Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

Scene-stealers: Exceptional child performances that shook up Bollywood

TOI Entertainment Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - May 10, 2025, 17:00 IST
Comments
Share
1/5

Darsheel Safary – Taare Zameen Par

The gold standard of child performances in India. As Ishaan Awasthi, a dyslexic child misunderstood by everyone except his art teacher (played by Aamir Khan), Darsheel delivered a heart-wrenching, nuanced act. His performance was so impactful, it sparked nationwide conversations about learning disabilities and education.

2/5

Harshaali Malhotra – Bajrangi Bhaijaan

She didn’t speak a word in the film, but Harshaali Malhotra’s soulful eyes and innocent expressions spoke volumes. As the mute Pakistani girl lost in India, she formed an unforgettable bond with Salman Khan’s character and won millions of hearts across borders.

3/5

Swini Khara – Cheeni Kum

She played Sexy, the wisecracking, terminally ill child who became the moral compass in Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu's unconventional love story. Swini’s mix of innocence and maturity made her unforgettable.

4/5

Tanay Chheda – Slumdog Millionaire

He showed his range playing supporting but significant roles in both an Oscar-winner and a Bollywood classic. In TZP, he was Ishaan’s caring classmate, and in Slumdog, he portrayed the teenage Jamal with impressive depth.

5/5

Zaira Wasim – Dangal

Playing the younger version of wrestling champ Geeta Phogat, Zaira Wasim showed incredible strength and screen presence. Her role laid the foundation for the film’s inspiring story and earned her a National Award.

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In Entertainment
  • Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor clears air on acting break RUMOURS
  • Allu Arjun calls Ram Charan's performance ‘mind-blowing’
  • 'Batwara 1947' motion poster: Sunny Deol drops first glimpse
  • Vin Diesel's Riddick trilogy lands on streaming platform
  • Jagapathi Babu thanks 'Peddi' critics for NEGATIVE reviews
  • ‘Peddi’ director clarifies Janhvi Kapoor controversy
  • Vijay Sethupathi's 'Slum Dog: 33 Temple Road' teaser out
  • When Shah Rukh Khan’s epic prank left entire team speechless
  • Talay Riley stabbed to death in East London
Photostories
  • MasterChef Pankaj Bhadouria shares 5 easy lemon hacks: smart ways to use its juice and leaves in daily cooking
  • 9 things every woman can do to increase her aura
  • Fatty liver disease: 5 science-backed steps an NHS doctor followed to reverse the condition
  • Fact of the Day: This animal is widely famous for its colour-changing ability
  • 7 flowers you should never plant in your garden: These beautiful but risky plants can spread aggressively, attract pests, trigger allergies or become toxic hazards for kids and pets
  • Discover the best temple for wish fulfillment according to your birth date
  • Running shoes vs sneakers: What's the difference and which one should your feet actually be wearing?
  • What is Modi diet and lifestyle plan? Celebrity nutritionist shares 8-course meal plan prepared for PM Narendra Modi
  • 7 unbelievable bird migrations around the world that travellers need to bookmark
Explore more Stories
  • 7
    Rags to Riches stories of Hollywood: Dwayne ‘The Rock' Johnson to Robert Downey Jr.
  • 6
    Brad Pitt to Tom Holland: Hollywood actors who spoke about addiction and sobriety
  • 6
    Deepika Padukone, Kajol, Alia Bhatt: Bollywood actresses who worked during their pregnancy
  • 5
    'Peddi', 'Parimala And Co' to 'Varavu': Most awaited South films releasing this week
  • 5
    Hollywood's ugliest custody battles: From Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Entertainment
  • /
  • Hindi
  • /
  • Bollywood
  • /
  • Scene-stealers: Exceptional child performances that shook up Bollywood
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © Jun 9, 2026, 01.43PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service