Veteran actor Mukesh Rishi made his Bollywood debut with the 1993 film Parampara, and has worked in hundreds of films since then, sharing screen space with superstars such as Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Sunny Deol, and others. However, even after working in the film industry for so many years, the actor can’t call anyone from Bollywood his friend. He said that he has immense respect for his co-stars and seniors at work, but his priorities have been different.
In an interview with Bollywood Thikana, the 67-year-old actor shared that he never attempted to hang out with his co-stars after work, choosing instead to return home and live a normal life. “Main kisi lobby mein nahi hun (I am not a part of any groups),” said Mukesh. The actor added, “In whichever film I am, whoever my senior is, I have respect for them and I don’t expect much.”
When asked why he didn’t make close friends in the film industry, Mukesh said, “Main sawaal sache dost ka nahi karunga kyunk hum log uss level pe nahi gaye na. Uss level pe nahi gaye jise dosti kaha jaye (I never reached that level where I could call myself their close friend).”
The actor recalled how he used to rush home after finishing work. “See, every person has their own system. My first thought after shooting was to reach home and go to the gym. Some people stay back and drink, so that’s how they bond. My priority has been clear since the beginning. I know what friendship is. Being friendly towards each other also creates a beautiful atmosphere.”
Having worked with senior actors, Mukesh said that he never thought of being friends with someone who was senior to him. However, he said that he always had a good time with them on set. “Main kaise kahun ki main Dharam ji ka dost hun, maine itni respect ki hai unki. Dekhiye jo bade log hai na inki zindagi jeene ka ek tareeka hai. So ab unki partiyo mein chale jana dosti ki nishani hai to main to gaya hi nahi zyadatar aur main kahun ki mujhe zyada log bula rahe the, aisa bhi nahia hai. Koi narazagi bhi nahi hai. Aaj bhi Aamir kahin mil jaye mujhe, to respect se milte hai, mere liye ye hi kaafi hai (How can I call Dharmendra my friend when I have so much respect for him. The big people have their own way of living their lives. So, if going to their parties is considered a sign of friendship, then I don’t generally go. And it’s not that many people call me also. Today also if Aamir and I meet, there is so much respect between us and that is enough).” said the actor, who has been part of films such as Sarfarosh, Gunda, Judwaa and many others.
Recalling a recent incident and explaining what friendship means to him, the actor said, “Abhi ek din mera beta ek restaurant mein gaya tha apne friends ke saath. Waha Sohail Khan bhi aaye the. Phir baato baato mein pata chal ki wo waha hai. Jaate jaate Sohail saara bill pay kar ke chale gaye. Ye sab dosti se kam thodi hai (Recently, my son was at a restaurant, and Sohail Khan was also there. Sohail found out, and quietly paid the entire bill. This is friendship).”
The actor added, “Respect is very important… Many actors might be younger to me but the respect for their success is there in my heart. So, this is how I have been. I am not doing many films so I am away from them. Tomorrow if I do a film with Salman, its going to be great again.”
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