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By Kerry Kubilius, About.com Guide to Eastern Europe Travel

Cleopatra Stratan - 3 Year Old Romanian Child Star

Sunday December 31, 2006
I normally don't like the idea of child stars - making children into national (or international) sensations is exploitative and has a somewhat undetermined effect on their psychology. But there is a difference between the typical Western child star and the new Romanian underage heart-breaker.

Cleopatra Stratan, the 3 year old who has hit the Romanian music charts big, seems to have become famous because her childlike singing and childlike charms are something different . . . she has not been made into a miniature adult, given the wardrobe of a sex symbol, or been thrust into the latest gore-ridden horror flick. In Eastern Europe, children are still children and generally must be protected as such; Cleopatra's father has refused monetary offers to market her. With her oversized suitcase, pink plastic sunglasses, and disheveled pigtails, Cleopatra is singing an innocuous song about a missing person named Ghita, who could be her big brother, uncle, or friend - no innuendos here. Even though it's obvious her voice has been engineered to a certain extent, she's still adorable.

"Ghita" Video - Cleopatra Stratan
(English lyrics)

Comments

March 9, 2007 at 8:21 pm
(1) Ala says:

Cleopatra is Moldovan, not Romanian. Some blur the line for convenience, but it is an independent country, and I feel it’s a bit disrespectful to fail to recognize it as such.

June 26, 2007 at 11:56 pm
(2) lramos98 says:

same thing

November 28, 2007 at 1:08 pm
(3) jane linsea says:

i agree with the previous comments

July 23, 2008 at 2:11 pm
(4) bassarabian says:

Perhaps the previous comments made by a patriots of a communist run Bassarabia, which they call the republic of Moldova. The fact is that bassarabian moldovans are the same people as romanian moldovans separated by Stalin, therefore it is irrelevant how to introduce this talented child. It should be decided either by Cleopatra herself or her parents. The fact that her talent was discovered and promoted in Romania speaks for itself.

August 28, 2008 at 9:52 pm
(5) Dana Garner says:

and you, Ala, judging by the name, I assume, are Russian :-) and this is why you are so upset that she is labelled ‘Romanian’. How convenient for you to call ‘Moldova’ independent, especially when you’re a Russian yourself, isn’t it :-) though you’d much rather have Moldova as a Russian province or …well, at least ’satellite’ :-) I am afraid it ain’t gonna happen though :-) The girl sings in Romanian, so this is what’s important here, she definitely doesn’t sing in Russian :-) or in ‘Moldovan’ for there is not such a thing as ‘Moldovan’ language. So, I see no grave error in calling her ‘Romanian’. She’s ethnic Romanian from Moldova, ok? Does this sound better to you? Same like there are ethnic Hungarians in Romania and they like to be recognized as such, so Cleopatra is ethnic Romanian from Moldova. So, there, hope I have put to rest your ‘metaphysical restlessness’ re: this little girl’s origins.

January 7, 2009 at 7:00 pm
(6) Dutch Boyd says:

The girl is too cute! I definitely wish her good things. I put up a fansite at CleopatraStratan.com with the Ghita video4 and English lyrics. If anyone knows the family have them get in touch with me because I’ love to get them the domain name to use for her official site.

February 17, 2009 at 9:59 pm
(7) Anna says:

Hello everyone,
Cleopatra was born in Moldova, Please read before you speak. Read her and her perent’s biografy, then you can talk. Cleo is very gifted little girl and adorable. I am sooo happy for her. She is the best.

March 2, 2009 at 6:30 pm
(8) Rony says:

Why you have to discuss bout the religion , caste & birth place, she is just little girl with sweet voice & great art of singin who does not know those things wat you people are talking about , you buddies just enjoy the songs.

April 8, 2009 at 8:37 am
(9) ajaydabs says:

I am indian.. and all I care is, she is brilliant… a girl from romania recommended this song “numar pana uno” (I am still not sure if thats the tital) before few years and since then its my mobile ring tone, and believe me many of my friends ask me that song.. and non of them even know where this girl born.. music and talent never know boundry my friends.

October 7, 2009 at 8:13 am
(10) Bala says:

Hi I really wish this cute angel to have a wonderfull & beautiful days ahead. I wish to have all the success in her future. I admire the charm of this little childs song and whenever I felt boared I used to watch her album and make my self to behappy. Also, This day, I wishing a very happy birthday.. Happy Birthday to my dear cute…..
Thanks,
Bala.M

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