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Chaya Unnikrishnan Posted: Apr 16, 2010 at 1300 hrs IST
In a freewheeling chat , Rajeev Khandelwal shares details of his forthcoming films and getting hitched You seem to love your long mane, which we saw in Sach Ka Samna. Will this be your look in all your forthcoming films too?
No. I am dying to cut my hair short, but for now I am stuck with it. I met Sanjay Leela Bhansali when I was doing Sach Ka Samna and he wanted me to keep my hair long for Chenab Gandhi. I was to shoot for the film from February this year. But since that didn't happen, I alloted the dates to my director Vikram Tuli for Joker. He fell in love with my wild hair (it flies in every direction) and I ended up keeping it long for the film. Now, I can't cut it because it will affect the continuity of the film. You must be really disappointed that Chenab Gandhi got stalled, right?
(Cuts in) I would have loved to learn something from Bhansali. But I have shelved it mentally. I feel sad for the writer-director Vibhu Puri, though, for he had worked very hard. It's been almost two years since your debut film Aamir. Don't you think having such a long gap will affect your career, especially since you are just starting out?
I don't believe in the adage out of sight, out of mind. People still remember me from my first TV serial Kaahin To Hoga and call me Sujal, the loverboy I played in the serial. The other day I met a 55-year-old man who came up to me and said he liked me as Captain Rajveer Singh of Left Right Left. Sach Ka Samna of course, is something that most people associate me with - I put my heart and soul into the roles I do, which is why they are etched in people's memories. Having said that, I know that Peter Gaya Kaam Se has been delayed but that's UTV's call. We finished the shoot last September then edits were happening. Now, the IPL is going on, which is why it is releasing on June 25. I am eagerly awaiting the outcome, not because I am in the film but it will be interesting to see how a Hindi film directed by a Britisher John Owen, with creative inputs from Anurag Kashyap, camerawork by a South Indian Alphonsa Roy and music by Sajid-Wajid will work. To top it my heroine Lekha Washington's Hindi wasn't very good but since she plays an NRI, that wasn't a problem. (Smiles). Talking about Lekha, tell us about the steamy scenes you have shot with her.
One steamy scene and it becomes news. Actually, we shot a music video, which is quite hot, that's all. You have formed a bond with first-time directors starting with Peter Gaya Kaam Se, Joker, and Tainaat.
Yes. Frankly, I have met all kinds of directors and I choose those who have lived with the script for a long time. Like Rajkumar Gupta who directed my first film Aamir. He was waiting to make this film and knew his job so well. As an actor I am benefitted because the director is careful about every department and gives minute attention to details. The anger, the frustration and desire to make the film as good as possible and prove oneself is a big plus. I am not saying that directors who are two or three films old have no fire in them but the passion in first-time directors is something else. You are playing a single parent in Joker. What prompted you to play a father so soon?
I loved the script, in fact I was touched by the story. Vikram Tuli, who is directing the film, had the script with him for over five years and he did not want to sell it. When he came to me he didn't expect me to accept the film. But as I said, I loved the script, which is romantic and emotional. Working with Shrey Bawa who plays my son is fun. He is just six years old but he is a veteran compared to me! He has done some 75 commericals and played Bobby Deol's son in Dostana. He is an adorable kid and a brilliant actor. Thankfully, his innocence is also intact. He doesn't know about his stardom, all he is concerned with is his Maggi Noodles and making faces. We are always competing to give a shot without retakes! Prachi Desai, who plays my love interest, is a bubbly girl, giggling away all the time. But in front of the camera she transforms completely. People who have seen us say that we make a good couple. Among your forthcoming films, is there any one which has you playing the conventional hero?
No. In fact, I want to do a simple, romantic film and a nice, fun-loving character. Having had an unconventional debut, directors are approaching me with roles that have layers to them. I take it as a compliment as it is a sign of recognition within the industry. Tell us about the film you are doing with Tanuja Chandra. Is it true that you were apprehensive of doing the film initially?
That's not true. Tanuja was one of the first directors who came to me after Aamir. Later she approached me with a script but I was already shooting for Peter Gaya Kaam Se. I couldn't do it immediately and it wouldn't have been fair to ask her to push it. Thankfully, it got delayed and now we will be doing the film, but it is too early to talk about it. Will you be hosting the second season of Sach Ka Samna?
I haven't been approached yet, but if it comes, I will definitely give it a thought. What is Tainaat all about?
That's the film I will be shooting after Joker. It is a psychological drama and I play an army officer. It is being directed by Ahsan Haider and produced by Nadir and Nadeem, sons of Nariman Irani, the producer of Amitabh Bachchan's Don. Besides that I have signed a film produced by Ravi Agarwal, the details of which I can reveal only later. Okay, but surely you can talk about your engagement.
Of course, I will be getting engaged next month to Manjiri Kamthekar. I have known her for the last one year and whenever I am with her, I know I want to spend my life with her. Marriage will be early next year. You must have upset your large female following with this news.
Girls are very expressive, they react immediately. I have got all sorts of messages, some angry, some ridiculing me, some hate messages and others asking me to rethink. However, I wouldn't like to say anything because someone's emotions are involved. How is Manjiri reacting to it?
