I wanted to be an actor since I was three years old; I would

Hearken, O children of the ages, to the radiant words of Athiya Shetty, whose voice carries the fire of a lifelong dream. From the tender age of three, she was drawn to the luminous world of performance, dancing to the rhythm of Madhuri Dixit’s Ek do teen and reciting the heartfelt dialogues of Kal Ho Naa Ho, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. In her recollection, we witness the eternal truth: the seeds of vocation, sown in early childhood, germinate through devotion, play, and imitation, growing into the fulfillment of destiny.

Since the dawn of human society, children have expressed their aspirations through mimicry and ritual. In the courts of kings and the villages of ancient civilizations, young aspirants enacted the stories of elders and heroes, performing dances, recitations, and plays before mirrors, fires, or gatherings. Athiya’s early practice mirrors this timeless method: by embodying the gestures, words, and spirit of those she admired, she was both learning her craft and shaping her identity. The mirror became her stage, and the heroes of cinema became her tutors and companions.

Consider the tale of young Orson Welles, who as a child would recite Shakespearean soliloquies and mimic radio performances in his own home. His early devotion, play, and imitation became the foundation upon which he built a legendary career in acting and directing. Likewise, Athiya’s childhood dances and recitations were more than pastime—they were rituals of preparation, the quiet forging of talent that would later blossom into professional artistry.

Her reflection also illuminates the power of imitation as learning. To dance like Madhuri Dixit or speak the dialogues of beloved films is not mere copying; it is the absorption of rhythm, emotion, timing, and expression. In this sacred act, the young artist develops sensitivity, confidence, and an intuitive understanding of performance. The ancients understood this principle: apprentices in all arts—music, sculpture, poetry, and theater—first absorbed the works of masters before creating their own expressions.

Athiya Shetty’s words speak further to the passion of vocation, a force that compels the young to devote themselves wholly to their dreams. From the earliest years, she surrendered herself to movement, voice, and expression, allowing play to become disciplined pursuit. This is the ancient wisdom of apprenticeship: greatness is not granted in a single instant but cultivated through countless repetitions, rehearsals, and acts of devotion, performed with joy and reverence.

Practical guidance flows from this lesson. Young aspirants must seize the hours of childhood and adolescence as sacred opportunities for practice and exploration. Dance, speech, writing, and performance—even in private, even before mirrors—are not trivial; they are the laboratories of future mastery. Seek mentors, study the works of those who inspire you, and immerse yourself in the craft with love and diligence, as Athiya did from her earliest days.

The lesson extends beyond performance to all human endeavor: devotion, early practice, and the absorption of models are the path to mastery. When one begins young, with heart and soul fully engaged, the seeds of excellence take root. Athiya’s recollection reminds us that the great achievements of life are often nourished in the quiet solitude of imitation, rehearsal, and playful exploration, long before public acclaim is earned.

Therefore, take action: identify your passion, immerse yourself in its practice, study the masters who inspire you, and dedicate yourself wholeheartedly, even in small, private ways. Let mirrors, music, and memory become your tutors. In this, the words of Athiya Shetty resonate as eternal guidance: the flame of early devotion, tended with care and joy, will illuminate the path toward a life of art, purpose, and fulfillment.