Posted:
I AM STILL THE SAME RAJEEV
| Publication:Times Of India Jaipur; | Date:Oct 31, 2008; | Section:Jaipur Times; | Page Number:21 |
'I AM STILL THE SAME RAJEEV' 'says actor Rajeev Khandelwal who was in Jaipur to celebrate Diwali with his family. JT caught up with the bindaas banda TULIKA HALDHER Times News Network
We met Rajeev Khandelwal at the Rajasthan Polo Club early in the morning, looking every bit a star, as he rode towards us on a large stallion. His look complete with riding boots, breeches and a casual T. The Jaipur boy who has won critical acclaim for his debut film is, however, still the boy-next-door at heart. 'You know, I always had a penchant for riding and always wished to ride the horses at the Rajasthan Polo Club but could not do it when I was in Jaipur before I became an actor. Now, I just have to make a call and people at the club eagerly wait for
me to come here,' he says with a smile. So, he is a regular rider? 'No, I have started riding about a month ago for my film Khan where I play a jockey. It's a story about a horse and a jockey and how they liberate each other,' he shares.
But life has changed for him in more ways than one, right? 'Yes it has. The perception of people around me has changed. There is a lot of respect
now, but I wish there was
more love than respect. I am still the same Rajeev, I am their boy,' he says, almost innocently.
Incidentally, it's not just the attention from people who have known him as Rajeev, and now address him as Mr Khandelwal, that's of concern to him. His house becomes the center stage of activity of female fans the moment he steps in. Sample this: 'You know every time I come to Jaipur, girls start pouring in the minute I land up. I asked my mom how is it that they always come to know when I am coming and she told me that there is a common dhobi between our house and a girls' hostels nearby. He informs them in return for tips that they give him,' laughs Rajeev, even as he runs his fingers through his hair, a sight many of his female fans would definitely not want to miss.
So, it's homecoming after a long time for him, a special Diwali? 'Home is the best place in the world. Moreover, it is the festive season which makes the city all the more special. The moment I saw the airport from my flight, my heart skipped a beat and I thought, 'Wow, I'm home at last!' I cannot stay away from home during Diwali and I make it a point to come here during the festival every year. The kachoris, mithai and the food are too irresistible. There is a different essence in the air. Not being at
home during Diwali is too depressing.' And it's not just pet puja that's on Rajeev's agenda, the actor is trying his hand in the kitchen as well. 'I love cooking and I am trying to cook a variety of dishes with my mom,' he says. And what's Diwali without some shopping? So, that's on the POA as well. 'I will go shopping with my family to old Jaipur and buy clothes and mojaris apart from having the famous lassi there. I will also buy some duppattas for my friends in Mumbai,' he adds. So for those who are hoping to catch a glimpse of Rajeev, hanging out in the markets might just yield some results! Whatsay?
So, when do we see Rajeev on the silver screen next? 'I have signed about 4 to 5 projects. Of these, the shooting for Peter Gaya Kaam Se and Khan will begin by the end of this year. I have also signed a thriller and a classic love story for which I start shooting in March.' So much variety and such unconventional subjects, is it intentional? 'Never really thought of it that way, but yes, such scripts attract me,' he signs off.
RIDING HIGH: Rajeev Khandelwal
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credit goes to nehu (rajeev-bigfan) 🤗
NidaRajeev 😳😳
