Tikku Talsania on his acting career, mantra to live life, latest film, and recent health scare: ‘It was not a heart attack’ | Lifestyle News

With nearly 50 years in the entertainment industry, Tikku Talsania is no stranger to the spotlight. From theatre to films and television, the veteran actor has experimented with various mediums and continues to explore new roles with unabated enthusiasm. Ahead of the release of his Gujarati film Jai Mata Di: Let’s Rock on May 9, the actor spoke to about his career, being typecast in comedy, a recent health scare, and the philosophy that keeps him going strong at 70. Read the edited excerpts below:Tikku Talsania: I’ve enjoyed every moment, and I still am. It’s been an incredible journey of learning, unlearning, and growing. Every film or play has taught me something new, and I’ve never shut the door on learning.
Q. Tell us about Jai Mata Di: Let’s Rock. How does it differ from your past work?
Tikku Talsania: It’s tough to say, but I think what sets it apart is how closely I stuck to the director’s vision. I followed the character exactly as he imagined it, and it turned out very well.
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Q. Despite doing serious roles, did being typecast as a comic ever feel limiting?
Tikku Talsania: Yes, of course. In our industry, directors and producers often take the easy route—“He’s great at comedy, let’s cast him again.” And because I always wanted to keep working, I accepted those roles. If you wait too long for your dream role, it might never come. So I kept at it, hoping that one day the kind of part I desire would come my way.

Q. Did you ever try to break free from that image?
Tikku Talsania: I did, but branching out isn’t always easy. You want to explore different things, but you also need to keep working. I don’t like sitting idle. Even at home, I’m reading, learning, and doing something new. The key is to keep moving forward and not get stuck.
Q. Comedy is considered one of the hardest genres, yet it comes naturally to you. What’s your success mantra?
Tikku Talsania: (Laughs) I wish there was a mantra! I just react naturally to lines, the way they hit me. I don’t act beyond that scope—I’m not an unnatural actor. I focus on bringing the lines to life with sincerity, and that’s where the comedy happens. While this is controversial to say, if there were a formula, everyone would be doing it.
Q. How has the idea of humour evolved over the years?
Tikku Talsania: The audience always wants something new to laugh at. It could be the world around you or what’s happening within you. Indians are emotional—we cry easily, so we don’t want to see anything tragic. Now, everyone seems tired of this rigmarole and intends to enjoy comedy. So that’s how the genre has changed, and something that comes naturally is accepted more.
Tikku Talsania on the set of Jai Mata Di Let’s Rock (PR handout)
Q. Does every medium offer that kind of freedom?
Tikku Talsania: It depends. Some directors love spontaneous reactions; others want tweaks. When I worked on Vicky, Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, the director gave me lots of inputs before each shot, and that only improved my performance. In theatre, though, it’s more rigid. You follow the script and the director’s vision strictly, and sometimes it works brilliantly, sometimes it doesn’t. It’s always a hit or miss.Story continues below this ad
Q. At 70, what is the secret to your healthy and active lifestyle?
Tikku Talsania: As I told you, I love to work and learn different things. I’m into a lot of adventure sports, I am a biker, and I love going to various places and meeting new people. That’s what keeps me alive and kicking.
Q. But have you altered your diet and fitness regimen with age?
Tikku Talsania: Of course, those things evolve. But I’ve made a conscious effort to keep the “old man” out of my life.

Q. What is the most dramatic transformation you have done for a role?
Tikku Talsania: I treat every role with honesty, reacting naturally while incorporating the director’s feedback. But I’m still waiting for a director to walk in and say, “Lose 20 kilos, I want to make you a villain, riding horses and kidnapping someone.” That would be exciting! But no one’s said that to me yet.
Q. Mental health has become a prominent topic of conversation lately in the industry. How different were things during your heydays?
Tikku Talsania: Talking about mental health openly is a welcome step. These things, however, did not ex earlier. My parents taught me to let go of things that do not work, live with those that work out, and to move on to the next rather than staying stuck.
I feel seeking professional help is a good thing. People who really need help should get it. Mental illness can come at any time. In fact, it can be there, and you would not even know about it. It’s good to accept it and consult an expert. Life is never a bed of roses, but you should know how to handle yourself.Story continues below this ad

Q. Your daughter is also an actor. As a veteran, did you share any dos and don’ts with her to make her journey slightly easier?
Tikku Talsania: Never. It’s her journey—from working backstage to acting and now even directing. She’s living her life her way, and that’s the best path. Children today are smart; they know what they’re doing.
Q. You recently suffered a health scare. Are you recovering well?
Tikku Talsania: Yes, thank you. It was an aneurysm, but the media said otherwise. It was not a heart attack. That’s life—something or the other happens, maybe it’s God reminding you of his presence. But it’s behind me now. I’ve already finished shooting for three films since. That says a lot about my fitness. Like I said—I’ve kept the “old man” out. If you start thinking, “Oh no, I’m 70 now, what will happen?” you’ve already aged. Age is just a number. The only way to live is to enjoy every moment.