A Small Town Boy Salim Zaidi (Tillu) Realising his Big Dreams

 He was a small-town boy. He reached Mumbai, chasing his dreams. Although, it wasn’t an easy task but Salim Zaidi never lost his hope. Now he is one of the most popular faces of Indian Television and Films.

Though, the wishes aren’t fulfilled easily. He came to Mumbai with big dreams but had to face the harsh reality. Salim knocked many doors, contacted many people and tried to convince many producers, but didn’t got the break. 

Syed Salim Zaidi alias ‘Tillu’ was born in Rampur town of Uttar Pradesh, famous for its arts, culture and obviously the Nawabs. His life wasn’t easy since he lost his mother at an early age. Salim was brought by his sisters and they were his first tutors.

“Acting is my passion. Since my childhood, I was attracted towards films and wanted to make career on a silver screen”, says Saleem.

Though, the wishes aren’t fulfilled easily. He came to Mumbai with big dreams but had to face the harsh reality. Saleem knocked many doors, contacted many people and tried to convince many producers, but didn’t got the break.

Syed Salim Zaidi alias ‘Tillu’ was born in a town of Jais, which is popular due to Malik Mohammad Jayasi, a Hindavi Sufi poet who wrote Padmawat. His life wasn’t easy since he lost his mother at an early age. Salim was brought by his sisters and they were his first tutors. 

 

He was first seen in Vickrant Mahajan’s ‘Challo Driver’ as Lalchand. This Ronicka Khanchari’s production film was released in 2012. Film didn’t make a big name, thus ruining the further prospects for Salim. His struggle for work continued till he got a chance in a television series, ‘Sahib Biwi Aur Boss’ for SAB TV.

Challo Driver Salim Zaidi 

‘Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara’, a film by M.J.M. Productions and Anika Films was the next project. Salim was next seen in ‘Trip to Bhangarh: Asia’s Most Haunted Place’, a film directed by Jitender Pawar. Then came Binaifer Kohli’s television series ‘Bhabhi ji Ghar Pe hain’.

 

‘Bhabhi ji Ghar Pe hain’ gave Salim Zaidi a much-needed success and fame. Though, his first love was cinema but triumph came through the television. His comical supporting character ‘Tillu’ made him a household name. Such is the popularity that people now call him Tillu, instead of his real name Syed Salim Zaidi.

The show has completed thousand episodes and it is still on air. Saleem’s work in ‘Bhabhi ji Ghar Pe hain’ is widely appreciated but this is not the end. It’s just the beginning of a long journey towards the ultimate success. Salim is sure that feat isn’t far away. Hard work, dedication and commitment for his work will surely land him on planet seven very soon.