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Indra Daga

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Posted: 21 years ago

Interview WIth Actor Rajeev Khandelwal

Rajeev Khandelwal in his Glamours look

He may be known today as the newest hunk on the block, but Rajeev Khandelwal did not come to Mumbai with dreams of making it big as an actor.

Unknown to many, Rajeev is in reality a documentary filmmaker who has made several docudramas on the Indian Army, the life of the aged, and women's labour in the country.

Today, however, it is playing Sujal in Star Plus' new late night opus Kahiin To Hoga that is keeping him busy. Not surprisingly, Rajeev has also spawned a growing female fan following, thanks to his ambitious, egoistic, hotshot dude act in KTH.

Receiving a constant stream of gushing calls has become de rigour, and he acknowledges, albeit in a slight vain vein, that the female adulation is a part of his life now.

Vickey Lalwani caught up with the 'happening' star of tellyland to find out what makes him tick.

Was yours a planned foray into television acting?
No way, I am a B Sc (Chemistry) from St Xavier's, Ahmedabad. Brought up in an army background, I started my career in television as a production assistant. Soon, I began writing and directing documentary films. Till date, I have written about 30 documentaries on various subjects.

Really! Tell us something about the documentaries.
Documentaries that I penned and directed were on issues like old age, women's labour and the Indian Army, among many others. I have a special fascination for the Indian Army. After the Kargil war, I was keen on making something that would showcase the army and hence made one documentary on the subject. Most of the films I made were aired on Doordarshan and were of 30 minutes duration. I did not produce all of them, though.

So, how did the transition from production to acting happen?
Well, I had shot a pilot for a show based on an army backdrop. It didn't find approval and I ended up wasting lots of time and money.

Now that I look back, I think I shouldn't have done it at all. Not only was I vague about the tricks of the trade, I was positively clueless about the content that the mainstream channels would be interested in.

Rajeev Khandelwal

How did you bounce back?
While I was trying to sell that project in Mumbai, I managed to sell myself (laughs). I was selected to model for a few commercials- LML bikes, Gilbey's Green Label Whiskey, Kodak Express and Videocon refrigerators.

Thanks to those opportunities, I recovered most of my lost money within no time. At this point, friends advised me to try my hand at acting. I went in for some auditions at Balaji Telefilms. Luckily, I was selected. I badly needed the money to recover the losses that I had incurred in the making of the pilot. My ad assignments were quite a boon, but they still had not wiped away the entire deficit.

Usually Balaji actors manage to become semi celebrities within no time, how did you manage to keep a low profile?
Guess it all depends on the popularity of the serial. If I had made my first appearance in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, I would have registered with the audiences faster. My cameo was in Sony's Kya Haadsa Kya Haqeeqat. Today, this show is doing well - but I shot for the initial thriller episodes, the inaugural series. It was a great experience. I shared the frame with some great artistes like Rohini Hattangadi and Smriti Malhotra. My first shot was with Smriti. Mind you, I didn't goof up (laughs).

So that's how you started. Then?
Offers started trickling in, but I already signed Kahiin To Hoga. Since it was a daily, that required a major chunk of my time, I didn't want to take up more projects. I didn't want to focus on too many things during the initial stages of my career. Besides, I knew that I was playing a character which would make an impact. Unfortunately, Kahiin... did not flag off as per schedule. That was a trying period.

I was in a dilemma, unsure of what to do next. A catch-22 situation, to be precise. And, people who remembered that I had appeared in KHKH began asking embarrassing questions like 'Kyon Bhaiya, Chale Nahin Kya? (Oh, so you didn't click?)'

Didn't you take a raincheck beforehand? Were and are you bound by a contract with Balaji Telefilms?
No. I am free to take up other projects as and when I please.

Rajeev Khandelwal

You said that you knew your character in 'Kahiin...' would make an impact. What made you believe so?
This is something very new. The character Sujal I play has loads of attitude. Tell me one young actor in a TV show, so far, with so much of attitude.

How close is Rajeev to Sujal? Do you really have an attitude? And how do you define 'attitude'?
Pretty close. Like Sujal, I am a reserved guy. But frankly, I don't like the word attitude, it has a lot of negativity attached. Here, people equate aloofness to attitude. They begin saying that he is proud, egoistic.... Sooner or later, they start saying that the guy has an attitude. This is unfair. How can anybody start chit-chatting, gossiping and laughing with everyone?

How did you react when you first learnt that 'Kahiin...' would be aired in the 11 pm slot?
I guess, I was very nervous and apprehensive. According to the general perception, late-night shows don't do well. I knew the content was good, but was afraid of viewers who may not want to change their viewing pattern?

Later, however, I consoled myself and maintained a firm belief in Balaji Telefilms. The production house has a successful track record and I waited. Waited with bated breath, for nearly six months to hear about the launch. What kept bothering me was the fact that despite starting of KHKH, I still had to make my mark. I couldn't afford a failure at this stage. It would have been a major setback.

You seem to have had a good time doing some very romantic scenes with your co-star Aamna Sharif (Kashish)?
(smiles) I know those scenes have become the talk of the town. That's because Aamna and I share a wonderful chemistry. To be honest, I did get turned on when those sequences were narrated to me. But when it came to doing those in front of the entire unit, it was a different story altogether.

