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'No one can tamper with my destiny'
In an exclusive interview with Roshni K Olivera, Rajeev Khandelwal talks about stepping into Bollywood, insecurities and the weird SMSes he's been getting these days
You are all set to step into Bollywood...
Yes, I have just finished shooting for my film Aamir. It's been a great experience. I hope people enjoy the film as much as we enjoyed shooting it.
What's the movie all about?
Aamir is a thriller but not the run-of-the-mill thriller. All I can say is that the film will be gripping for whoever watches it from the word go.
Why did you choose a thriller considering you have a popular romantic image on television?
I always thought I'd make my debut in a typical Bollywood film, but when I read the script of Aamir I realised how narrow my horizons were. I read the script during one of my flights and when I got off at Delhi airport I decided I wanted to be part of this film come what may. Also, the faith that Raj Kumar, the director, and Anurag Kashyap, the creative producer, showed in me was overwhelming.
But this movie doesn't have the typical Bollywood elements of song and dance...
This is not a typical song and dance kind of a movie, but it is a hardcore commercial film and has something very novel to offer. Times are changing and I guess the audiences are willing to watch beyond the routine stuff.
Would you like to do a masala film?
I would like to experiment with all kinds of genre. Of course it's too early for me to talk about my choices.
On television you were known to be very choosy about your roles...
I will be the same irrespective of the medium. I only take up a project when my heart and mind are in sync about it.
Would you take up a TV show at this point?
As long as I see a challenge and grow as an actor, I don't mind doing television. But doing what I've already done is a big No No. I like looking ahead and not behind. So personally I
see myself doing films as of now. I hope I don't have to eat my words in the future!
Barring Shah Rukh Khan, hardly any TV actors have made it big in Bollywood. Do you feel insecure?
We all come with our own destinies. No one can tamper with my destiny. I am pretty secure as far as my decisions are concerned. Even if things go wrong, I don't mind starting from scratch. I'll keep trying. It's human to fail and I will never be ashamed of failure. I would know that at least I tried. Anyway talking about failure, there are some who would want to see me fail. I have been getting some weird SMSes these days. I just laugh them off.
Apart from Aamir, is there anything else in the pipeline?
I want to play a fair game. I'll wait till the release of my film and then decide from whatever I am offered. I want the industry and audiences to first see my capability.
Who are your favourite actors?
I love the sincerity and hardwork of Hrithik and the success story of SRK.
And actresses?
I would love to work someday with Kajol.
We know about Rajeev the actor, what's Rajeev the person like?
Simple, ordinary and the guy-next door.
Some find you rather aloof, some think you are arrogant...
You didn't mention about those who find me lovable (smiles). I live my life my way and not the way the world wants me to. I am only answerable to my conscience. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Fair enough. I believe in the policy of live and let live.
Your first co-star and good friend Aamna Shariff is getting into movies too...
She deserves a lot more than whatever she has achieved till now. I wish her lots of success and happiness.
Finally, can you tell us if Aamna and you are a couple or not?
Keep guessing!
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BOLLYWOOD CALLING: Rajeev Khandelwal
This interview is from The Bombay Times dt 19/01/2008.
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