Young Bradford star Daya S A is helping to raise awareness of children’s mental health through McDonald’s latest national campaign.
The 11-year-old Bradford Grammar Junior School pupil, from Idle, features in ‘The Meal’, a McDonald’s infomercial that aims to reduce the stigma around mental health and promote open conversations among families.
The campaign, which saw McDonald’s remove the iconic smile from its Happy Meal boxes during Mental Health Awareness Week, follows research commissioned by the multinational fast-food chain that reveals that almost half (48%) of UK children feel like they must always be happy, even if they do not want to be.
Daya, a Year 6 pupil at the Frizinghall-based independent school, said: “It felt nice to know that other adults understand and accept children have lots of emotions too – just like adults do.”
Daya is no stranger to the spotlight. The schoolboy is also the voice of Mark Clump in the popular Sky Original kids’ series ‘The Brilliant World of Tom Gates’ and his diverse portfolio includes appearances in a Royal Navy advert and television series ‘Secret Life of 5 Year Olds’.
He is following the path paved by his older sister Isha K A, 12, who began acting at the age of five. Isha’s impressive resume includes performances in the feature film, ‘The Runaways’, adverts and the CBeebies programme ‘Biff, Chip and Kipper’, where she played Anneena. She also voiced Frankie the Cat in the ‘Pip and Posy’ animation, which aired on Channel 5 and won a British Animation Award for Best Children’s Preschool Series. Together, Daya and Isha appeared in the Facebook Portal advert.
The talented siblings, who are both signed to Yorkshire stage school and casting agency, Articulate, in Baildon, dedicate hours each week to their drama, dance and sport commitments around their studies at Bradford Grammar. Daya recently earned a distinction in the LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) Grade 2 exam, while Isha is preparing to take the Grade 4 examination this summer.
Their mum, Raj Kaur, said Isha and Daya have grasped every opportunity. “I’m incredibly proud of them both. Growing up, I didn’t have the same chances, so it’s wonderful to see them thriving,” she said. “Isha sets the bar high with her independence and responsibility, while Daya simply takes it all in his stride.”
Richard Ribeiro, Head of Bradford Grammar Junior School, added: “Daya and Isha exemplify the exceptional talent and dedication we encourage at BGS.
“Their achievements in the entertainment industry are impressive, but what stands out even more is their ability to balance these commitments with their academic responsibilities. They serve as wonderful role models for their peers, demonstrating that with passion and hard work, one can excel in multiple fields. We are incredibly proud of their contributions both in and out of the classroom.”
“They serve as wonderful role models for their peers, demonstrating that with passion and hard work, one can excel in multiple fields.”
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