Rajeev Khandelwal In Gilbey's Green Label Ad

Did you have any formal training in acting?
I don't believe in formal training. Acting is an intrinsic art. These classes might polish an actor a bit, but they can't ingrain the seeds of acting.

So, do you watch serials to imbibe something?
I don't watch any serial mainly because I know if I do, I would start imitating someone. It's a natural thing to happen. We all get influenced by each other, no matter how hard we try to avoid it. I don't want to copy any actor, howsoever successful he may be.

How important is a director to you?
Quite important. I want him to help me get into the skin of the character. He has to keep a close eye on me in the initial stages of the show and correct my flaws as per the character demands. However, I don't believe that the director has to enact the scenes for me. Else, I wouldn't be able to improvise.

No formal training in acting. Don't watch much television. How do you manage to convince the director?
Since I have written and directed documentaries, I can relate to the scriptwriter and director very easily. I have a fair idea as to what they want from me as an actor. It's a case of 'knowledge gained does not go down the drain'. Importantly, I am not too sensitive.

I don't mind if people point out my flaws. For instance, there was this drunken scene recently where the creative guys felt that I had gone over the top and they let me know. Thanks to them, I could better my act.

Going back to your character. You don't share a very good equation with your father (Deepak Parasher). But I guess that part has not been fully delved into...
Your guess is right. That's because he (Parasher) has not been good to my mother.

But even that aspect has not been touched upon?
You are right actually, but I wouldn't be able to comment on that. It should be coming up any moment. But I really have fallen in love with my character. The fact that it has every possible human shade- love, anger and jealousy, makes it even more attractive. It is also one reason why I relate to the scriptwriter and director.

On behalf of your female fans, let me ask you one last question. Where do you think your sex appeal lies?
In my eyes.

Courtsey:Hindustan Times

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Indra Daga

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Posted: 21 years ago

Pin-up boy of small screen

He is the current heartthrob on the small screen with a swooning female fan-following spanning all age groups. Known to viewers as Sujal of Star Plus' late night opus Kahiin To Hoga, Rajeev Khandelwal has managed to win millions of hearts with the intense character he plays in the serial.

As is always the case, he was mobbed by a group of girls even when he was in Bangalore recently for the shoot of an ad film. Ask him how he manages the constant stream of attention and Rajeev has no qualms in admitting that he enjoys every bit of the adulation he gets.

An actor who has dabbled with film-making and modelling before making it to the television circuit, his journey from a small town boy in Rajasthan to the film city of Mumbai was definitely not an easy one. "It was indeed a struggle," he admits. It was, probably, the creative streak in him that saw him through this struggle.
Coming from an Army background, Rajeev's parents were not very supportive of him pursuing a career in acting as he was a good student. But, fate had it otherwise for Rajeev.

He quit engineering within two months of joining the course because he thought "it did not offer much scope for extra-curricular interests." He then joined St Xavier's in Ahmedabad to do his degree in Chemistry.

"As I always wanted to be an actor, I moved to Delhi on completion of the course. But when I realized that good roles were not coming my way, I started writing scripts and directing documentaries.

My next destination was Mumbai to sell the product I had made. There, it was the big money that attracted me to the world of advertising. After being selected for a commercial, one led to the other, and in a span of two months, I was able to recover all my losses."

Subsequently, on one of his trips to Delhi, Rajeev Khandelwal learnt that Balaji Telefilms was looking for a new face. "I auditioned and got selected. For me it was a good opportunity to find out whether I could stand out as more than a face in the crowd." The rest, as they say, is history.

A self-taught actor who has not undergone any formal training, Rajeev is of the view that "you either have it in you or perceive it with your heart and soul or you don't." A great admirer of Shahrukh Khan, his ultimate destination is also the celluloid and he admits of having got some feelers from the industry. "I wish to make my debut with a role that really turns me on, and will continue with television till it comes my way."

Being an outdoor person who loves adventure sports, he does not mind trying his hand at action because it comes naturally to him.

"However, as an actor it's more challenging to do comic roles and I would love to do the Govinda kind of slapstick humor someday," says this telly-star, who believes that his sex appeal lies in his eyes. Are his female fans listening?

Courtsey:Deccan Herald

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Indra Daga

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Posted: 21 years ago

Man Of The Moment (Rajeev Khandelwal)

His sauve personality, intense eyes and sincere performance as Sujal Garewal in the teleserial Kaahin To Hoga has catapulted him to fame and won him a horde of female fans. Meet Rajeev Khandelwal who says he's a bit dazed by the sudden prominence he has gained, which also means rising expectations and in turn, more responsibility...

Rajeev Khandelwal as Sujal Garewal in Kaahin To Hoga

In the sets of Ekta Kapoor's daily soap Kaahin To Hoga in the far-flung Goregoan suburb of Mumbai, Rajeev Khandelwal is shooting for the episodes to be telecast a fortnight later. His cell-phone keeps buzzing constantly, and the newcomer that he is, he responds to the calls diligently. As he gestures us to sit, we hear him talking to a journalist of a publication which has misquoted him. Clarifications over, he says, "I have been quoted as saying things which I never said. So I am a bit upset, but then I guess I shouldn't let it bother me."

We are about to begin the Q & A session, when the mobile buzzes again, and this time it's a female fan who wants to play a guessing game with him. Rajeev indulges her for a moment, but then firmly says, "Lady will you tell me your name and what you want. I am quite busy and really can't talk to you at length." The terse but polite line works, and the fan disconnects. "I don't know how people have got to know my phone number. I am beseiged with calls and SMSs from strangers," he reveals. The female strangers must surely be outnumbering the men, right? "Well, yes, and you do feel flattered. It works wonders for your ego. Sometimes it can cause you inconvenience, but I don't want to be rude. They are calling me up because they like me," reasons the actor.

So does Rajeev feel he has arrived? "No way," he states, "Yes, I have made my presence felt, but this is just the beginning. I have a long way to go. I have struggled to come this far, learning things the hard way. So this success is the initial fruit of my labour. But I have bigger dreams to be fulfilled."

Hailing from Jaipur, the land of forts, with his father and brother serving in the Army, Rajeev lets us know that films were always on his mind right from the time he could think for himself. "My parents found it a bit odd that I wanted to pursue arts and aesthetics, but I was sure," he recalls, "While in collge, I was in the forefront when it came to organising drama festivals. After my graduation, I went to Delhi and started out as a production assistant in an ad agency. I then made some ad films myself, followed by a few documentaries tackling social issues. You see, I was this very righteous youth who wanted to set straight the injustices in society, hence the documentaries where I could express my thoughts. I even directed a few teleserials for DD, again on social issues, and though they were telecast during the non prime-time slot, it felt important to see my name as the director."

It was a pilot he had shot for an teleserial that changed the course of his life. "The satellite channels had made their impact and I had this very ambitious plan of making a mega-serial on the army," enthuses Rajeev, "I made a pilot incurring all the expenses myself, and with a lot of help from the army people who knew my father. While making the pilot episodes the Afghan war broke out, and the army couldn't help me further since they were deployed for the war. Yet I managed to shoot some episodes, and landed in Mumbai to submit the pilot to various satellite channels, very sure that I would be given a slot. I got no response at all. It was a major setback. I realised I had burnt my fingers. But then I had landed in Mumbai, the city of dreams, and it did prove to be a turning point of my life."

The land of opportunity threw up other options for Rajeev, who was sharp enough to grab them. "Though I had been behind the secnes and into direction, acting was always there at the back of my mind and an avenue which I had yet to explore," he says, "So I decided to face the camera and see if I would stand out or be just another face in the crowd."

Stood out he sure did, because after circulating his portfolio in ad agencies, Rajeev bagged ad films like LML, Gilbeys, Kodak Express, Good Knight. "That spurred me on and instilled some confidence in me. And I made good money," he states, "But there's not much creative satisfaction in doing ads. So when I came to know that auditions were being held for Balaji Telefilms for their daily soaps, I decided to try my luck, and ended up being selected."

Rajeev's first teleserial was the thriller Kya Haadsa Kya Haqeeqat, in which he did the first story. But it was with his second teleserial Kaahin To Hoga that the actor hit bigtime. "I never imagined the big difference the telrserial would make in my life. It's a high when I am pointed out as Sujal Garewal in public places, and when people come up to me and compliment me for my performance. It makes you feel accepted," smiles Rajeev, his jet-black eyes lighting up.

Did he expect this kind of adulation? "Not really," is his candid response, "Firstly because the serial is telecast in the non prime-time slot of 11 p.m. Secondly, because the character is not your typical goody-goody kind. It has grey shades and sometimes Sujal's actions border on the thin line between the postive and negative. It's not a character you would instantly fall in love with. It's very human, very real. But then even I am like that, a bit stubborn, arrogant and very much into myself." As an afterthought, the actor points out, "Some have even told me that Sujal reminds them of the typical Mills and Boon hero."

Rajeev humbly gives the credit of his success to the people who conceived the show. "They gave me a brilliant brief which is why I could portray the finer nunaces well. I am not a great actor, neither am I a good looker. The success is because of the entire package," he feels, "When people come up to me and tell me we understand your character, that's like an award."

After five months of telecast of Kaahin To Higa, Rajeev has not yet appeared in other teleserials. "It's a conscious decision not to act in other serials because I want to focus on this role," he explains, "Plus the offers I am getting are for similar kind of roles, so I am just waiting for the euphoria to subside, and then maybe I will get different kind of roles. I am very keen to do comic roles."

He seems to have planned his career moves? "Yes, kind of," Rajeev agrees, "I don't want to follow the beaten track. I am not glamour-struck and I don't mind waiting for the right offer. What's important is to believe in yourself, because only then will others believe in you. Which is why Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan are my idols." He further adds, "Films are also on my mind. I hope directors who make meaningful films have noticed me."

Back home in Jaipur, Rajeev's parents are equally proud of him. "They rarely praise me and are my worst critics. At the most they say, 'Yeh scene achcha kiya'. I haven't got the time to go and meet them, and my mother's really missing me," he concludes with a tinge of nostalgia.

