Deepak Tijori says he had pitched Baazigar idea to Abbas-Mustan, who later replaced him with Shah Rukh Khan: ‘I was shocked’

In an interview with Bollywood Thikana, Deepak Tijori said, “I saw a film, A Kiss Before Dying, and narrated a story to them. Back then, this is how it used to function, there was no concept of copyright, studios system had not come into play. So, most films were inspired by Hollywood films.

“So, I gave a narration to the three brothers and told them that this is a villain role which I will do and they can cast other heroes and other roles. They agreed. Then Khiladi released, followed by Jo Jeeta Woh Sikandar. Now people from the distribution circle were looking at me like I am progressing and soon enough I will become a hero.”

The actor said he had met producer Pahlaj Nihalani, who was ready to produce the film and everything was getting final when one day Nihalani called Tijori and said there was a “twist” in the story.

“Pahlaj ji said Abaas Mustan were in talks with Venus for the same film. I was shocked. Back then Shah Rukh and I were friends. We would party every night. I asked him if he was approached for the film, he said he was. There was even a VCD of that film at his house. The brothers then said they have already committed themselves to Venus with Shah Rukh as the lead. If we back out now, it will be a question 0n our career. They said they will collaborate with me on some other film.

“I thought now what’s the point, if their career is at stakes, then let it be. Back then I didn’t know that ‘We will work together’ never really happens. It is just said for the sake of it,” he added.

Deepak Tijori also opened up about the casting of Pehla Nasha, his first film as a lead actor. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the film is remembered for being the only movie which has Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan sharing screen space.

“The credit for that goes to Ashu. All three of us were good friends of his. He was after Shah Rukh and Aamir to do the film, but they weren’t saying yes to him. He was an actor not trained as a director. They were already rising stars, so perhaps didn’t want to take that risk. I asked Ashu. He told me even you are refusing it.

“I was also on the rise then, so I told him that he should go ahead and make it with me as my name can get funding. All friends came together to star in the film. Aamir and Shah Rukh were always close to Ashu. When Pehla Nasha was shot, he showed a portion to Aamir, who then felt he had the potential and gave him Baazi,” he said.