Deepak Tijori: 'My voice has finally been heard', Deepak Tijori is happy after getting the nomination; said this about Salman and Shahrukh..

Deepak Tijori has been a part of the entertainment industry for the last 35 years. From 'Aashiqui' to memorable characters like 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar', he lived every role with complete honesty. During a conversation with Amar Ujala Digital, he openly told how he was kept away from awards despite doing excellent work for years. He talked about the truth of award shows and the flaws of the system. Recently, he openly talked about the international nomination received for the short film 'Echoes of Us'. Read some important excerpts from the conversation:

Worked brilliantly for years, yet no nomination, no award, did you feel bad?

Yes, I did. Every year when the list of awards came, I used to hope that maybe this time my name would be there. 'Aashiqui', 'Sadak', 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar', 'Khiladi'... I played so many different characters, yet my name did not come up every time. Slowly, my mind became calm. Sometimes I hinted, sometimes I waited, but at one point I told myself, 'Now I should not expect anything. I was not sad, but there was definitely emptiness. I was not complaining, but there was always an unfulfilled desire in my heart.

Now, when I got the Best Actor nomination in LA for 'Echoes of Us', how did you feel?

This nomination was not just about an award; it was the answer to a long wait. 'Echoes of Us' was a film that I wrote and lived for myself. I never looked at the monitor during the shooting. I was afraid of what people would say. But when I saw the film completely, I felt, 'Yes, this is my truth'. When my brother called and gave me the news of the nomination, I said, 'Really? ' I could not believe it. But maybe there is a time for everything. Now I feel that this nomination is a voice for my career, which has finally been heard.

There has always been controversy about the award jury. Do you think the system is not right?

Sometimes it seems that the people making decisions have no understanding of acting or cinema. Such people are deciding who should get the award and who should not. This is a serious matter that cannot be ignored.

When you got the offer to be a part of the jury, what did you do?

I refused. I was called many times, but I knew who would be sitting at that table. If any good work was ignored there, and my name was included in that jury, I would have felt bad. That is why I did not let myself become a part of that system.

Is this limited only to awards?

No. This thinking is spread everywhere. Even in organizations like FTII, responsibility is given to people who have no direct connection with the industry. The same is the situation in the censor boards. This system, where networking matters more than talent, is the biggest threat to cinema.

How do you keep yourself balanced amidst all this?

I do not try to change anyone now. I have decided that I will just keep doing my work honestly. Whether anyone agrees or not, it doesn't matter to me now.

When did you distance yourself from award shows?

During 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar', I performed in award functions. In one show, I danced to a song from the same film. But that very night, when someone else got the award despite Aamir being nominated, I felt that decisions are not based on talent. From that day onwards, I stopped participating in award shows. Aamir also distanced himself from all this.

Was that night a turning point?

Yes, everything became clear after that night. I don't say that it is wrong every time, but when you don't trust the system, it is better to keep a distance.

Have you ever regretted being left behind in the industry?

No, never. Hard work has always been the most important thing for me. I have never compared myself with anyone. Neither have I been jealous, nor have I considered myself inferior. The environment I come from has taught me balance.

How is your relationship with stars like Shah Rukh and Salman even today?

Like it was before. True and without any pretense. I had done only one film with Salman, but when my name recently came up for a script, he said, 'He is a very amazing actor, you should do this film'. Such moments show the depth of relationships.

When everyone is experimenting on OTT, why have you not been seen till now?

Because I want to do only that work which is connected to my heart. A lot is being made today, but I want a story that shakes me from within. When I get such a script, I will definitely return to the screen.

Did you never get the right recognition as a director?

No. People did not see the films I made. If someone said after seeing it that the film is weak, I would have accepted it. But it is not right to form an opinion without seeing it. The only regret is that perhaps people did not get a chance.

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