Lion's Sunny Pawar Returns Home to India and the Photos Are Too Cute for Words

8-year-old star was welcomed back with a party

By Francesca Bacardi Mar 03, 2017 4:36 PMTags
Watch: "Lion" Star Sunny Pawar Is Cutest Actor at 2017 Oscars

He left and actor and returned a star.

Lion's Sunny Pawar returned to Mumbai Wednesday morning and was met with a massive party outside of his home. Pawar, 8, lives in Kalina, a slum of the city, but told the Daily Mail that he and his family have been treated like royalty since he returned from his lengthy award season.

"It's been crazy. People have not stopped calling since we arrived home. We've not stopped to rest for one minute," the adorable child star said.

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Oscars 2017: Party Pics
Sipa USA via AP

"I love seeing my family get the respect they deserve. I would not have done any of this without their support. Nobody has treated us like we're a poor family or live in a slum during this journey. I can only hope it continues and my family are treated well wherever they go."

Pawar became an instant sensation at the start of award season, capturing the hearts with his beaming smile and excitement for Hollywood. Because he's so young, Pawar found a friend and mentor in Dev Patel, his Lion co-star. Together, they became an unbeatable pair. 

Sipa USA via AP

"Dev Patel is still the best star I have met. He's my best friend now," Pawar said. "He's my super star."

Pawar's father, Dilip Pawar, accompanied his son to film Lion after he beat out 2,000 other kids for the role. 

Sipa USA via AP
Sipa USA via AP

While appearing on the 2017 Oscars red carpet, Pawar, via his translator, told E! News that being there was more than he could have ever imagined. "He's excited and he feels great about it to be here," his translator shared with E! News.

He also got to attend the Grammys. "He was there for the enjoyment," his translator explained before Ryan Seacrest added, "He's got the hookup in town, right?"