The 1970s marked a golden era in Bollywood, and amidst the renowned stars, a group of talented child actors emerged, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. From their heartwarming performances to their adorable presence on the silver screen, these child prodigies captured the hearts of audiences and became the stars of tomorrow. Let’s journey back in time to revisit the top 10 Bollywood child actors of the 1970s, explore their filmography, accolades, and catch up on their current status.
1. Master Raju (Raju Shrestha):
- Parent Names: Information about Master Raju’s parent names is not available in the public domain.
- Birth Location: Raju Shrestha was born in India.
- Early Life and Education: Details about Master Raju’s early life and education are not widely known.
- How to Come in Film: Master Raju entered the film industry as a child artist and became popular for his performances in movies like “Parichay” and “Chitchor.”
- Filmography: Master Raju’s notable films in the 1970s include “Parichay” (1972), “Seeta Aur Geeta” (1972), and “Chitchor” (1976).
- Awards: Master Raju received a Special Mention at the Filmfare Awards for his endearing performance in “Chitchor.”
- Current Status: Raju Shrestha, now known by his birth name, has ventured into various professions post his acting career, and he currently leads a private life away from the limelight.
2. Daisy Irani:
- Parent Names: Daisy Irani is the daughter of film producer Aftab Irani and actress Saguna.
- Birth Location: Daisy Irani was born in Bombay (now Mumbai), India.
- Early Life and Education: Daisy Irani started her acting career as a child artist at the age of four. She received basic education while continuing to act in films.
- How to Come in Film: Daisy Irani’s entry into the film industry was facilitated by her maternal aunt, actress Nargis, who was a prominent figure in Bollywood at that time.
- Filmography: Daisy Irani appeared in memorable films like “Do Phool” (1973), “Aarop” (1974), and “Dharam Veer” (1977).
- Awards: Though Daisy didn’t receive specific awards during her childhood, her performances were critically acclaimed and loved by audiences.
- Current Status: Daisy Irani transitioned into character roles as an adult and has acted in several movies. She is now a respected veteran of the industry and an occasional contributor to Bollywood.
3. Sachin Pilgaonkar:
- Parent Names: Sachin Pilgaonkar is the son of film actors Shalini and Sharad Pilgaonkar.
- Birth Location: Sachin Pilgaonkar was born in Mumbai, India.
- Early Life and Education: Sachin Pilgaonkar started acting at a very young age and hence, his formal education might have been managed alongside his acting career.
- How to Come in Film: Sachin Pilgaonkar entered the film industry as a child actor and gained fame with movies like “Bobby” and “Balika Badhu.”
- Filmography: Sachin Pilgaonkar, also known as Master Sachin, starred in films like “Bobby” (1973), “Naya Din Nayi Raat” (1974), and “Balika Badhu” (1976).
- Awards: Sachin won the National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his remarkable performance in “Bhakta Prahlad” (1967), which falls just outside the 1970s.
- Current Status: Sachin Pilgaonkar has had a prolific acting career and is a prominent figure in Marathi cinema. He continues to act, direct, and produce films.
4. Baby Guddi (Zarina Wahab):
- Parent Names: Zarina Wahab is the daughter of actress Rizwana and writer/filmmaker Saeed Jaffrey.
- Birth Location: Zarina Wahab was born in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Early Life and Education: Zarina Wahab pursued her education alongside her acting career during her childhood.
- How to Come in Film: Baby Guddi (Zarina Wahab) entered the film industry as a child artist, and her association with renowned filmmakers like Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee contributed to her acting opportunities.
- Filmography: Zarina Wahab, fondly known as Baby Guddi in her childhood, appeared in movies like “Gharonda” (1977) and “Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se” (1978).
- Awards: Zarina Wahab received appreciation for her performances, though she didn’t receive specific awards during her child actor days.
- Current Status: Zarina Wahab went on to have a successful career as an actress in Bollywood and other regional film industries. She continues to act in films and television.
5. Master Ravi (Ravi Baswani):
- Parent Names: Information about Master Ravi’s parent names is not available in the public domain.
- Birth Location: Ravi Baswani was born in India.
- Early Life and Education: Details about Master Ravi’s early life and education are not widely known.
- How to Come in Film: Master Ravi entered the film industry as a child actor and became known for his roles in films like “Chhoti Si Baat” and “Gol Maal.”
- Filmography: Master Ravi appeared in memorable films like “Chhoti Si Baat” (1976) and “Gol Maal” (1979).
- Awards: Ravi Baswani, as an adult actor, won the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian for his role in “Chashme Buddoor” (1981).
