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Going by the dictates of his heart
Rajeev Khandelwal, the popular star of television serials, gives Madhur Tankha some takes from his acting life... He goes by the dictates of his heart. Even when he was at the peak of his career, Rajeev Khandelwal, the much sought after television star, decided to call its quits from Ekta Kapoor's popular serial "Kahiin To Hoga" when he realised that his character would lose his charm if he continued to act in it. For the all-important role, Rajeev had auditioned in the Capital and was selected from 500 aspirants by Balaji Telefilms. He was given a brief about the romantic character he was to play. "I was a struggling actor then and all of us in the serial shared similar energy and commitment levels. Because of this role, I received so much love and affection from fans from far-off places including Ranchi, Jamshedpur and Guwahati. However, after acting in 'Kahiin To Hoga' for more than a year, I felt my debut serial was dragging. I did not want to sleepwalk through my role. Even though my character of Sujal was well appreciated, I felt I could no longer play the role with honesty," says Rajeev. Not regretting his decision to bid adieu to the soap opera, Rajeev says: "I wanted the character to live in the minds and hearts of people for another ten years. Like the character of Nanhe in "Hum Log' ". Asserting that he had nothing against the maker of the serial, the actor says he was open to the idea of working with Ekta Kapoor. A versatile actor, who is equally at home playing an action hero, Rajeev's role in "Time Bomb" was appreciated even though the serial was nowhere as popular as his debut serial. As for his on-going "Deal Ya No Deal'' series on Sony Entertainment Television, Rajeev says it is different from what he has done earlier. "We are shooting the serial in a brand new style. I cannot comment on Madhavan, the earlier host. I think Mandira Bedi was expressive, while I am a shy person. When I was given the offer I thought it would be a difficult task. Anything that is challenging excites me. Acting and hosting a show are poles apart." Stating that he was extremely jittery before taking the plunge into hosting the series, Rajeev says he had inhibitions performing in front of 300-odd people. "Let me clarify that it was not a conscious decision to host the show. On the sets there is a theatre like experience. My fans see me as a superstar and I have to give 200 per cent to live up to their expectation. Unlike acting, here there are no camera re-takes. I want to grow as an individual, stand on my own feet and speak before the audience with the same panache as I perform my roles. Now, I am confident enough to act in front of five actors. The whole experience of shooting seven episodes has been mind blowing," he adds. Even though he has a big fan following, Rajeev has not allowed success to go to his head. Talking about another popular game show, "Kaun Banega Crorepati", hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, the actor says: "Bachchanji is a legend, yet he rehearsed for one and a half months before hosting the show. So when I got ten days before shooting for my show, I slogged like anything." On his upcoming serial "Left, Right, Left" on Sab TV, Rajeev says the soap opera is about an officer and cadets who dream to make it to the Army. Made by Tony and Deeya Singh, the serial will go on air in the first week of June. Stating that he is a small-town boy, who longs to live life to the fullest, Rajeev says: "I never stayed in a metropolitan city. I come from Jaipur. Since my father was from Army I lead a very disciplined life."Even though Rajeev is trying his hands at different things -- he has also acted in a music video -- he has no inclination, however, to take up production and direction. He says he is not attached to his own popularity and believes in good "karma''.
http://www.hindu.com/2006/05/01/stories/2006050104090200.htm
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
