Deepak Tijori, the face behind some of the most beloved characters from Bollywood’s golden ‘90s era, is finally receiving the recognition he once hoped for, but had long stopped expecting.
Known for his roles in cult classics like ‘Aashiqui’, ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar’, ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’, and ‘Baadshah’, Tijori recently opened up about the quiet disappointments that marked his early acting years. Despite being a part of iconic films, his name was often absent from award nomination lists.
“I used to get excited when a film of mine released,” Tijori admitted in an interview with IANS. “I would look through the nominations, hoping to spot my name. But it never came. For four or five years, I kept checking, and eventually, I just stopped.”
That phase, he says, was filled with silent anticipation and eventual acceptance. “I figured others had better roles, stronger content. And after a while, I had no regrets,” he added.
But now, decades later, the tide has turned.
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Deepak Tijori has earned a Best Actor nomination at the ‘Independent Short Awards’ in Los Angeles, California, for his performance in the short film ‘Echoes of Us’, directed by Joe Rajan.
“When I got the call about the nomination, I didn’t believe it,” he recalled. “I even told Jo, who called me, ‘Don’t talk to me right now.’ I was completely stunned.”
This unexpected recognition carries a unique weight for the actor, especially since it comes at a time when he’s re-entering the acting space with a quieter, more introspective approach.
“It’s overwhelming and a bit surreal,” he said. “I had buried the desire for nominations long ago.”
Despite the past disappointments, Tijori never allowed bitterness to take root. He says the audience’s love always felt more important than a trophy. “People still remember my roles from the ‘90s, they talk about those films with so much affection. That’s been my real award all these years.”