RAJEEV'S FAVE LIST...
ACTOR: Amitabh Bachchan
ACTRESS: Waheeda Rehman
FILM: Shakti
COLOUR: Black
FOOD: What I cook myself. I make lovely palak saag
CAR: My car Hyundai Accent
HOLIDAY SPOT: Leh, Ladakh
HISTORICAL CHARACTER: Prithviraj Chauhan since I am from Jaipur
BOOK: Ayn Rand's Fountainhead. I am very much like the hero of the book Howard Roark
POWERFUL INFLUENCES: Shah Rukh Khan for what he has achieved in a short time. He comes to Mumbai and makes a Mannat (bungalow) for himself. That's achievement
DREAM ROLE:
Amitabh Bachchan in Shakti
MOTTO IN LIFE: Believe in yourself
WHAT I LOOK FOR IN A WOMAN: Her sensibility
DATE OF BIRTH: October 16, Libra

Courtsey: Screen India

Edited by priya - 21 years ago

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Indra Daga

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Posted: 21 years ago

Interview of Rajeev Khandelwal

Good-looking RAJEEV KHANDELWAL aka the passionate Sujal of Kahin To Hoga is quite a hit with the fairer sex. But right now work is worship and that's why he's taking it one at a time. PREMA K. talks to television's latest heart-throb...

How does it feel to know that you have hit a boundary with your debut serial, Kahin To Hoga?
I don't know anything about that but I have definitely scored a lot of runs. I am still on the crease and according to people I am still batting very well (laughs). Good things are happening in my professional life. Every newcomer craves for it but does not get it so soon.

Did you expect to strike it big so soon?
Frankly speaking, I never expected it so soon. I never thought I was great shakes but fortunately for me everything happened in quick succession. I may not have arrived but at least I have made my presence felt. People know who I am!

Has the success of Kahin To Hoga been helpful?
Everything has helped me; the concept, the script, and my character in Kahin To Hoga. As far as the actor in me goes, I understood the character well when I was narrated the script. I had so much conviction in the script and the character that I lived it day in and day out. I felt the vulnerability of the character and it blended well with my looks and personality. When I started getting a lot of appreciation from my director, producer, and the channel, I was further motivated to give off my best. I was offered a few other serials too but I refused all of them. I was sure that I wanted to debut with this one only.

What similarities do you find between Sujal and you?
There are very few similarities between us. Both of us are very passionate people who do not care a damn for the world if we are convinced about something. Although both of us are introvertish in nature, Sujal goes slightly overboard. He is an extremist unlike me and follows his love passionately.

Are you a lover boy in real life too?
I am a very simple and straightforward guy. I am not a Cassanova but am very romantic and passionate and I get turned off soon. I cannot spend time with a woman I cannot relate to. Although I enjoy every bit of adulation from the fairer sex, I am single but not ready to mingle yet. I am not trying to put off my female fans but at the moment, work is my priority. I have got a golden opportunity to display my talent. I am loved by everybody and don't want to fritter away what I have got on a platter. Once I feel that I have arrived, I will have time for affairs. It should take me just another two years (laughs).

Have you ever lost the woman you loved?
Yes, I have. It happened about five years ago. I think we all do at some time or the other in life. I had a very close and intimate relationship with a woman and I lost her for no fault of mine, exactly the way Sujal does in the serial. Like him, I could not give her an explanation but unlike him, I never pursued her. I felt that I did not owe an explanation to a woman who had known me for two years. I did not want to be with her any more. It put me off love for a while but I guess life goes on. It is very important to go through these emotions in life. It makes one evolve as a person.

Did you always want to become an actor?
I wanted to become an actor ever since I was in the 6th std. I had auditioned for the main role in a children-based Punjabi TV serial. However, I could not take it up as my father was against me missing three months of school for the shoot. I swore that I would make it big as an actor some day. I was almost on the verge of joining the army after my graduation when I suddenly decided to give acting a shot. I acted in a few TV serials in Delhi but they were nothing to write home about. Then I switched over to making documentary films.

What brought you to Mumbai?
I came here to sell a pilot for a TV serial. Here people kept telling me that I should be in front of the camera instead of behind it. I auditioned for Kahin To Hoga and was selected.

Are you doing any other serial?
I want to concentrate on this one for the time being. I will definitely take up something good if it comes my way after about eight months.

What about films?
I would definitely like to be there on the big screen some day but so far nothing good has come my way. I have just got a couple of feelers from decent banners but am not sure if I want to take them up. One bad move can ruin my career.

Do you believe in approaching people for work?
I feel that if I have it in me, and if a producer feels that I am bankable then he will definitely approach me. I will approach the big banners when I feel confident about it.

Are you worried about competition?
I wonder why! Believe in God, destiny, luck, and more importantly in yourself.

How would you like to see yourself five years from now?
Happy, content, and peaceful! I want to be able to look into the mirror and say- "Yes, you've lived your life." I do not want to have any regrets in life. My conscience should never prick me. You can fool the world but not your conscience. Looking back I should always feel that I gave my best shot to whatever I did!

Courtsey:Cybernoon

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Indra Daga

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Posted: 21 years ago

Interview Of Aamna Shariff

Aamna Shariff as Kashish in Kaahin To Hoga

Beatific smile and sexy churidars seems to be ruling the roost on Star Plus' late nights. With her ideal daughter act, Aamna Shariff has managed to win over the audience, so much so that they have extended their daily television viewing time by another half an hour.

Coming from a conservative family, it wasn't easy for Shariff to break into the showbiz, but once the ice was broken there was no looking back. Few commercial ads later, she is now plays a protagonist is Balaji Telefilms' new soap on the block.

