Deepak Tijori is one of the actors, who has been part of many well-acclaimed films like Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Khiladi, Anjaam, Aashiqui, and many others. Since 2003, he has also turned director for some films, including Oops!, Fareb, Khamoshh… Khauff Ki Raat, and Tom, Dick, and Harry. He last directed the film, Tipppsy, which was released on May 10, 2024. However, there was a time when his part was given to Shah Rukh Khan in the blockbuster film, Baazigar.
In an interview with Indianexpress.com, Deepak Tijori talked about his friendship with Shah Rukh Khan, which was not hampered by a nuisance on their professional fronts. For the uninitiated, Deepak was initially planning to play the part in the film Baazigar, which was later given to Shah Rukh. Thus, it has often made the film mongers curious if there has been any bad blood between the two actors.
advertisement
Check This Out: Shabana Azmi Was Disappointed And 'Angry' Over One Of Her Photos Published In An Article
During his chat, Deepak mentioned that he has a close friendship with Shah Rukh Khan, and they often used to hang out together. Revealing how they spent time with one another, Deepak answered if there was any sort of bitterness when Baazigar slipped out of his hands and went to Shah Rukh. He denied such claims and narrated the real incident. He shared:
"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."
Deepak added:
"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."
Continue reading below
In the same conversation, Deepak then explained how he was shocked to learn that the film which he sent to Baazigar's directors, Abbas-Mustan, was given to Shah Rukh. However, he called it a matter of fate and discussed with Shah Rukh how to respond to the directors. Deepak mentioned:
"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 for 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."
You May Like: Naga Chaitanya And Sobhita Dhulipala's Engagement To Take Place At Nagarjuna's Home, Details Inside
In the end, Deepak clarified that he has no bad blood with Shah Rukh. Instead, they became busy in their respective lives and stopped hanging out as often as they had in earlier times. However, he mentioned that whenever the two actors used to meet at public events, they greet each other just like old school friends. In Deepak's words:
"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.
What do you think about Deepak's revelations regarding SRK? Let us know!
Next Read: Jaya Bachchan Schooled Arshad Warsi Over His Airport Look, Asked Him To Keep His Opinion To Himself
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement