Actor Deepak Tijori recently revealed he was initially signed to play the iconic role of Prem in Sooraj Barjatya’s 1989 blockbuster, ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, a part that ultimately went to Salman Khan.
The Audition Trail: A Close Call
Deepak Tijori shared that for ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, a vast number of actors were auditioned. Eventually, the choice came down to just two candidates: himself and a then-upcoming Salman Khan.
Tijori initially believed he had secured the role, only to be later informed that the part would go to someone else. However, he found the reason for his replacement to be completely justified.
Why Salman Khan Won The Role
Sooraj Barjatya, the film’s director, personally explained the decision to Deepak. Barjatya had meticulously reviewed both auditions and even consulted his family on the final choice. The deciding factor, according to Barjatya, was Salman Khan’s distinct appeal.
Barjatya told Tijori that women would “immediately fall in love with Salman” due to his “looks” and “cuteness.” Since ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ was primarily a love story, this connection with the female audience was deemed crucial for the lead character.
Deepak Tijori’s Mature Response
Deepak Tijori, known for his practical approach to his career, accepted the director’s reasoning without bitterness. He admitted feeling a momentary hurt but quickly understood the logic behind the casting decision.
He told Barjatya that while he was disappointed, he also agreed with the director’s assessment. This mature outlook helped him move on, understanding that the decision was based on the film’s requirements rather than any fault in his performance.
A Career Full of Twists and Turns
Interestingly, Deepak Tijori’s career has seen him on both sides of such casting changes. He also revealed that for the film ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar’, he stepped in to replace Milind Soman after a significant portion (75%) of the film had already been shot with Soman.
This shows the often unpredictable nature of the film industry, where roles can be gained or lost due to various factors beyond an actor’s control.
Recent Work
Deepak Tijori was last seen in a short film titled ‘Echoes Of Us’. The film also featured Iulia Vantur, who is Salman Khan’s rumored girlfriend, bringing his career full circle back to the ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ star.
- Deepak Tijori was a strong contender for the lead role of Prem in ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’.
- Salman Khan was ultimately chosen for his “cuteness” and ability to connect with female audiences.
- Tijori accepted the decision, finding the director’s reasoning valid.
- Tijori himself has replaced other actors in major films, like Milind Soman in ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar’.
This anecdote highlights the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories that shape Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters and the careers of its stars.
Actor Deepak Tijori recently revealed he was initially signed to play the iconic role of Prem in Sooraj Barjatya’s 1989 blockbuster, ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, a part that ultimately went to Salman Khan.
The Audition Trail: A Close Call
Deepak Tijori shared that for ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, a vast number of actors were auditioned. Eventually, the choice came down to just two candidates: himself and a then-upcoming Salman Khan.
Tijori initially believed he had secured the role, only to be later informed that the part would go to someone else. However, he found the reason for his replacement to be completely justified.
Why Salman Khan Won The Role
Sooraj Barjatya, the film’s director, personally explained the decision to Deepak. Barjatya had meticulously reviewed both auditions and even consulted his family on the final choice. The deciding factor, according to Barjatya, was Salman Khan’s distinct appeal.
Barjatya told Tijori that women would “immediately fall in love with Salman” due to his “looks” and “cuteness.” Since ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ was primarily a love story, this connection with the female audience was deemed crucial for the lead character.
Deepak Tijori’s Mature Response
Deepak Tijori, known for his practical approach to his career, accepted the director’s reasoning without bitterness. He admitted feeling a momentary hurt but quickly understood the logic behind the casting decision.
He told Barjatya that while he was disappointed, he also agreed with the director’s assessment. This mature outlook helped him move on, understanding that the decision was based on the film’s requirements rather than any fault in his performance.
A Career Full of Twists and Turns
Interestingly, Deepak Tijori’s career has seen him on both sides of such casting changes. He also revealed that for the film ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar’, he stepped in to replace Milind Soman after a significant portion (75%) of the film had already been shot with Soman.
This shows the often unpredictable nature of the film industry, where roles can be gained or lost due to various factors beyond an actor’s control.
Recent Work
Deepak Tijori was last seen in a short film titled ‘Echoes Of Us’. The film also featured Iulia Vantur, who is Salman Khan’s rumored girlfriend, bringing his career full circle back to the ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ star.
- Deepak Tijori was a strong contender for the lead role of Prem in ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’.
- Salman Khan was ultimately chosen for his “cuteness” and ability to connect with female audiences.
- Tijori accepted the decision, finding the director’s reasoning valid.
- Tijori himself has replaced other actors in major films, like Milind Soman in ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar’.
This anecdote highlights the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories that shape Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters and the careers of its stars.