Although it is her first serial and still in its nascent stages, the spark is evident. May be not in the league of 'Tulsi' and 'Parvati', but Shariff's Kashish seems to be making a mark. indiantelevision.com's Vickey Lalwani met up with the beauty to pick up her brains. Excerpts from the meeting:

How did you land up in the television industry?
And don't even think about churning out the clich statement 'I always wanted to become an actor.'
(Laughs) Sorry, but yes, I always wanted to become an actor. Being from a Muslim background, I met with some resistance from my family members initially. I therefore had to keep my ambition on the backburner for quite sometime. But guess, things started to roll and I had to take a call. So somehow, I managed to convince my parents and here I am today.

And how exactly did your career start?
When I was in my second year of college, I started getting a lot of modeling offers.

The major brands that I have endorsed include Close-up toothpaste, Betel phones, Emami cosmetic cream, Clearsil skin cream, Nescafe's instant coffee, Vatika's hair oil among many others. I have done nearly 50 ads.

That's quite an amount. How did television happen?
Along the line, I did a music video sung by Kumar Sanu- Dil Ka Alam Main Kya Bataun Tujhe. I also did a couple of South films. Guess a lot of people noticed me as I started getting lots of offers to act in serials and Hindi films as well. But no offer had substance, so I had to turn down quite a few.

One fine day I got a call from Balaji Telefilms for Kahiin To Hoga then titled Kashish. I heard my role and realised that I had the biggest role. I was the link between all the characters. I was going to be in almost every frame. How could I refuse such a meaty offer? Ekta called me for the auditions. It took them six months to finalise. I hesitated just a bit before signing on the dotted line. But thank god, I did it.

Kashish Sinha

You had some real mushy scenes with Sujal (Rajeev Khandelwal). Did you feel awkward while enacting those?
Rajeev and I share a wonderful rapport, which is why our on-screen chemistry is so good. I think that should answer your question (smiles).

In the serial, you don't get married to your lover Sujal but rather opt for your father's choice Piyush. What would you do if faced with a similar situation in real life?
I don't think that I would fall in love with some one like Sujal, but if I did I would not leave him. But I would definitely like to marry a guy like Piyush. He embodies everything that a girl wants in a husband; he is charming, sophisticated and loving.

I am a very practical girl, I will asses the guy's qualities before committing myself. I don't think I'll ever fall for a wrong guy.

And what if, like the reel story, one of your younger sisters bears a child out of wedlock?
I would certainly forgive her and even insist that my dad should not to disown her. Human's make mistakes, don't they?

'Kahiin...' has now broken into the top 20 shows. What according to you is the secret of its success?
One, it's a youth-centric serial. So, it is unlike the typical soaps. Considering the fact that a lot of shots have been done on exotic outdoor locales, it has a film feel to it.

Two, the characters have been very strongly sketched. Frankly speaking, we were quite apprehensive in the beginning.

Why?
We had been given the 11 pm slot and it isn't easy to make an impact then. Plus, all three of us (Rajeev, Rohit and myself) were new to the medium, so we were unsure if we would be able to pull it off. While Rohit has done some serials like Kahiin Kissii Roz and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, the roles he portrayed were all of a character artiste while this is a lead. We trusted Ekta and it paid off.

Aamna Shariff

There are some bold love scenes and a near-smooch between Rishi and Mahek in one of the previous shows. Has this helped?
I wouldn't rule it out. These scenes got the people talking about the show. The early word of mouth is very essential. A serial has to create a buzz in the first 13 episodes. It is unreasonable and impractical to expect people to tune in to a daily after 52 episodes.

As for those scenes that you are talking about, full marks to the director Anil Kumar who shot them very aesthetically. There was not an iota of vulgarity in those frames. Importantly, things like premarital sex and unwed motherhood are happening in colleges today, aren't they? We are just holding the mirror.

How did you feel when your dad (Amar Talwar) who looked 55-60 was dropped and a new character who looks barely 40 was taken in his place?
Initially, it was difficult to identify a new person stepping into the shoes of someone who had nearly settled down. But 'kya karen'? 'Hamara kaam hi kuch aisa hai'. Slowly but surely, it's setting in. The new entrant is a good actor. But I still miss Amarji.

I think Nim Sood (Balaji's Fashion Stylist) has been extra generous with you. You have some excellent costumes on the show.
Well, I am very fussy with whatever is sent to me. At times, I have used even my own clothes. I am a very fashion conscious person. There have been instances when I felt I wasn't looking up to the mark or wasn't comfortable with the costumes. I immediately went and changed!

Is it necessary to look good on television? Seems like Jassi is set to erode that belief...
That's because the script of Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin demands so. If the script of Kahiin... has given me an opportunity to look good, why shouldn't I make most of it? I have married into a rich family in the serial and I have the resources to buy the best.

Aamna Shariff (Kashish) and Rohit Bakshi (Piyush Raheja)

You have done cinema too. What is the difference between cinema and television?
One is quite chilled out when it comes to shooting for movies. Television is relatively more taxing and stressful, and therefore more challenging.

In films, an actor does maximum three scenes in a day. In serials, he/she nearly shoots 12 scenes in a day. So you have to be 100 per cent fit while you are shooting. And if you have a plum role in a daily in your kitty, you are shooting nearly three-fourth of a month, which doesn't happen in a film.

