Veteran comic actor Tiku Talsania, renowned for his rib-tickling performances in a plethora of Bollywood classics, has recently opened up about the challenges he’s facing in the industry. At the age of 69, the evergreen artist has candidly opened up about struggling to find work
In an exclusive conversation with The Indian Express, Tiku Talsania said “I am slightly jobless right now (laughs).” He attributed this phase of relative inactivity to the shifting dynamics of the film industry, where the focus has shifted from formulaic narratives to more nuanced, story-driven cinema. He elaborated to the news portal, “Gone are the times where there used to be formula films with cabaret dance, two love songs, and the comedian coming and doing his bit and going away. That all has changed now. It is become story-oriented. So unless and until you become a part of the story, or you get to play a character of a person whose story is knitted with the story, you don’t get work. I am slightly jobless right now (laughs). I want to work, but the right kind of roles are not coming my way.”
Despite this professional lull, Tiku remains actively engaged in the pursuit of new roles, employing multiple strategies such as auditions, agent networking, and personally reaching out to filmmakers. He said, “I am seeking work regularly. I have an agent, a team looking out for scripts and plays. They let me know about it, and if I am required to go for an audition, I go for an audition. Things have changed over a period of time, but one needs to be patient. Since Covid, working principle has been disrupted. Now, people are becoming sharper and more progressive. It’s become beautiful and I like the way we have to approach work now. I am waiting for people to call me. Also, I am sending out feelers that I am an actor looking for work. So, if there is a suitable role, then I’d love to do it. That’s the kind of approach we have.”
Tiku has been a part of timeless hits including “Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke” (1993), “Andaz Apna Apna” (1994), “Coolie No. 1” (1995), “Raja Hindustani” (1996), “Judwaa” (1997), “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan” (1998), “Raju Chacha” (2000), “Hungama” (2003), and “Dhamaal” (2007). Notably, his notable non-comedic portrayal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Devdas” (2002) showcased his versatility beyond comedy. Tiku was recently seen in Rohit Shetty’s “Cirkus”.
Interestingly, Tiku Talsania’s daughter, Shikha Talsania, has also marked her place in the industry, with her recent appearance in “Satyaprem Ki Katha.”
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