Dalip Tahil reacts to 90s stars doing villain roles: “They’ve taken my job”

Veteran actor Dalip Tahil, best known for his powerful screen presence in films like ‘Baazigar’, recently shared his thoughts on how the entertainment industry has changed, especially when it comes to 90s heroes now playing character or villain roles.

In a candid and light-hearted chat with IANS, Dalip joked, “They’ve taken my work,” referring to the recent trend of former leading men stepping into roles he used to dominate.

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Getting more serious, Dalip said he actually sees this shift as a positive one. He shared a memory of the late Rishi Kapoor, who once told him that his most fulfilling time as an actor came after he moved beyond the “hero” image.

“It’s liberating for an actor,” Dalip said, agreeing with the sentiment that character roles allow for more freedom and variety in performance.

Talking about his own long journey in the industry, spanning over 40 years, Dalip said that his love for acting has never faded.

“I never wake up thinking, ‘Oh no, I have to go to work today.’ Acting started as a hobby for me and became my profession. I was never forced into this line. It was always my choice,” he shared. He even laughed off the idea of needing a backup career: “People ask about Plan B, but Plan A is working just fine for now!”

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Dalip has worked across all major formats; theatre, television, regional films, and now OTT platforms. When asked if he misses any medium while working in another, he admitted that theatre still holds a special place in his heart.

“Theatre is the lifeblood of an actor. Once the curtain rises, there’s no stopping or saying ‘cut.’ The energy you get from a live audience is like no other.”

But he also praised other formats like films and OTT. “Shooting on location gives you a natural feel that you just can’t get on a stage. Each format, whether it’s cinema, web series, or TV, has its own charm. I enjoy them all,” he added.

Right now, Dalip is focusing more on digital content because OTT platforms are growing rapidly. He noted that this space is offering fresh opportunities for actors and creators alike.