The story of Master Raju represents one of Bollywood's most fascinating journeys from child stardom to adult struggles. Born Fahim Ajani in Mumbai's Dongri area, this non-film background child became one of India's highest-paid child actors during the late 60s and 70s, achieving what many can only dream of.
Early Breakthrough and Name Change
Master Raju's entry into films happened unexpectedly during his audition for Gulzar's Parichay (1972). At just five years old, he cried throughout the audition but impressed Gulzar who appreciated that he behaved his age. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary career. It was veteran actor Sanjeev Kumar who gave him the name Raju during the filming, replacing his childhood nickname Guddu.
Peak Success and Financial Achievements
Following his debut success, Raju's career skyrocketed. He worked with legendary directors including Yash Chopra, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, and Basu Chatterjee, appearing in iconic films like Amar Prem, Daag, Deewaar, and Woh Saat Din. His schedule became incredibly hectic, often shooting for three films simultaneously across different shifts.
The financial rewards were substantial for the young actor. Starting at Rs 10,000 per film in 1973, his remuneration skyrocketed to over Rs 1 lakh per film by 1977. This incredible earning power enabled his family to purchase a house in Bandra, one of Mumbai's most prestigious localities, for Rs 1.10 lakh when he was just six or seven years old.
National Recognition and Star Connections
Raju's talent received official recognition when he won the National Film Award for Best Child Artist for his performance in Chitchor (1976). His interactions with Bollywood legends became part of his daily life. He developed a special bond with Dharmendra, with whom he shared tiffin during film shoots. With Hema Malini, he shared playful moments, even teaching her how to spin a top.
The Challenging Transition to Adult Roles
After taking a break to focus on studies post-9th standard, Raju returned to acting with different aspirations. Tired of playing good boy characters, he deliberately sought negative roles. This decision led to him being cast as a drug addict in the show Chunauti and later in Mahesh Bhatt's Saathi, which unfortunately resulted in him being stereotyped and branded accordingly.
Despite his early success, Raju couldn't establish himself as a leading star in his adult years. He played supporting roles, most notably as Salman Khan's friend in Baaghi (1990), and appeared in films like Anari and Diljale, but never achieved the same level of stardom he enjoyed as a child.
Reinvention in Television
Master Raju found his second calling in television, where he became synonymous with the mythological character Narad Muni. He portrayed this role in nearly 3000 episodes across various shows including Jai Hanuman, Navgrah Puran, and Jai Maa Durgaa. This remarkable transition demonstrated his resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing entertainment industry.
Reflecting on his journey, Raju expressed gratitude that his childhood earnings were wisely invested by his father, providing financial security that continues to benefit him today. His Bandra home remains a testament to his early success and the smart financial planning that ensured his hard work continued to yield returns long after his peak years as a child star.
