Baby Naaz, India’s highest paid child star, was exploited by mother; denied food, education

Baby Naaz, India's highest-paid child star, suffered exploitation by her mother; denied food and education. Born as Salma Baig, Naaz began her career at four, dancing on stage and earning Rs 100 per show. Her father, a struggling writer, could not support the family, so Naaz became the sole breadwinner by age four. Despite her success, she lived a miserable life, going to bed hungry and never having the chance to enjoy her earnings.

Her mother spent all the money on her affair with a cameraman, Rajendra Malloni. Naaz tried to end her life twice at ages ten and twelve, but her caregiver saved her both times. When her mother married Rajendra, Naaz refused to live with her and started seeking her father, who she eventually found. Naaz cut off her mother financially and asked her to live with her second husband, who was abusive. Naaz's mother died in his care, leaving the child to mourn her loss.