10 Forgotten Child Stars: From Glory to Oblivion

Shweta Basu Prasad: From winning the National Award for 2002's Makdee to currently being the centre of a prostitution scandal, this former child star is a textbook example of how premature fame often proves destructive for so many showbiz kids. Shweta appeared in the memorable Iqbal (2005), which fetched her a Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and, less memorably, in Vaah Life Ho Toh Aisi (2005) and Darna Zaroori Hai (2006). Then, she disappeared from the Bollywood scene.

She's not alone. Others like Shweta had dream Bollywood runs, beginning with a bang - but their stardom was shortlived and they faded into oblivion with the passing years.

Jugal Hansraj: The heart and soul of 1983 film Masoom became an instant hit but proved to be a star that burnt away all too soon. All grown up, Jugal Hansraj tried his luck as a hero in 1994's Aa Gale Lag Jaa and Papa Kehte Hain (1996). He had some success with Yash Raj Films' 2000 movie Mohabbatein but only minor roles in multi-star films followed. He turned writer and director for box office duds - the 2008 computer-animated film Roadside Romeo and the 2010 outing Pyaar Impossible, starring Uday Chopra and Priyanka Chopra. He recently married his girfriend Jasmine in USA but has not otherwise been heard of.

Darsheel Safary: The pint-sized actor floored everyone with his performance as a dyslexic child in the 2007 film Taare Zameen Par. A star was born - one that had held his own against the redoubtable Aamir Khan - and at one point in time, he was reportedly making as much money as cricketers from endorsements and advertisements. However, the glory was a brief candle and, apart from a role in Deepa Mehta's 2012 film Midnight's Children and a stint on the reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa the same year, we've hardly seen anything of Darsheel on the silver screen.

Parzan Dastur: Remember the adorable turbanator who used to count stars in Karan Johar's Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)? Parzan Dastur, who is also remembered for his Dhara advert, went on to do films like Break Ke Baad (2010) and Sikandar (2009). However, both roles went unnoticed. The teenager is now reportedly vying for a comeback in Bollywood - behind the camera this time - and has joined Karan Johar's production company to learn the basics of production and direction.

Ayesha Kapoor: As the younger version of differently-abled Michelle McNally in the 2005's Black, Ayesha received equal critical admiration as the film's senior actors Rani Mukerji and Amitabh Bachchan. Her subsequent role in Sikandar (2009) went unnoticed and she is reportedly pursuing a career in accessory designing.

Baby Guddu: Real name Shahinda Baig, the actress was one of the most adorable child artistes in the ‘70s and the ‘80s, featuring in films such as Paap Aur Punya (1974), Kudrat ka Kanoon (1987), Pyar Ka Mandir (1988), Shoorvir (1988), Ganga Tere Desh Mein (1988) and Jurm (1990). She ended her film career with 1991 film Inspector Dhanush and reportedly lives in Dubai now.

Master Bittoo: Real name Vishal Desai, the actor stole the hearts of the audience in popular films such as Amar Prem (1972) Chupke Chupke (1975), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Mr. Natwarlal (1979), Do Aur Do Paanch (1980) and Yaarana (1981). His final appearance was in the 1997 film Aakhri Sanghursh and, last heard, will reportedly direct a movie for BR Films.

Alankar Joshi: Best known for playing the young Amitabh Bachchan character in Yash Chopra's Deewar (1979), Alankar appeared in over 100 films, including Dream Girl, Don, Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, Andaz, Bachpan and Zameer. He faded away after the 1987 film Satyamev Jayate. His sister Pallavi Joshi emerged as a popular television star while Alankar is now an IT guru and owns a software business spread across the world.

Aditya Narayan: The son of Udit Narayan, he played Mahima Chaudhary's younger brother in the 1997 hit film Pardes. This was followed by a role as Salman Khan's son in Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1998). In 2010, he acted in Vikram Bhatt's Shaapit. The movie went noticed and Aditya continued to remain on the fringes of stardom with a more successful alternate career as a playback singer. He reportedly assisted filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Ram-Leela (2013) and sang the songs Ishqyaun Dhishqyaun and Tattad Tattad.

Master Satyajeet: Satyajeet Puri was a popular child actor and made his debut at the age of six in Satyen Bose's film Mere Lal in 1966. He also appeared in films such as Khilona (1970), Anuraag (1973), Hari Darshan (1972) and Bidaai (1974). He graduated to grown up roles in ‘80s and ‘90s films such as Arjun, Khoon Bhari Maang, Shola Aur Shabnam, Dulaara, and Zameer with little success. He will reportedly direct a biopic of Major Dhyan Chand, with Shah Rukh Khan tipped to play the hockey legend.