Deepak Tijori had a memorable debut with Aashiqui (1990). However, not many are aware that he had even auditioned for the lead role in Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). The actor was one of the two choices for the character of Prem, which was ultimately essayed by superstar Salman Khan. Deepak Tijori spoke elaborately about this not-so-known trivia during a recent exclusive interaction with Bollywood Hungama.
Deepak Tijori revealed, “Yes. Salman Khan and I both auditioned for it. I was competing. Sooraj Barjatya later told me that after watching the rushes, the Barjatya family decided to go ahead with Salman Khan. Salman and I were the only two people who were competing for the role of Prem, neck-to-neck. They had even told me that if they selected me, they’d like to change my name on the screen and discussed how they’d like to launch me.”
Deepak Tijori, at present, is busy with the post-production of his film, Tipppsy. The comic thriller, whose shoot got over in April 2022, stars Natasha Suri, Kainaat Arora, Nazia Hussain, Alankrita Sahai and Sonia Birje.
Deepak said, “Tipppsy has been a great, satisfying journey. I was kind of threatened by every woman I spoke to. They told me that it is suicidal to have cast 5 heroines together (laughs)! I was told that there’ll be a lot of catfights, bitching, etc. However, the shoot went off so smoothly. The girls gelled with each other and there was good chemistry between them. They were also thrilled as they knew that they are a part of an exciting five-girl film. I am in the process of editing it now. I am looking forward to releasing it in September.”
Deepak Tijori added, “Tipppsy is looking exactly the way I wanted. For two years, the film got stuck. We were supposed to fly to London, but it didn’t happen.”
What’s also keeping Deepak Tijori busy is his 2003 film Oops. Deepak explained, “My debut directorial Oops also has an English version which was never released. I have restored it. I saw the film a week ago to check the print. I realized that it was a film ahead of its time. I am happy to see that it is so relevant even today. I’ll put up this version soon for today’s audiences. The film was made in 2002 and was released in 2003.”
The Hindi version of the film is not available anywhere online. When asked about it, Deepak Tijori replied, “I had sold the Hindi version of Oops at a time when I was facing financial difficulties. Whoever has the rights will be able to answer this question. However, as I said, those who want to see the film can watch the English version of Oops. It’s as good as the Hindi version. In fact, it’ll appeal more. The audiences today are prepared to see Indians speaking in English. I guess Nagesh Kukunoor and myself were the early birds for making the English version of an Indian film (smiles)!”
Deepak Tijori began his career with Aashiqui. At a time, when talks are on about making Aashiqui 3, who does he think should be cast in the lead roles? Deepak Tijori said, “I can’t answer that. Bhatt saab (Mahesh Bhatt) has a very different way of thinking. He’s very spontaneous. If he sees a guy somewhere, woh usko bol denge, ‘Chal, tu aa jaa’ (laughs)! He doesn’t really need a big name.”
Now that he has a director, does he have the desire to direct Aashiqui 3? He answered, “I always wanted to direct a film for Vishesh Films since Bhattsaab mentored me. So, I really want to make a film which he would have written and I would have directed it. I want that to happen someday. I am sure it’ll happen. I am very positive! And it’ll be a delight if my friend Pooja Bhatt is also a part of the project. That would be the icing on the cake.”
Talking of acting projects, Deepak Tijori is kicked upon acting in Jai Mehta’s web series, “I was not able to initially take it up as I was busy directing Tipppsy. Fortunately, they did not shoot my part and hence, I was once again a part of the show. Now they are looking at shooting it soon. The show is titled Pirates.”
More Pages: Maine Pyar Kiya Box Office Collection
BOLLYWOOD NEWS - LIVE UPDATES
Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2024 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.