Ekta has a penchant to fastforward her serials. Would you remain a part of the serial if 'Kahin...' ever went 20 years ahead in future?
No. I wouldn't like to play so old so early in my career.

Are you under any contract with Balaji Telefilms' that you won't accept any work as long as 'Kahiin...' goes on?
No. I am doing ads, even today. But for some time, I am not going to accept a new serial; I want to concentrate solely on Kahiin....

Have you ever goofed up a scene?
I have to credit the director Anil Kumar for that. He is a young man, so he vibes very well with us. He makes sure that we have understood what he wants. We can vividly read his face. Besides, he makes us rehearse a lot. That helps to eliminate every margin of error.

A still from Kaahin To Hoga

Do you have any formal training in acting?
Well, I haven't had any formal training in acting because I believe that acting is an intrinsic art.

I enjoy my job very much. Touchwood, there has not been a single morning as yet where I got up and groaned. Just looking at myself on the television for four days in a week gives me a terrific high.

Any Bollywood crossovers on the cards?
Yes. I aspire to make a splash in Bollywood.

Will you be comfortable donning revealing costumes and doing passionate scenes?
I can carry off anything. Not an issue. But of course, I have set some limits.

Courtsey:Indian Television

Edited by priya - 21 years ago

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Indra Daga

@IndraDaga

Voyager

+ 2

Posted: 21 years ago

About Aamna Shariff

Aamna Shariff

My birthday - 16 July

If I had not been an actress - I would have been a fashion designer

My first crush - Amitabh Bachchan

My first date - is yet to happen

I enjoy - eating masala paav at Band Stand

I am scared of - heights

What turns me off - liars

Accessories I can't be seen without - Omega watch, solitaire ring, purse, perfumes

An honest confession - I am extremely fond of diamonds

My most memorable day - when my character "Kashish" appeared on TV in Kahiin To Hoga

Favourite ice cream - Tender Coconut ice cream at "Naturals"

Favourite actor - Aamir Khan

Favourite movies - Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge, Dil to Pagal Hai

My strengths - my mom, my genuineness and simplicity

My idea of romance - being alone with my man, with nobody to disturb us, and we communicate without speaking a word

Courtsey:Indian Television

Edited by priya - 21 years ago

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Morgoth

@Morgoth

Rocker

+ 5

Posted: 21 years ago

Revealed!

The real Rajeev Khandelwal

fdd

Rajeev, better known as Sujal of Kahiin To Hoga, bares his heart in an exclusive tete a tete

Outside, it's a foggy, rain drenched twilight at Goregaon's Sankraman Studios. Within, however, it's a warmth induced by bright lights, loud noises and a flurry of activity on the Kahiin To Hoga sets. The sharp contrast is much like KTH's protagonist Sujal's own self.

"I can't take Sujal out of me," grins Rajeev Khandelwal, as he relaxes with a cigarette between shots. In www.indiantelevision.com www.indiantelevision.comperson, Rajeev is a self-effacing guy next door, hardly the hunk who's supposed to be having girls throwing themselves at him. Once the cameras train on him though and Rajeev turns into Sujal, there is a radical change. There may be no rippling muscles to show and riveting dialogue delivery to crow about, but the Sujal magic works from the eyes. And Rajeev knows it. "My eyes are my strength," he admits.

The fan craze seems to keep growing, spreading to Pakistan, Maldives, Canada....Rajeev shakes his head in disbelief. "Sometimes, I can't believe this is happening to me, who came to Mumbai two years ago as a struggler!" But happening it is. Middle aged women send him embroidered shirts, Pak fans offer him intricate kurtas to wear in KTH and latest, when he was leaving the Maldives, women threw gold rings and bangles at him to get his eye. "I can't behave like a star just because of so much attention," he says, "There have been times when my friends tell me to start behaving like a star...but I think my work has to speak for me..."

Still in his late 20s, this boy from Jaipur hasn't had it easy. He's sold gemstone paintings for a living, worked the studios daily to get modeling assignments, and auditioned hundreds of times till Balaji Telefilms happened. But Rajeev takes it all in his stride. "I know it is the character of Sujal that makes me look good. Otherwise, how come no one thought I was a winner when I was struggling in Mumbai two years ago?"

While the female fans rave about his looks, Rajeev worries about the shape of his nose. "I am still insecure at times," he avers. Ironically, this insecurity is cloaked in a veneer of confidence. "You won't believe it, but my college principal had told me years ago, that I was this peculiar blend of overconfidence and inferiority complex!" he laughs. Those were the days when Rajeev got selected for the lead role in a Doordarshan serial Nandu Ka Chiraag, but was not allowed by his father to skip school for two months for the shooting. "I locked myself in a room and in extremely filmy style, tore up the script, tears rolling down my eyes," he laughs at the memory.

A strict army background ensured that Rajeev had to take up science in college, but he fibbed and skipped out of an engineering course in order to join a college that allowed him more co-curricular activities. When his father finally threw him out of the house, tired of Rajeev's apparently goalless life, he tried his luck in Delhi, ending up making nearly 40 documentaries for Abhinav Chaturvedi's company. "I even stole footage from some of Tom Cruise's films to save money," he recalls laughingly.

Money of course, is not a concern today as much as the adulation is. "I still seek appreciation, it sounds silly, but I am watching from my rear view mirror, out of my sunglasses to check for people's reaction to me. If they are indifferent, I start worrying that the show's TRPs are dipping!" Paranoia? Probably not.

On the personal front, Rajeev is fending off the specter called Sujal. Marriage is out for the moment, and as for flings, he worries that the girl probably loves him for being Sujal rather than for being himself. So, he prefers to play squash after shoots and prefers to unwind by going to the kitchen and whipping up a creative meal for himself. "I have been cooking for myself for the last six months, and I do it even when I go home to Jaipur," says this fitness freak, who prefers to munch on sprouts during shoots rather than binge on gravy rich lunches. His favourite recipe? "Just make dalia, add all possible vegetables and a pinch of garam masala, and you will get the tastiest and nutritious meal you wanted."

He wants to indulge in creative writing, when he has the time, and doesn't know if he is ready for films. KTH will continue as long as the journey is good, he says, and wards off queries about on screen relationships that are probably blooming into off screen ones. "Right now, I am too self-centred, and no lasting commitment could accept that," he says matter of factly.

Life has gone out of Rajeev's hands and is being shaped by Sujal's destiny, currently.

Courtesy: www.indiantelevision.com

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gurveen

@Jassi-gurveen

Inactive

Posted: 21 years ago

http://www.agencyfaqs.com/news/stories/2003/10/09/7298.html

Kahin To Hoga: Capitalising on a late nig

< =http://www.agencyfaqs.com/cgi-bin/news/sendmail.cgi method=post>< = value="Viveat Susan Pinto" name=search>< = value=viveat@agencyfaqs.com name=toemail>< = value="Kahin To Hoga: Capitalising on a late night audience" name=line>
< =image src="http://www.agencyfaqs.com/news/grfx/viveat.gif" border=0 name=imageField>
agencyfaqs!
MUMBAI, October 9</>
Normally, a production house would have cringed if a show not in the thriller genre, veering instead into the more mainstream issues of romance and relationships, was to premiere at 11.00 pm. Traditionally, late night prime time, specifically, the 11.00-pm time slot, is when general entertainment channels roll out their thrillers or niche properties, which do not call for a family viewership.

On STAR Plus, this dictum translated into thriller show Kahin Kissi Roz, which was telecast from Monday to Thursday at 11.00 pm. Choosing to buck the trend and set new parameters in prime-time viewership, the channel along with Balaji Telefilms, launched Kahin To Hoga, a youth show, at 11.00 pm, on September 8.

Revolving around the life of young Kashish and her four sisters, Kahin To Hoga, opened well on the ratings chart averaging a TVR of 5.6 on September 11, 6.02 on September 18 and 5.8 on September 23 (Source: TAM Media Research; base population: C&S four plus, all India).

According to Tarun Katial, senior vice-president, content and communications, STAR India (Katial has reportedly quit the media group post this conversation with agencyfaqs!), the show's launch at the 11.00-pm slot was in accordance with a strategy. "There are enough young people at 11.00 pm," he says.

For Balaji, Kahin To Hoga's performance is a shot in the arm, considering that the show comes after a two-year hiatus since the last crop from the production house was launched on the channel.

Kasautii, Kyunki and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki continue to dominate prime time with scores of 9.3, 10.4 and 9.9 for the week ended September 27. The week before, that is, September 14 to 20, 2003, the average TVR of the shows were 11.81 (Kyunki), 10.82 (Kahaani) and 10.16 (Kasautii).

At a broader level though, the only other recently-launched show to have registered well during prime time for STAR Plus is Saara Akash. Produced by Miditech, this one-hour weekly drama telecast every Thursday, has been hovering between 6 and 7, since launch on August 7.

The show opened with a TVR of 7.3 on its debut day, dipping to 5.8 on August 14 and picking up again on August 21 and 28 with scores of 6.4 and 6.9 respectively. In September, the show began with a score of 5.5 on September 4, eventually plateauing between 6 and 6.5 with scores of 6.1, 6.2 and 6.4 on September 11, 18 and 25 respectively.

With STAR attempting fictional programming on Saturdays and the impending launch of a new weekly drama Jeet on October 10, it is to be seen whether the channel can replicate its weekday success on weekends as well. 2003 agencyfaqs!

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gurveen

@Jassi-gurveen

Inactive

Posted: 21 years ago

"Kahin to Hoga" from Balaji Telefilms is aired on Star Plus at 11:00pm from Monday to Thursday, thus pushing the Kahin Kissi Roz saga nearer to midnight. This yet another K serial from Ekta Kapoor seems to be working miracles for this young lady. Ms. Kapoor seems to be an expert in capturing the nerves of Indian audience, and is successful also to a large extent. The crowd of K serials from Balaji Telefilms rules the idiot box.

Formerly to be named as "Kashish", this serial was named "Kahin to Hoga" for some unknown reasons. The promos of the serial had some very soft dialogues by Kashish

"Bahar ki dhoop, ghar ki Chhaav, dono mann ko lubhati hain" ,
" Mujhe acchha lagta hain ghar ke liye kuch bhi karna "

which gives a feeling of warmth…to your heart.

The story so far :

This story is a journey of Kashish Sinha (played by Aamna Shariff) alongwith her 4 younger sisters and her father Prof. Sinha. Kashish being the eldest of the siblings in the family, ably shoulders the dual responsibility of managing the household and a career.

She is the asst.marketing executive at the R&G,. The Raheja & Garewal group of companies, where she has a dynamic and an arrogant boss, Mr.Sujal Garewal. A chain of misunderstandings between her and her boss brings them closer and they fall in love with each other without admitting.

Kashish is a good friend of Piyush Raheja, who is the son of Lalit Raheja of the R & G. Being the main cause of serious misunderstandings between Kashish and Sujal, He has a very important part to play in the forthcoming episodes

Characters :

Kashish Sinha : This young lady with very strong values in life ventures out in this bad world for her boy of dreams. A very homely girl yet strong in her own way, fights every wrong that comes her way intelligently and at the same just could not stand any injustice. Besides these, she loves to do anything for her family and friends. She looks promising unawares of what destiny has in hold of her. The rest needs to be seen……to know her courage to fight the obstacles that come her away to catch hold of her life that would soon go haywire…

Sujal Garewal : This young Casanova played by Rajeev Khandelwal, has had many girls in his life but nothing serious until Kashish. Very egoistic but would not get close to anybody as he feels that this leads to commitment which is a strict no no for him. Aggressive in business, ready to take any risks in business and life. Expressionless face that he has, but then you fall in love with this character with all the negativity…reminds of Sudhesh Berry of "Kashish" aired way back on DD.

Piyush Raheja : Played by Rohit Bakshi, The boy of dreams of any girl, Very soft and understanding unlikely of his friend. Very helpful in nature and takes life as it comes. But no risks for him and no girls for him too. He is very simple to understand to and relate to. He is a practical businessman and the same time very loving and caring.

Rishi Garewal : , Played By Shabbir Ahluwalia, The Big B's (Sujal Garewal) younger sibling is a complete spoilt brat and very fashionable. This character carries the wicked intentions behind the innocent smile very intelligently. At times, he has some negative shades to play. Out to woo Kashish's 2 sisters, this youngster is responsible for most of the chaos in Kashish's life.

Chetan Garewal : The father of Sujal and Rishi, played by Deepak Parashar, is a very ambitious and shrewd businessman. No time for his family.

Veena Garewal : She is the most neglected member of the family except for her elder son who loves her a lot. A very homely woman full of love but lives her life with a compromise.

Lalit Raheja : Father of Piyush, Varun, Sanjana and Aman, he too is simple as his son Piyush. But yet very different from his friend cum business partner Chetan Garewal.

My Concluding Words…

The concept of this serial is new and fresh. The actors and actresses do show a lot of promise and play their part well. The pace of the serial is well within control which makes it all the more entertaining. In my case it grips me and makes me glued to the idiot box from 11.00pm to 11:30pm from Mon to Thurs (11 was my time to go to bed and now its extended by half an hour…sigh !!). The title song is also hummable and delight to watch on screen. Over all worth a watch !!!

Pros	:	the concept....and the characters

Cons	:	the college sequence...

Cast/Host Performance	:	Very Good - Natural acting by all

Plot Details	:	Good - Original and good plot

Audience Participation	:	Completely involves the audience

Camera Effects	:	Excellent - one of the best

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gurveen

@Jassi-gurveen

Inactive

Posted: 21 years ago

#10

Rajeev Khandelwal

Are you quitting Star Plus' Kahiin To Hoga?
No way. It's just a rumour. When one is successful, people want to talk about him in whatever way they can. The show is very successful and will complete one year in September. People love the character of Sujal Garewal, so there is no question of me quitting it.

When will your contract with Balaji Telefilms end? Will you renew it?
There is no binding contract. But I am going to continue working in the show.

It's being said that you and your co-star Aamna Shariff, who plays Kashish in KTH, are in love?
No, I am not. We have been seen together as a couple on the show for more than six months and so, I guess, people love to link us. The impact of on-screen chemistry is so strong that people come up to me and tell me that we should get married in real life! We share a good working rapport; there is a great comfort level and now since we have won the 'Best Jodi' award in the Star Parivaar Awards, people will talk about us all the more.

The buzz is that you have an arrogant attitude on the sets nowadays.
I have been fortunate enough to be accepted by the masses. Sujal's character has given me the success and recognition which actors normally achieve in three to four years.
It's pretty natural that people are envious of my rising popularity. I haven't changed as a person, but people around me have changed. My simplicity is being misinterpreted. People look for an opportunity to run me down. People who matter to me understand me and know that I am a simple person.
I have become immune to it now and take it positively. Initially when I used to hear or read something negative about myself, I used to get hurt. Now I understand that it is a part and parcel of my success.

Do you think such rumours tarnish your public image?
No. As long as your show is a hit and you are evolving as an actor, you will be accepted and loved by the masses. Take Salman Khan for example. So much has been written against him, yet people love him and want to watch his films.

Are films next on your agenda? Or will you continue acting in television?
I want to be more organized in terms of time management. I am open to films as well as new TV projects. If I get a film and it demands more of my time, I won't do TV for a while. I believe in taking up one thing at a time and doing full justice to it.

If Yash Chopra offers you a film tonight, will you leave KTH?
It is my dream to work with Yash Chopra. If he offers me the role of Amitabh Bachchan's son in a film, I would surely be tempted. I would request him to give me some time. If he wants me in the film, he will understand my situation and that will give my production house enough time to find a replacement.

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