What Is A Tear Stick? The Tiny Tool Behind Bollywood’s Emotional Scenes: ‘Need It During Fight With Husband’

Ever wondered how actors manage to shed tears instantly on cue in films and TV shows? The secret isn’t glycerine anymore. It’s a tiny “tear stick” that looks like white lipstick but works under the eyes to make tears flow naturally.

Director Amit Kumar Jha recently shared a 55-second video showing how crying scenes are created on screen. He begins the video by saying, “Dikhne mein ye aapko white lipstick ki tarah dikhta hoga, but white lipstick kaun lagata hai?” (It may look like white lipstick, but who even uses white lipstick?)

In the video, he shows “Todd Kar Dil Mera” actress Anurima Chakraborty applying the tear stick under her eyes. He asks, “Ye lipstick to eyes ke neeche kyu laga rahe ho?” (Why are you applying this lipstick under your

eyes?) To which she replies, “Ye lipstick nahi, tear stick hai.” (This is not lipstick, it’s a tear stick.)

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A post shared by Amit Kumar Jha (@amitkumarjhadirector)

What is Tear Stick?

In the past, actors had to rely on glycerin, which was poured into the eyes to produce tears, often causing irritation and discomfort. With the introduction of tear sticks, actors no longer need to struggle through emotional scenes.

The tear stick is a safer, more convenient alternative. Resembling a white lipstick, it is applied under the eyes rather than on the lips.

How Does Tear Stick Work?

Lead actor of the Star Plus serial, Ashish Raghav, explains that the stick is made of menthol-infused wax. When it comes in contact with body heat, it releases vapours that reach the eyes which produces a mild cooling or burning sensation.

This is how natural tears are shed without any harm or discomfort, making emotional scenes look real and effortless.

Social Media Reactions

The video quickly caught the attention of viewers, and people in the comments were mesmerised to learn such behind-the-scenes details.

Many expressed excitement at gaining this insight, using heart-eye emojis in the comment section. One jokingly wrote, “I think I would need it whenever I have a fight with my hubby.”

Another added humorously in Hindi, “Bawaal kar rahe hain aap, aise to sabhi director ban jayenge (This is amazing! With you giving insights, everyone will become a director).”