Latest news with #Irrfan
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
I was typecast as a commercial actor during my prime: Deepak Tijori
Written by: Ancela Jamindar , who was in Ahmedabad recently for the muhurat of Get Set Go, is excited about doing a Gujarati film after a long time. The Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar actor shares, 'I did a Gujarati film (Hun Tu Ne Ramtudi) more than two decades ago. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now I have been watching Gujarati films and fortunately, things have changed for the better and interesting concepts are being explored. I was offered a couple of other films prior to Get Set Go, but I felt I should explore this one. Ahmedabad has changed a lot over the years, but I have always enjoyed coming here. The city has a rich culture, with the right blend of modernity, and I love the people. Whenever I am here, I never miss eating dal dhokli, which is among my favourite dishes.' 'After almost 20 years, I am reinventing myself' Talking about how he was stereotyped as an actor, he says, 'I always wanted to do contemporary films which were out of the box, but I was typecast as a commercial actor during my prime. I grew up watching actors like Naseer sahab (Naseeruddin Shah) and Om Puri sahab, and I had a theatre background. Once, I met Govind Nihalani and asked if I could work in his films. He told me that I could never work with him as I was recognised as a highly commercial actor. This had such a big impact on me that I never approached any makers of art films, as I didn't know how to change this perception.' He adds, 'Now, after almost 20 years, I am reinventing myself with a new look in Veena Bakshi's Ittarr. I always wanted to do such films, the kind that Irrfan did. Once, I even met Irrfan to discuss a film on these lines, but unfortunately, it was too late. Now, I am getting opportunities to experiment. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now I want to do roles which suit my age and have depth. I would love to do a sequel of Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar with Aamir (Khan). It should be a continuation of the story. May be, we can play headmasters of rival schools. With Shah Rukh Khan in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa 'After the slump, I'm now ready with interesting films' Recently, he was nominated for the Best Actor award at the Independent Short Awards, Los Angeles, for his short film Echoes of Us. He shares, 'I wrote and acted in it as I wanted to explore something beyond stereotypical roles like playing a father or other supporting roles. I wrote this movie in English as I did not want to limit it to regional languages, as it then gets considered in the foreign language category at international film festivals, thus limiting the scope. This movie received laurels at film festivals, and I was excited to be nominated for the Best Actor award.' While he has also directed and produced films, he says, 'My passion has always been acting. But I took a step back intentionally as I was swayed into the wrong kinds of roles. I put myself in a bracket where producers did not bank on me. Once, when Bhatt sahab (Mahesh Bhatt) tried to offer me a lead role, producers said that I can't be a hero. I idolised Sanjeev Kumar and dreamt of the kind of roles he played in films like Trishul and Sholay. After the slump, I'm now ready with interesting films. I hope directors offer me more character roles suitable for my age. I don't want to play just a father.' Asked about his thoughts on the OTT boom, he shares, 'OTT is a haven for hidden talents and artistes who never got recognition. There are many stories that can't be told on the big screen due to time limits, and OTT doesn't have this constraint. It has its pros and cons. Audiences now know that even if they don't watch a film in theatres, they can watch it on OTT after a month.' 'I fully support Deepika Padukone 's demand for an eight-hour workday' Recently, Deepak had supported Deepika Padukone's decision to opt out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga's next film due to a disagreement over working hours. He says, 'I fully support her demand for an eight-hour workday because she wanted to spend time with her child. She has worked in 12-hour shifts in the past. It (working hours) should be one's individual decision and she shouldn't suffer because she is a mother. While there are factors like budget, time, and availability constraints, I feel these things can be managed. Earlier, actresses had to give up acting after marriage or having kids, but the industry has evolved, and we need to be more progressive.'
