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The 1983 classic Masoom remains one of the most emotionally profound films in Indian cinema history, anchored by the heartbreakingly innocent performance of its child star, Jugal Hansraj. However, recent revelations about the film’s creation tell a fascinating story: the iconic role was almost turned down because the young actor was terrified his friends would tease him for crying on screen.
It took the patient genius of director Shekhar Kapur, and a little magic from music director RD Burman, to convince him—a decision that not only launched a career but also famously moved superstar Dharmendra to tears for the first time.
A Child’s Fear of Tears
When Jugal Hansraj was first offered the pivotal role of the vulnerable, illegitimate child in Masoom, his initial reaction wasn’t excitement, but fear. He reportedly expressed deep reluctance to director Shekhar Kapur, not because of the role’s complexity, but because the part required him to weep in several key scenes.
Hansraj was worried that if he was seen crying so much on the big screen, his friends at school would relentlessly tease him, branding him with the dreaded “cry baby” label. This simple, relatable childhood fear was almost enough to make him walk away from the film that would eventually define his early career.
Shekhar Kapur’s Masterful Persuasion
Director Shekhar Kapur, understanding the sensitivity of the situation, didn’t dismiss the boy’s fears. Instead, he patiently worked to win his trust and get him excited about the filmmaking process itself.
In a now-memorable move, Kapur invited Hansraj to a recording session for the film’s music. This was no ordinary session; it was with the legendary music director RD Burman. Witnessing the maestro at work, seeing how the film’s unforgettable score was being crafted, helped immerse the young Hansraj in the magic of cinema. This unique introduction, combined with Kapur’s gentle persuasion, finally convinced him to overcome his fears and accept the role.
A Performance That Moved a Superstar
Hansraj’s decision paid off spectacularly. His nuanced and gut-wrenching performance became the soul of Masoom, earning critical acclaim and touching the hearts of audiences across the country.
The film’s impact was so profound that it famously broke through the tough exterior of one of Bollywood’s biggest superstars: Dharmendra. According to the story, the “He-Man” of Indian cinema watched the film and was so deeply moved by Jugal Hansraj’s portrayal of innocence and pain that he cried—reportedly for the first time ever after watching a movie.
A Lasting Bond
Dharmendra’s reaction didn’t end with just tears. The superstar was so affected that he sought out the young actor afterward. In a heartfelt gesture, Dharmendra promised to “look after” Jugal Hansraj, marking the beginning of a lasting personal bond between the veteran icon and the young star.
This decades-old story serves as a powerful testament to the film’s emotional honesty—a classic that almost wasn’t, saved by a director’s empathy, a composer’s magic, and a performance so real it could make a legend weep.