- Current Status: Ravi Baswani had a successful acting career and is best remembered for his comedic roles. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2010.
6. Master Bittoo (Master Bittoo Sharma):
- Parent Names: Information about Master Bittoo Sharma’s parent names is not available in the public domain.
- Birth Location: Master Bittoo Sharma was born in India.
- Early Life and Education: Details about Master Bittoo Sharma’s early life and education are not widely known.
- How to Come in Film: Master Bittoo Sharma entered the film industry as a child actor and acted in movies like “Aap Ki Kasam” and “Prem Nagar.”
- Filmography: Master Bittoo played significant roles in films like “Aap Ki Kasam” (1974) and “Prem Nagar” (1974).
- Awards: Master Bittoo’s performances were well-received, but he didn’t receive specific awards during his child actor days.
- Current Status: Little is known about Master Bittoo Sharma’s current status, as he chose to lead a private life away from the film industry.
7. Baby Pinky (Roohi Berde):
- Parent Names: Roohi Berde is the daughter of renowned Marathi actor Laxmikant Berde and Priya Berde.
- Birth Location: Roohi Berde was born in India.
- Early Life and Education: Roohi Berde received her early education while being a child artist in the film industry.
- How to Come in Film: Baby Pinky (Roohi Berde) followed in her father’s footsteps and entered the film industry as a child actor, appearing in films like “Majboor” and “Duniya Ka Mela.”
- Filmography: Baby Pinky enchanted audiences in films like “Majboor” (1974) and “Duniya Ka Mela” (1974).
- Awards: Baby Pinky’s performances were praised, although she didn’t receive specific awards during her childhood.
- Current Status: After her acting career, Roohi Berde chose to maintain a low profile, and there is limited information about her current status.
8. Master Alankar (Alankar Joshi):
- Parent Names: Information about Master Alankar’s parent names is not available in the public domain.
- Birth Location: Master Alankar was born in India.
- Early Life and Education: Details about Master Alankar’s early life and education are not widely known.
- How to Come in Film: Master Alankar entered the film industry as a child actor and acted in movies like “Fakira” and “Gharaonda.”
- Filmography: Master Alankar showcased his acting skills in movies like “Fakira” (1976) and “Gharaonda” (1977).
- Awards: Master Alankar’s performances were appreciated, but he didn’t receive specific awards as a child actor.
- Current Status: Alankar Joshi moved away from the film industry after his childhood acting career and leads a private life.
9. Durga Khote’s Granddaughter (Suhasini Mulay):
- Parent Names: Suhasini Mulay is the daughter of renowned Indian classical singer Manik Varma and Pt. Vidyadhar Vyas.
- Birth Location: Suhasini Mulay was born in Patna, Bihar, India.
- Early Life and Education: Suhasini Mulay pursued her education while also being involved in various artistic endeavors.
- How to Come in Film: Suhasini Mulay started her acting career as a child artist and gained fame for her role in the film “Dil Se Mile Dil.”
- Filmography: Suhasini Mulay appeared in the film “Dil Se Mile Dil” (1978).
- Awards: Suhasini Mulay’s impactful performance in “Dil Se Mile Dil” received praise, but she didn’t receive specific awards during her child actor days.
- Current Status: Suhasini Mulay is an accomplished actress in Bollywood and Marathi cinema. She continues to act in films and television.
10. Master Bhagwan:
- Parent Names: Information about Master Bhagwan’s parent names is not available in the public domain.
- Birth Location: Master Bhagwan was born in India.
- Early Life and Education: Details about Master Bhagwan’s early life and education are not widely known.
- How to Come in Film: Master Bhagwan entered the film industry as a child actor and acted in several films, including “Amar Prem” and “Bhikhari.”
- Filmography: Master Bhagwan acted in several films during the 1970s, including “Amar Prem” (1972) and “Bhikhari” (1971).
- Awards: Master Bhagwan’s contributions to the industry were appreciated, but he didn’t receive specific awards as a child actor.
- Current Status: Master Bhagwan, also known as Bhagwan Abhaji Palav, had a prolific career in acting and directing. He passed away in 2002.
Conclusion
The 1970s witnessed a bevy of talented child actors who became the face of innocence and talent in Bollywood. These young prodigies left a lasting impression on audiences and the film industry alike. While some have continued their journey in acting and filmmaking, others have chosen a more private life away from the limelight. Nevertheless, the charm and talent of these top 10 child actors of the 1970s remain etched in the hearts of movie lovers even today.