Oscar-Nominated Film Star Now Drives Auto in Bengaluru

• Shafiq Syed, a National Award-winning child actor, starred in Mira Nair's Oscar-nominated film "Salaam Bombay!" (1988).
• He played the central character Krishna (Sai Baba) and won the National Award for Best Child Actor for his natural performance.
• Despite early acclaim, his film career did not flourish, appearing in only one more film, "Pathang" (1994).
• Shafiq now drives an auto in Bengaluru to support his mother, wife, and four children, also working as a camera assistant for Kannada TV serials.
• His story highlights the harsh reality of the film industry, where talent and early success don't guarantee a sustained career, often due to typecasting and lack of opportunities.

Why It Matters: National Award winner Shafiq Syed's journey from Oscar-nominated film to auto driver reveals Bollywood's harsh realities.