is unfortunate that these performances get a lot of praise and applause upon by both audiences and judges alike.

In the month of October, 2022, the video of kid musician as well as Instagram celebrity Riva Arora became the talk of the town as she was seen in the bar along alongside the actor Karan Kundrra who is almost the same age as her. Kundrra performed the role of one of her male friends in the clip. In the wake of outrage and an announcement from NCPCR The video was taken down, and her mother also offered an apology.

In the month of February, 2022 Filmfare sponsored a young artist who reconstructed the appearance of Gangubai Khathiwadi in the film. Particularly, Alia Bhatt played the part of a woman who was assaulted sexually by mafia members. Many videos of children replicating the look of Alia Bhatt resulted in outrage across social media. Filmfare took down the video following the outrage but a majority of the material is still available on Instagram.