She's a very sensible girl. I have not given her any reason to make her insecure. How familiar are you with Marathi now that you are getting married to a Maharastrian?
I know some words like paahije (want) and sampla (finish).
No. I am dying to cut my hair short, but for now I am stuck with it. I met Sanjay Leela Bhansali when I was doing Sach Ka Samna and he wanted me to keep my hair long for Chenab Gandhi. I was to shoot for the film from February this year. But since that didn't happen, I alloted the dates to my director Vikram Tuli for Joker. He fell in love with my wild hair (it flies in every direction) and I ended up keeping it long for the film. Now, I can't cut it because it will affect the continuity of the film. You must be really disappointed that Chenab Gandhi got stalled, right?
(Cuts in) I would have loved to learn something from Bhansali. But I have shelved it mentally. I feel sad for the writer-director Vibhu Puri, though, for he had worked very hard. It's been almost two years since your debut film Aamir. Don't you think having such a long gap will affect your career, especially since you are just starting out?
I don't believe in the adage out of sight, out of mind. People still remember me from my first TV serial Kaahin To Hoga and call me Sujal, the loverboy I played in the serial. The other day I met a 55-year-old man who came up to me and said he liked me as Captain Rajveer Singh of Left Right Left. Sach Ka Samna of course, is something that most people associate me with - I put my heart and soul into the roles I do, which is why they are etched in people's memories. Having said that, I know that Peter Gaya Kaam Se has been delayed but that's UTV's call. We finished the shoot last September then edits were happening. Now, the IPL is going on, which is why it is releasing on June 25. I am eagerly awaiting the outcome, not because I am in the film but it will be interesting to see how a Hindi film directed by a Britisher John Owen, with creative inputs from Anurag Kashyap, camerawork by a South Indian Alphonsa Roy and music by Sajid-Wajid will work. To top it my heroine Lekha Washington's Hindi wasn't very good but since she plays an NRI, that wasn't a problem. (Smiles). Talking about Lekha, tell us about the steamy scenes you have shot with her.
One steamy scene and it becomes news. Actually, we shot a music video, which is quite hot, that's all. You have formed a bond with first-time directors starting with Peter Gaya Kaam Se, Joker, and Tainaat.
Yes. Frankly, I have met all kinds of directors and I choose those who have lived with the script for a long time. Like Rajkumar Gupta who directed my first film Aamir. He was waiting to make this film and knew his job so well. As an actor I am benefitted because the director is careful about every department and gives minute attention to details. The anger, the frustration and desire to make the film as good as possible and prove oneself is a big plus. I am not saying that directors who are two or three films old have no fire in them but the passion in first-time directors is something else. You are playing a single parent in Joker. What prompted you to play a father so soon?
I loved the script, in fact I was touched by the story. Vikram Tuli, who is directing the film, had the script with him for over five years and he did not want to sell it. When he came to me he didn't expect me to accept the film. But as I said, I loved the script, which is romantic and emotional. Working with Shrey Bawa who plays my son is fun. He is just six years old but he is a veteran compared to me! He has done some 75 commericals and played Bobby Deol's son in Dostana. He is an adorable kid and a brilliant actor. Thankfully, his innocence is also intact. He doesn't know about his stardom, all he is concerned with is his Maggi Noodles and making faces. We are always competing to give a shot without retakes! Prachi Desai, who plays my love interest, is a bubbly girl, giggling away all the time. But in front of the camera she transforms completely. People who have seen us say that we make a good couple. Among your forthcoming films, is there any one which has you playing the conventional hero?
No. In fact, I want to do a simple, romantic film and a nice, fun-loving character. Having had an unconventional debut, directors are approaching me with roles that have layers to them. I take it as a compliment as it is a sign of recognition within the industry. Tell us about the film you are doing with Tanuja Chandra. Is it true that you were apprehensive of doing the film initially?
That's not true. Tanuja was one of the first directors who came to me after Aamir. Later she approached me with a script but I was already shooting for Peter Gaya Kaam Se. I couldn't do it immediately and it wouldn't have been fair to ask her to push it. Thankfully, it got delayed and now we will be doing the film, but it is too early to talk about it. Will you be hosting the second season of Sach Ka Samna?
I haven't been approached yet, but if it comes, I will definitely give it a thought. What is Tainaat all about?
That's the film I will be shooting after Joker. It is a psychological drama and I play an army officer. It is being directed by Ahsan Haider and produced by Nadir and Nadeem, sons of Nariman Irani, the producer of Amitabh Bachchan's Don. Besides that I have signed a film produced by Ravi Agarwal, the details of which I can reveal only later. Okay, but surely you can talk about your engagement.
Of course, I will be getting engaged next month to Manjiri Kamthekar. I have known her for the last one year and whenever I am with her, I know I want to spend my life with her. Marriage will be early next year. You must have upset your large female following with this news.
Girls are very expressive, they react immediately. I have got all sorts of messages, some angry, some ridiculing me, some hate messages and others asking me to rethink. However, I wouldn't like to say anything because someone's emotions are involved. How is Manjiri reacting to it?
She's a very sensible girl. I have not given her any reason to make her insecure. How familiar are you with Marathi now that you are getting married to a Maharastrian?
I know some words like paahije (want) and sampla (finish).
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