In a startling revelation that highlights the intense pressures of advertising and film industries, Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon recently shared a disturbing incident from her early career involving child actor Aftab Shivdasani during a high-budget Cadbury commercial shoot.
The Chocolate Overdose Incident
During an appearance on Zee TV's popular talk show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, Tandon recounted the traumatic experience that occurred before either actor had made their Bollywood debut. The incident took place on an expensive, completely white set for a Cadbury chocolate advertisement where a young Aftab Shivdasani, then only 10 years old, was required to repeatedly eat chocolate for multiple takes.
The situation escalated when the child actor consumed excessive amounts of chocolate during 20-25 retakes, eventually leading to severe nausea and vomiting sensations. Tandon described in Hindi how "Aftab itne chocolate retake kar chuka tha ki usko ulti aa rahi thi" - meaning Aftab had eaten so much chocolate during retakes that he began feeling sick.
Panic on the Pristine Set
The pressure intensified due to the immaculate white set that needed to remain spotless throughout the shoot. Tandon revealed the team's anxiety, recalling how they feared severe consequences if anything damaged the set. She quoted the crew's concern: "Safed set tha ekdum... agar set kharab ho gaya to ye hum logon ko sooli se latka denge" - indicating that the completely white set had to remain untouched, or they would face extreme repercussions.
When young Aftab began showing clear signs of imminent vomiting, making gagging sounds described as "wua wua", renowned ad filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar started shouting instructions to prevent any mess on the expensive set. Prahlad Kakkar's panicked commands were clear: 'Don't let him puke on the set... set pe ek drop nahi girna chahiye' - emphasizing that not a single drop should fall on the pristine setup.
Tandon's Instinctive Response
Caught in this high-pressure situation, Raveena Tandon demonstrated quick thinking and compassion. She instinctively put out her hands for the distressed child actor to vomit into, while simultaneously trying to rush away from the valuable set. Describing the chaotic moment, she said: "Fat karke maine apna haath aise aage kiya aur aankhein band kar ke... aur Aftab mere haath pe ulti kar raha hai, thook raha hai woh chocolate... main bhaag rahi hoon."
This meant that in a moment of panic, she extended her hands forward, closed her eyes, and let Aftab vomit the chocolate into her palms while she attempted to run away from the protected set area.
Psychological Impact of High-Pressure Environments
While Tandon shared this as a humorous memory from her past, the incident raises serious concerns about the effects of high-pressure work environments on performers, particularly child actors. To understand the psychological implications, we consulted Arpita Kohli, psychologist and counsellor at PSRI Hospital, who provided expert insights into stress responses.
Kohli explained that high-pressure situations trigger the body's natural stress response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that prepare the body for immediate action. While short bursts of stress can enhance alertness, prolonged pressure clouds judgment as the brain shifts into survival mode rather than thoughtful decision-making.
When asked about intense work pressure scenarios like expensive film sets with tight schedules, Kohli detailed the physical and mental changes: "The hypothalamus signals adrenal glands to release stress hormones, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness. This can temporarily boost performance but leads to fatigue, irritability, and reduced emotional stability if sustained."
The psychologist also addressed why some individuals thrive under pressure while others feel overwhelmed. Personality traits, resilience, optimism, and emotional regulation skills significantly influence how people respond to stressful situations. Those with perfectionist tendencies often struggle more than those who view pressure as a challenge.
Long-Term Consequences and Coping Strategies
Regarding repeated exposure to high-pressure environments, Kohli warned about the risks of chronic stress mode, which can lead to emotional exhaustion, burnout, poor sleep, and deteriorating mental health. Long-term effects include difficulty with emotional regulation, strained relationships, and declining day-to-day functioning.
For professionals in demanding fields like entertainment, Kohli recommended proactive stress management strategies:
- Taking regular breaks and practicing mindfulness exercises
- Setting realistic goals and maintaining clear boundaries
- Prioritizing good sleep, nutrition, and physical activity
- Acknowledging emotions rather than suppressing them
- Seeking professional help when stress becomes overwhelming
The incident involving Tandon and Shivdasani, who went on to become successful Bollywood actors, serves as a reminder of the often-hidden pressures in the entertainment industry, particularly for child performers. As Aftab Shivdasani's career progressed, he appeared in numerous other advertisements as a child actor, most notably for Cibaca toothpaste and Coca-Cola, though the Cadbury commercial remains one of his most memorable early works.
This revelation comes alongside other personal reflections from Raveena Tandon, including her decision to turn vegetarian over eleven years ago, which she described as a realization that "just hits you one day."
