Mumbai, July 14 — Actor-director Deepak Tijori has candidly addressed the long-standing issue of groupism in Bollywood, describing the industry’s functioning as a “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” system. In an exclusive interview with Filmfare, Tijori emphasized that this dynamic is rooted not in exclusion but in comfort and camaraderie, and has existed in the film fraternity for decades.
Reflecting on his early career and friendships with stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Pooja Bhatt, Tijori explained that working within familiar circles was a natural extension of shared trust and ease. “We all work in a group, in a clan. And this is not a new thing. The clan was there back then, and it existed even before us,” he said, adding that the environment on set was often playful and collaborative, with actors bonding over games and shared experiences.
Tijori dismissed the notion that today’s industry bonds are inorganic, arguing that comfort remains a key factor in choosing collaborators. “If I go to someone with my script and they refuse because I don’t have any equation with them, I won’t feel bad. I want my friends on set. That’s what’s happening,” he noted.
He also addressed the evolving nature of visibility in the industry, contrasting the social media-driven landscape of today with the more private interactions of the past. Despite the shift, he believes the underlying system remains unchanged. “Films are made the same way and will continue to be made the same way. Success or failure is a matter of time,” he added.
Tijori’s remarks offer a nuanced perspective on Bollywood’s inner workings, highlighting the enduring role of personal relationships in shaping careers and creative choices. His comments come amid ongoing debates about nepotism and insider-outsider dynamics in the industry.