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Nawazuddin Siddiqui says nobody has made a film above Rs 25 crore budget with him, Irrfan, Manoj Bajpayee; opens up on being judged for his dark skin colour
Nawazuddin Siddiqui has always broken stereotypes surrounding the quintessential Hindi cinema hero. He's seen his own share of struggle and carved his own niche. Today, he's considered one of the finest actors we have. In a recent interview, the actor has opened up on his struggles and how he still faces judgements becuase of his looks. When asked if he gets bothered for people judging him, he said during a chat with Nayandeep Rakshit, "Vo toh aaj tak jhelne padte hain. Thankfully, the industry doesn't think like that, but it still exists in the society. In my initial days, many people said, 'Aap actor dikhte nahi ho' (you don't look like an actor). That used to make me feel bad. Kya karein ab? Kaala hu toh yahan tak pahuch gaya, agar gora hota toh kya kardeta main (I am dark, still reached till here, imagine what all I could have done if I was fair). ' Nawazuddin also added that he does not have any fears about his career now about being rejected or the box office even. He said, "I don't have any fear. But yes, there are many actors who have been rejected, but keep coming back because of their film background and support system. Hum jaise log, main, Manoj Bajpayee or more actors like us, unko nahi hota yeh…box office, etc. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo What will you say to Manoj Bajpayee? Vo box office se upar uth chuka hai. He is not chasing it." However, he feels upset about the fact that nobody wants to make a film with actors like him. He added, "For example, Naseer sahab ( Naseeruddin Shah ), Om Puri , Manoj bhai, Irrfan, or other actors like us, humein lekar Rs 25 crore se upar kabhi kisi ne film banaayi hi nahi (Nobody ever made a film with budget over Rs 25 crore with actors like me, Naseer sir, Om Puri, Manoj and Irrfan). Secondly, people want to watch our films but the screens don't reach there. If you want to see our box office numbers, then atleast give us that distribution of screens as well. Only then you'll get to know how many people want to watch us. Today, we talk highly of Irrfan. Ofcourse, he was a great actor. But, no one cast him in a film with a Rs 20-25 crore budget." He further revealed, "This is the reason why it's said that there are two kinds of actors, ek public ka aur ek industry ka. Even if people don't want to watch the industry's actor, their films are released right in front of your house. But, the actor whose film public actually wants to see, their film is released in 200-300 screens, ek subah ka show aur ek raat ka. I get bothered."
Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Nawazuddin Siddiqui says he achieved so much despite facing discrimination for his dark complexion: ‘Agar gora hota to kya ker deta'
Nawazuddin Siddiqui has always been blunt about his opinions on nepotism and prejudice against a certain section of actors in the industry, including himself. In a recent interview, the actor opened up about the society's judgement about his looks and complexion, and filmmakers' aversiveness towards making a high budget film with him. He also spoke about his 2016 movie Raman Raghav 2.0 not getting enough screens at the theatres. During a candid conversation with Nayandeep Rakshith, Nawazuddin admitted that he doesn't have a fear of losing commercially and critically. 'I don't have any fear. But yes, there are many actors who have been rejected, but keep coming back because of their film background and support system. Hum jaise log, main, Manoj Bajpayee or more actors like us, unko nahi hota yeh…box office, etc. What will you say to Manoj Bajpayee? Vo box office se upar uth chuka hai. He is not chasing it,' he said. The actor cited examples of a few actors and revealed that no one in the fraternity is ready to make a big budget film with them. 'For example, Naseer sahab (Naseeruddin Shah), Om Puri, Manoj bhai, Irrfan, or other actors like us, humein lekar Rs 25 crore se upar kabhi kisi ne film banaayi hi nahi (Nobody ever made a film with budget over Rs 25 crore with actors like me, Naseer sir, Om Puri, Manoj and Irrfan). Secondly, people want to watch our films but the screens don't reach there. If you want to see our box office numbers, then atleast give us that distribution of screens as well. Only then you'll get to know how many people want to watch us. Today, we talk highly of Irrfan. Ofcourse, he was a great actor. But, no one cast him in a film with a Rs 20-25 crore budget,' he stated. ALSO READ | Nawazuddin Siddiqui's daughter Shora impresses netizens with acting talents, called the 'next Radhika Apte'. Watch Classifying actors into two categories, he said, 'This is the reason why it's said that there are two kinds of actors, ek public ka aur ek industry ka. Even if people don't want to watch the industry's actor, their films are released right in front of your house. But, the actor whose film public actually wants to see, their film is released in 200-300 screens, ek subah ka show aur ek raat ka. I get bothered.' Nawazuddin Siddiqui felt disappointed after his film, Anurag Kashyap's directorial Raman Raghav 2.0, didn't get enough screens. 