Master Raju, or Raju Shrestha, was one of the most iconic child actors of Hindi cinema who acted in many iconic films like “Parichay,” “Bawarchi,” “Amar Prem,” “Khusboo,” “Chitchor,” “Kitaab,” and many more.
Early Life
Raju Shrestha, born Fahim Ajani on August 15th, 1966, into a middle-class family. His father named Yusuf Ajani, was a chartered accountant, while mother Mehrunissa, a school teacher. Initially credited as Master Raju or Master Rajoo, he began his career as a child actor in the 1972. The period saw him deliver performances that have since become a part of Hindi cinema’s rich legacy.
It was the time when Gulzar Saab was searching for a child actor for his upcoming “Parichay.” Despite meeting many kids he was unimpressed with the usual candidates. According to him, the candidate came over prepared. They lacked the innocence of a five-year-old, which he needed.
Breakrthrough
His family lived in Dongri, an area in south Mumbai where many junior artists used to live. A junior casting agent convinced his father to take him to the audition. Overwhelmed and unprepared, Fahim burst into tears during his meeting with Gulzar. Surprisingly, this genuine reaction led to a second meeting, where Gulzar explained that he wanted a child who truly behaved like a five-year-old. Fahim’s natural response secured him the role in Parichay. His dialogue ‘K for Karna Hai’ from ‘Parichay’ became a catchphrase of the time, endearing him to audiences across the nation.
The great Sanjeev Kumar gave him the name Raju, which he kept as his screen name even after he became an adult, in honour of Sanjeev Kumar.
Raju Shrestha The Superstar
Raju Shrestha’s filmography as a child actor is impressive, with many notable works. In 1972 he acted in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s “Bawarchi (1972),” with a big cast. In Shakti Samanta’s “Amar Prem (1972),” he played the childhood of Vinod Mehra. The famous song “Bada Natkhat hai Ye Kishan Kanhiya,” featured him with Sharmila Tagore. “Khuhsboo (1975),” “Chitchor (1976),” “Kitaab (1977),” and “Kasam Khoon Ki (1977).” His portrayal in ‘Chitchor‘ earned him the National Film Award for Best Child Artist.
Some of his other films include Nafrat (1973), Daag: A Poem of Love (1973), Abhimaan (1973), Faraar (1975), Deewaar (1975), Jeevan Jyoti (1976), Inkaar (1977), Khatta Meetha (1978), Tumhari Kasam (1978), Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se (1978), Chakravyuha (1978), Badalte Rishtey (1978), Nalayak (1978), Aatish (1979), Dhan Daulat (1980), Krodhi (1981), Hamari Bahu Alka (1982), Khud-Daar (1982), Nastik (1983), Woh Saat Din (1983), and Love in Goa (1983).
Despite being most successful as a child artist, Raju Shrestha’s transition into adult roles was marked by a diverse range of characters. He took a sabbatical in the early 80s and returned as an adult in films like Charanon Ki Saugandh (1988), Baaghi (1990), Afsana Pyar Ka (1991), Saathi (1991), Paayal (1992), Balwaan (1992), Anari (1993), Phool (1993), Shatranj (1993), and many more. In most of these films, he acted as a character actor. He continued to grace the silver screen and the television industry with his presence, contributing to around 200 films and several TV series.
Later Career
Although he debuted on TV with the serial “Chunauti” in 1987, he started to act seriously on TV in the 1990s when he couldn’t find good roles in films. He went on to do serials like Zed Horror Show, Chhodo Baat Purani, Byomkesh Bakshi, and Dam Dama Dam. In 1997, he apeared as Narad Muni in Sanjay Khan’s “Jai Hanuman. His versatility as an actor is evident in his performances in “Ssshhhh…Phir Koi Hai,” “Adaalat,” “Bani – Ishq Da Kalma,” “C.I.D.,” “Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap,” “Badii Devrani,” “Nazar 2,” and more recently, “Ziddi Dil Maane Na,” where he plays Prem Deshpremi.
Not just confined to acting, Raju Shrestha also lent his voice to the Hindi-dubbed version of the film ‘Life of Pi’, showcasing his skills as a voice-over artist. His dedication to the craft extends beyond the screen, with a passion for poetry and reading that reflects the depth of his artistic inclinations.
Raju Shrestha is married to Seema Ajani and has a son named Taki.
Raju Shrestha on IMDB
