Actress Sherleen Dutt, known for Beinteha, Shringarika and Honey Trap Squad, began her journey with theatre in Jammu before making a place for herself in Mumbai. This Children’s Day, she talks about her childhood dream, what she would tell her younger self and the values she believes every child should grow up with.

Sherleen’s love for acting began early. “I’ve always been someone who loved expressing myself. Acting wasn’t just about being in front of the camera for me; it was about experiencing different emotions and telling stories,” she said.

The move was not easy. “Coming from Jammu and building a career in Mumbai wasn’t the easiest journey, but I believe that little girl who loved dreaming big was already preparing me for this life,” she said.

Talking about her childhood dream, she said, “My biggest dream was always to become someone who could make her family proud and create her own identity. I wanted to be independent and do something meaningful with my life.” Life did not follow a plan. “Has everything happened exactly as I imagined? Absolutely not! Life has surprised me, challenged me and taught me lessons I never saw coming,” Sherleen said. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I also feel that I’m just getting started. There are still so many dreams left to fulfil.”

If she could meet her younger self, she would offer comfort first. “I would hug her tightly and tell her, ‘Stop doubting yourself. You’re going to be just fine, and one day, the things you’re worried about won’t even matter.’ I would also tell her not to change herself just to fit into someone else’s expectations,” she said.

She added, “Growing up teaches you that not everyone will understand you, and that’s completely okay. I’ve always believed in one thing: Alag hoon, galat nahi. Being different doesn’t mean you’re wrong. I would want my younger self to understand that much earlier.”

For parents, Sherleen has one value at the top of the list. “If there’s one value I would choose, it would be empathy. Teach your children to be kind, not just to people who can do something for them, but to everyone, whether it’s a domestic worker, a stranger, an animal or someone who thinks differently from them,” she said.

She also wants children to be strong from within. “Along with empathy, I think parents should teach children self-respect and independence. Don’t raise children who are afraid to fail; raise children who have the courage to try again. And most importantly, never make them feel that their worth depends on their marks, achievements or society’s approval,” she said.

“A successful child is wonderful, but a kind and emotionally strong human being is an even bigger achievement,” she ended.