'We didn't get enough screens for Raman Raghav. The film released and there were very less screens at theatres. Jab release hui toh gaaliyan bhi padi humein ki kaisi filmein banaate hain. Jab vahi film baad mein dekhi gayi, tab logon ne bola kya film hai (When the film released, people abused us and said what sort of film is this. The same film was appreciated when it come out on OTT). This happens with many people,' he shared. When asked about facing judgements of the industry for his looks, the 51-year-old replied, 'Vo toh aaj tak jhelne padte hain. Thankfully, the industry doesn't think like that, but it still exists in the society. In my initial days, many people said, 'Aap actor dikhte nahi ho' (you don't look like an actor). That used to make me feel bad. Kya karein ab? Kaala hu toh yahan tak pahuch gaya, agar gora hota toh kya kardeta main (I am dark, still reached till here, imagine what all I could have done if I was fair).' On the professional front, Nawazuddin Siddiqui was last seen in the Zee5 film Costao, directed by Sejal Shah.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Priyanshu Painyuli opens up about lost opportunity to work with Irrfan Khan due to illness: 'Very unfortunate moment for me'
Priyanshu Painyuli shared how a Vishal Bhardwaj film with Irrfan Khan was shelved due to Irrfan's illness, marking a missed opportunity. He was also shortlisted for The White Tiger but was passed over for appearing 'too urban.' Priyanshu is known for roles in 'Bhavesh Joshi Superhero' and 'Mirzapur'. Priyanshu Painyuli recently spoke about a unique opportunity that might have altered his career path—a film co-starring the late iconic actor Irrfan Khan . Sadly, the project was shelved after Irrfan was diagnosed with cancer. The loss was especially painful for Priyanshu, who had already begun physical training for the role and was excited about the chance to act alongside a hero he greatly respected. A Heartbreaking Moment in His Career Talking to The Free Press Journal, Priyanshu revealed, "There was another film with Vishal Bhardwaj that he was making but he stopped because Irrfan sir fell sick. That is one very unfortunate moment for me". Painyuli said that that was a deeply disappointing moment for him, as he had a strong desire to work with Irrfan, even if it was for just one scene. In fact, his role involved several scenes with the late actor. To prepare, Priyanshu committed to gaining weight and looked to age himself for the part by eating heavily for two weeks and growing a beard and moustache. Despite his dedication, the film was ultimately shelved due to Irrfan's health issues, marking a significant missed opportunity in Priyanshu's career. Close to Landing Lead in 'The White Tiger' He shared that he was a strong contender for the lead role in 'The White Tiger', which was ultimately played by Adarsh Gourav . He recalled being shortlisted, meeting with the director, and undergoing a makeup test to embody the character. However, the part didn't go to him because he appeared 'a little too urban for the role.' Despite this, Priyanshu praised Adarsh's performance, saying, 'When I saw Adarsh in the movie, I felt he fit the bill perfectly. He is a great actor.' Priyanshu's Career Highlights On the work front, Priyanshu is known for his roles in films like 'Bhavesh Joshi Superhero', 'Extraction', and the Amazon series 'Mirzapur'. Starting as a model and assistant director, he gained acclaim across mainstream and independent cinema.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Deepak Tijori reveals he envied Irrfan Khan: ‘They never even looked at me because I was seen as too commercial'
Actor-director Deepak Tijori , who rose to fame with films like Aashiqui and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, is gearing up for the release of his latest short film Echoes of Us. While promoting the project, Tijori recently reflected on the kind of cinema he always aspired to be part of, but didn't get the chance to. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Tijori revealed that the one actor whose career he truly envied was the late Irrfan Khan . 'There was always one actor I envied — that was Irrfan Khan,' he shared with Bollywood Bubble, adding, 'The kind of cinema he did, that was the kind I wanted to do. But I never got the opportunity because they always thought I was too commercial a property to be part of that cinema.' 'I was always an actor, never a star breed' Despite being recognised for his roles in some of the most iconic films of the '90s, Tijori confessed that he was often boxed into a commercial mould, making it difficult for him to explore more grounded, artistic cinema. 'I was always an actor. I was never a star breed,' he said. He admitted that he never cared much for song-and-dance routines either, unlike some of his peers. 'That's why if you see me in cinema, I don't have songs to play like Shah Rukh Khan. You guys do all those boss-level songs. I used to say, 'Okay, I'll do my work,' but I never had songs,' he recalled with a laugh. 'I used to tell them — don't make me sing, yaar, I find it annoying.' Deepak Tijori alleges co-producer Mohan Nadar cheated him of Rs 2.6 crore, files FIR 'Ittar is Irrfan cinema. And I want to do that now' Tijori feels he is finally stepping into the kind of cinema he's always longed for. Mentioning his recent work Ittar and another upcoming project with filmmaker Veena , he noted that these films reflect the subtle, introspective storytelling that defined Irrfan's legacy. 'Ittar is Irrfan cinema. What I'm doing again with Veena — that is Irrfan cinema,' he asserted. Deepak also revealed that Echoes of Us came into being after he met Joe, a fellow director who had worked on previous projects. The two bonded over their shared vision and decided to collaborate. 'I wrote it because I met Joe, and Joe was also a director. We became friends and thought — chalo, let's do something,' he said.
