When Tara L. Venkatesan performed at a concert in Delhi recently to raise funds for cancer patients, she got a thunderous applause from the audience. “Kids should do what they love to do for a cause,” said the 13-year-old soprano philosophically.

While friends of Tara — whose grandfather was the former Indian President, R. Venkataraman — were busy watching films or attending parties, she practised her notes. She’d had her heart set on Western classical music ever since she went to an opera at the age of five. A student of the American International School in Delhi, Tara juggles multiple activities along with her academics.

LITTLE CHAMPS: (Clockwise from top) Utsav Lal; Tara L. Venkatesan and Arushi Bhatnagar

But like quite a few other talented youngsters, she is willing to merge her art with a cause. At the Music 4 Kids by Kids concert in Delhi, Tara wasn’t just doing her bit for people affected by cancer. She even dedicated her show to the victims of Mumbai’s November 26 terror attacks.

Utsav Lal, a 16-year-old pianist, has been supporting causes and organisations such as the National Association of the Blind, Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Spastics Society and the World Mercy Fund with his exceptional talent. One of India’s youngest concert pianists, he is at present studying at St Michael’s College, Dublin.

Creative pursuits for Tara and Utsav do not end up just as a hobby. They are giving vent to their creativity, raking in applause and spreading a social message in the bargain. Art exhibitions, concerts, music recitals, dance shows .... they have their plate full.

Today, age is no bar when it comes to creative expression. Arushi Bhatnagar, listed as the world’s youngest professional artist in the Guinness Book of World Records, held her first art exhibition when she was 11 months old. “We gave her colours so as to keep her occupied and soon 52 pieces of artwork went on display,” says her father, Shailendra Bhatnagar. Now six, this Pune-based young artist’s works are sold online.

Thomas Zacharias is another youngster whose art has a heart. The 11-year-old Delhi boy had his first art exhibition titled “Three Easels,” along with two other youngsters, in Delhi last December. Thomas, whose sketches touched on the 26/11 terror attacks, has also taken up the cause of the environment through his paintings. “But I never painted with an art exhibition in mind. Though I enjoyed my moment of fame, it got over when I picked up my (school) books,” says Thomas.

Tara, after enjoying her share of fame, is equally nonchalant. “I do what I enjoy doing,” says the eighth grader. Arushi Bhatnagar still doesn’t understand the significance of her record as she happily poses for photographs.

Recently, after a controversy over the exploitation of children appearing on television reality shows, the Maharashtra government set guidelines for production houses on the treatment of child artists in cinema and television. The guidelines stated that children should be shooting for only a few hours every day and use less make- up. It was recommended that a child counsellor be present on sets.

But there are no such norms for child artists outside the gambit of television and films. So is there mounting pressure on these youngsters to perform — and can the kids cope? “I am not pushed to do something which I otherwise do not want to do,” says Thomas, who cuts on his play time for his art.

“If you are committed to your art you will enjoy gruelling time schedules as well,” reasons Meera Gurvayur, an Indian classical dancer from Kerala, who gave her first stage performance at the age of seven. “I wake up at 4 am and practise for two hours before leaving for school. I follow a strict timetable and do get to watch television as well,” says the Class X student.

Being busy with their schools, assignments, project work and exams, they have learnt time management skills rather early in life. They neither miss out on their homework nor on playtime. “Though it does mean that I have to put in a bit of extra effort, that’s something I know I have to do,” says Utsav. Tara attends fewer parties and watches no television. “I do watch movies but I am crazy about reading and visiting museums.”

Child psychologists say that pressure in any form can have a negative impact on children. “Children do suffer from performance anxiety, be it academics or extra-curricular activities,” says Dr Samir Parikh, consultant psychiatrist, Max Healthcare, Delhi. “Any kind of excessive work from a young age would lead to burnout,” warns Dr Parikh, who has counselled several school-going children.

Not everyone agrees. “My daughter is full of energy and wants to do so much more,” says mother Lakshmi Venkatesan about Tara. “In fact I have to ask her to slow down,” says Venkatesan, who ensures that Tara pays sufficient attention to her studies, diet and sleep.

The significance of academics is not lost on these young stars. “My parents support my musical pursuits but simultaneously emphasise the significance of excellent academic results,” says Utsav. “Our focus is not on making him reach what we believe should be the goal, but being behind him on the goal he will determine for himself,” adds his mother, Sangita Lal, who left her job to accompany Utsav to all his national and international concerts.

The ride has never been smooth, but the youngsters don’t mind taking the rough road to chase their dreams. As Utsav puts it, “I have to work hard to master and develop my music skills, but it’s been a great exhilarating ride.” For these children nothing is too early in life.