Deepak Tijori: ‘Aamir Khan endorsed me for Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar after failed audition, Shah Rukh Khan refused Baazigar till…’

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Deepak, who has acted in films like Aashiqui, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Anjaam, Khiladi, and also turned director with the controversial film Oops! (2003), Fareb (2005), Khamoshh… Khauff Ki Raat (2005), and Tom, Dick, and Harry (2006), is in the news for his latest directorial, Tipppsy.  On the legendary actor and his idol, Sanjeev Kumar’s birth anniversary, Deepak paid him a heartfelt tribute by recreating his iconic song, “Meri Jaan”, which came out on his YouTube Channel. In an interview with Indianexpress.com, he recalled shooting for Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar, how Aamir Khan helped him bag the role, his friendship with Shah Rukh Khan, and how the late actor Sanjeev Kumar’s films shaped him as an actor.

Excerpt from his interview:

Take us back to the time when you were offered Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar…

I wasn’t fit when I was brought in to replace an actor. I wasn’t prepared and I wasn’t much of a gym guy. I still remember when I first rode the bicycle – you should have seen Aamir’s face and Mansoor’s expressions. They were like, “Whoa… there’s so much hard work to do here’. But I trained hard to become Shekhar Malhotra. Today, I am glad for having worked so hard on it back then, as it paid off over decades. What more can an actor ask for when his work resonates after over 30 years? So, thank you Aamir and Mansoor for bringing me on board. I guess this answers the question, ‘Can a man have it all in life?’ The answer is: Yes, he can, but only if he is prepared to work like mad to achieve it. There’s so much one has to be willing to sacrifice to achieve it, but if we put our minds to it, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.

Deepak Tijori and Pooja Bedi in a still from Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar (Photo: Deepak Tijori)

Both Akshay Kumar and Milind Soman had auditioned for the role but you played it.

I too had auditioned when Akshay and Milind were trying for the role, and I too was rejected. It was so ironic that I was called back, and I was told it was due to Aamir strongly recommending my name to Mansoor. I still remember, once they started shooting Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, I had given up hope. I was deep into carving my path in the film industry. I had finished Aashiqui, and Bhatt saab (Mahesh Bhatt) was shooting Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin in Ooty. I remember he came to Mumbai for a two-day break, and he called me over that night to his house. When I went there, he said, “You need to go and meet Mansoor Khan tomorrow.” I was surprised and excited because Mansoor was someone I desperately wanted to work with after Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. But I also told Bhatt saab that it might not be me who was to meet Mansoor, as I had been rejected when I auditioned. To this, he said, “Aamir has asked me to tell you to do that, and you just shut up and do what I am asking of you.” So be it. It was on Aamir’s recommendation that I was directed to meet Mansoor. The rest is history.

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There is a story that there was a difference of opinion about who should get beaten in the film and Mansoor ended up scolding Aamir.   

After calling for a wrap, Mansoor suddenly asked Aamir and me to join him in his room for a quick chat. Mansoor told us, “So guys, as you know, tomorrow we are shooting Deepak’s fight sequence with Mamik.” (Shekhar Malhotra was to fight Ratan Lal (played by Mamik) who played Aamir’s elder brother in the film). Mansoor continued, “I need to know your opinions on what should happen. Should Deepak bash up Mamik, or should Deepak get bashed up?”

I was numb hearing this because Masoor had never bothered about anyone’s opinion, at least not after I joined the film. Aamir, understanding that Mansoor and Aamir are cousins, must have been doing this back and forth for a while. Mansoor looked at Aamir, and he responded, “See, if you were to ask my opinion, I would say Deepak is the villain in the film, hence he needs to be beaten up.” Mansoor then looked at me, and I said, “Mansoor, I think this is almost your pre-climax. If you get me beaten up by the second hero, then there is no climax, as the audience would be prepared for Shekhar losing and being beaten up by the hero.”

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Mansoor looked at Aamir, and Aamir said, “I don’t agree with Deepak.” After a small pause, Mansoor looked at us and said, “Ok, thanks, guys, for the insight. I got my answer. And yes, Aamir, I think you should do films like Dil only.” While saying that, he escorted us out. That was one of the most hilarious repartees, and I didn’t know where to look, nor did Aamir. What you saw on screen was what was executed. But again, they being brothers, I can understand. We brothers also talk like that to each other.

Was there any sort of bitterness when Baazigar slipped out of your hands and went to Shah Rukh Khan? How did you deal with it and still stay friends with SRK?

Ironically, this has been widely misunderstood. The truth is, in those days, Shah Rukh and I were very close to each other. We would party together — not just in nightclubs with our gang of actors, but I also frequently visited and spent time at his house, as I was close to Gauri back then. One fine day, I saw a VHS copy of the film A Kiss Before Dying at his house. Since both of us were friends, and I had already spoken to my Khiladi directors (Abbas-Mustan) about this film, having narrated the subject in detail, it was a shocker to me. I asked Shah Rukh about the VHS on his TV unit. He casually mentioned in passing, “Your Khiladi directors sent this film for me to play the main role.” I was shocked, but soon we were laughing over it. We had an understanding that he wouldn’t say yes to them for Baazigar until they clarified with me. After that happened, I gave Shah Rukh the clearance, after which he confirmed with them. Until then, he didn’t give them the go-ahead. So, you see, there was no bad blood between Shah Rukh and me. It was just fate. I had worked out another producer Pahlaj Nihalani, who was just as big a name to make this film with the same directors, so I guess what happened was meant to be with Shah Rukh, and I took it as such.

Deepak Tijori and Shah Rukh Khan has no bad blood after the makers of Baazigar signed SRK (Photos: Deepak Tijori)

Today, we hold each other in the same esteem. Sure, we don’t hang out or meet socially, as we all get busy once we are on our paths. But thankfully, we are as friendly as we were. When we see each other or even if we bump into each other, we talk very fondly, as we have shared some wonderful moments in the past. So, if I were to answer if we are still friends, I would say that speaking fondly about each other, even now, behind our backs, is good enough in times like these where we find most people backstabbing each other.

Sanjeev Kumar has featured in a series of romantic and memorable songs, why did you choose “Meri Jaan” for his tribute?

Despite being from the black-and-white era, “Anubhav” beautifully encapsulates the timeless essence of romance and the depth of emotions that Sanjeev Kumar brought to his roles. The film Anubhav, though old, is a classic that showcases the elegance and simplicity of a bygone era of Hindi cinema. Watching him in films like Khilona, Koshish, and Naya Din Nayi Raat was transformative. Interestingly, there’s a story attached to Naya Din Nayi Raat that I’d like to share. This particular film was initially offered to Dilip Kumar. Legend has it that he guided the producers towards Sanjeev Kumar, saying, “If there is anyone who can do this role, it is Sanjeev Kumar, and none else.”  We must also acknowledge his remarkable comedic roles, such as in Angoor, where his natural and believable style never went overboard. Then, as he aged into his salt-and-pepper look, he showcased yet another school of acting. His performances in Trishul as RK Gupta, where he held his own against  Mr Bachchan (Amitabh Bachchan), and as the Thakur in Sholay, were impeccable.