Behind the Big Screen: The Untold Stories of Bollywood’s Child Actors is an unflinching dive into a world that dazzles on the surface but is marked by silence, struggle and emotional upheaval beneath. The book pieces together decades of hidden histories—stories of children who became household names long before they understood the meaning of work, fame or sacrifice. Through intimate interviews, archival discoveries and expert perspectives, it reveals how early stardom shaped lives in ways both extraordinary and devastating. More than a chronicle of film nostalgia, it is a piercing examination of what happens when innocence meets an industry driven by ambition, economics and relentless expectations. The narrative not only revisits forgotten legends and overlooked talents but also questions the systems that shaped them, creating a portrait of childhood in cinema that is as compelling as it is unsettling.

A Rare Look Behind the Glitter

This book is a deeply revealing and emotionally resonant exploration of a world we have long admired but seldom understood. Spanning eight decades of Indian cinema, the book uncovers the hidden, often painful realities behind the smiling faces and effortless performances of Bollywood’s child stars. With meticulous research and layered storytelling, the authors present a powerful portrait of what early fame truly demands from children who are thrust into an adult world far too soon.

A Foreword That Sets a Compassionate Tone

Prakash Jha’s thoughtful foreword lays the emotional foundation for the book. Known for his political and socially charged films centred on adults, Jha reflects on his meaningful but limited experiences working with children on sets, and on how those encounters opened his eyes to the emotional burdens young actors carry. He acknowledges the gap between the onscreen charm of child performers and the off-screen complexities they face, urging readers to question the unseen costs of cinematic brilliance. His words frame the book as a necessary mirror, inviting us to witness both the victories and vulnerabilities of children who entertained generations.

Stories That Haunt and Humanise

The book journeys through a range of stories—some heartbreaking, some uplifting, all deeply human. Daisy Irani’s devastating revelation of being raped at age six by a guardian is one of the most searing accounts, confronting readers with the darkest corners of an unregulated film industry. Equally distressing are the experiences of Baby Naaz, who attempted suicide twice before she turned ten, and the emotional and financial exploitation endured by Khushbu Sundar, Sarika, and others. Yet the narrative also covers those who found moments of joy in their work, even as they grappled with fading stardom, unstable adolescence, and identity crises. Junior Mehmood, Jugal Hansraj, Master Manjunath, and National Award-winner Sharad Goyekar represent the fragile balance between early success and its long shadow.

A Layered, Multi-Disciplinary Narrative

What elevates the book beyond a mere collection of interviews is the depth of perspective. The authors skillfully combine personal testimonies with psychological insights, legal analysis, and historical context. This gives the narrative both emotional richness and academic credibility. The writing is empathetic and cinematic, avoiding sensationalism while allowing each story to unfold with natural weight. A valuable appendix cataloguing child actors from 1940–2020 underscores the scale and endurance of India’s child-star phenomenon.

A Sobering Portrait of an Industry Built on Fragile Dreams

Through its pages, the book exposes how Bollywood has long normalised gruelling work hours, disrupted education, financial misuse, and emotional strain for its youngest performers. At the same time, it highlights the resilience of those who rebuilt their sense of self, found alternate careers, or redefined their relationship with fame. Even as the industry has evolved—with better regulation and awareness—the vulnerabilities remain. Fame still arrives too early, and it still evaporates too quickly, leaving young actors to navigate the emotional fallout with little support.

A Landmark Contribution to Indian Cinema Literature

In its essence, Behind the Big Screen is not just a book about films; it is a powerful reflection on childhood, trauma, ambition, identity and survival. It forces us to reconsider how we consume cinema and reminds us that the magic on screen is often built on sacrifices hidden from view. Courageous in tone, compassionate in approach, and essential in subject matter, this book stands as a significant contribution to the literature on Indian cinema. It is moving, unsettling, and profoundly necessary—a work that lingers long after the last page.