Mumbai, July 4 -- In 1988, a 12-year-old boy from the slums of Bangalore took the global cinema world by storm. His name? Shafiq Syed. He played the lead role of Krishna (aka "Chaipav") in Mira Nair's Oscar-nominated film Salaam Bombay!. Discovered by Nair on the streets of Bangalore, Shafiq was paid just Rs. 20 a day and a vada for lunch-but his performance earned him the National Award for Best Child Artist.

Fame Without a Future

Shafiq's raw and emotional portrayal touched millions, yet the recognition didn't lead to more acting roles. After Salaam Bombay, he appeared in just one more film, Patang (1994). That was it. Bollywood, which once applauded him, quickly forgot him. With no support system or connections in the industry, his d...