Deepak Tijori's Journey Inspired by Irrfan Khan
With a career spanning decades, Deepak Tijori's journey is a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of one's artistic vision, echoing the sentiments of his inspiration, Irrfan Khan, and paving the way for a new chapter in his acting career, one that promises depth, nuance, and a return to the cinematic limelight.
Deepak Tijori, a renowned actor and director, has expressed his admiration for the late Irrfan Khan's cinematic career, revealing that he aspired to be part of similar projects but was typecast as a commercial actor, leading him to explore short films like Echoes of Us to showcase his true acting abilities.
Tijori, known for his iconic roles in films like Aashiqui and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, has struggled to break free from the commercial mould and delve into more artistic cinema, a path that Irrfan Khan had successfully navigated. His latest project, Echoes of Us, not only marks his return to acting but also his first-ever award nomination, a milestone he attributes to the film's director, Joe Rajan, and his own determination to write and act in a role that would highlight his skills.
The film, shot in Sri Lanka over 4-5 days with a team of 80 people, including co-star Iulia Vantur, has been a significant venture for Tijori, who believes in karma and sees this nomination as a testament to his hard work and dedication. Reflecting on his career, Tijori recalled the challenges he faced, including spending his own money to feature on Aashiqui posters due to lack of promotion from producers and being initially signed for Khiladi over Akshay Kumar, only to see his career decline after the film Pehla Nasha failed to perform well.
Despite these setbacks, Tijori's passion for acting and filmmaking has endured, inspired by the legacy of Irrfan Khan, whose subtle and introspective storytelling has been a beacon for his own work, particularly in projects like Ittar. With Echoes of Us, Tijori aims to redefine his career, moving beyond the commercial roles that defined his early years and embracing a more artistic and nuanced approach to acting.
As Deepak Tijori looks to the future, his nomination for Echoes of Us stands as a promising beginning, a chance to rediscover himself as an actor and to leave an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape, one that is inspired by the timeless legacy of Irrfan Khan and fueled by his own unwavering passion for storytelling.