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Rajiv Khandelwal and Shweta Salve who have never been out of limelight for different reasons are coming together for the first time on Sab's Left Right Left. The show, which is based in a fictitious army academy, has Rajeev playing Captain Rajeev Singh Shekhawat who is sent to the academy to train young cadets and prepare them for a career in the armed forces.

Shweta, on the other hand, plays Dr Ritu Mishra, a psychiatrist who acts as counselor. Captain Rajeev is a strict disciplinarian whereas Dr Ritu is the cadet's confidante and helpline when it comes to resolving their problems. "Captain Rajeev comes to the academy with a certain purpose in mind," says Rajeev, adding that the serial has layers of sub-plots, drama, suspense, comedy, fun and romance. "It's a complete package of wholesome entertainment with a difference."

Wholesome entertainment it may be but it does address a few important issues that concern youth. "The cadets do not come to the academy out of choice but by default. Each one has a different reason for joining the academy. They may not have come to become soldiers but they share two common factors. Money is a key motivating factor in their lives, but they also have integrity. They are proud Indians," says Shweta who as a psychiatrist knows each cadet inside out. "I have access to their brains. They have a past which reflects in their present."

Patriotism is the underlying theme of the serial. But Rajeev says there is a plot within the plot. "The core story is about the cadets but there is a story within the core story," adds Shweta who has essayed a variety of roles on television ever since she began her career on TV in the late '90s with Hip Hip Hurray. "I have played daughter, bahu, editor, corporate woman, wife who goes through a lot of trauma and so on. But Dr Ritu Mishra is absolutely different from all my previous roles."

Rajeev finds his role multi-layered. "The layers will unveil as the story progresses," he says. What happens when Captain Rajeev and Dr Ritu cross each other's path? "There is a certain chemistry between them," he smiles but refuses to reveal anything more. Apart from the chemistry they also share a common love for adventure. Shweta says, "I am an outdoor girl. I love adventure." Rajeev too is bit adventurous. He is a good horse-rider.
Getting back to the show Rajeev says, "It's a show that questions a lot of beliefs and doesn't run down the youth. In fact, it's about harnessing a youth's potential through discipline, guidance and encouragement."

Rajeev is less open about his romance with Aamna Sharif. "I am tired of denying it again and again," he says. So he's not going to propose to her? "No," he says. "I proposed to Aamna on the sets of Deal Ya No Deal when she came as a celebrity participant. But that was just for effect. In reality there's nothing between us except good friendship."

This pretty actress of Kahiin To Hoga fame turned 28 this year on 16 July. But she chose to stay back at home and kept it a low key celebration on 15 July. Giving her company were her parents, a few relatives and no prizes for guessing….her ex co-star Rajeev Khandelwal! This so called 'good friend' presented the ravishing birthday girl an exquisite bouquet!

Rajeev surely knows the sure shot way to a girl's heart! What we would like to know from Aamna is what else did she receive from Rajeev ….besides flowers?

She doesn't depend on one show to boost her popularity. Tellydoms bindaas girl ...Shveta Salve has portrayed many facets of a woman; be it a college girl, a corporate woman, a daughter-in-law, a wife......thus being lucky not to be typecasted. Sticking to her true self, Shveta has recently added a new feather to her long list of hatke roles. She plays a psychiatrist, Dr. Ritu Mishra, in SAB TV's latest offering, Left Right Left. Here's a candid conversation between Sameera Kapoor and the actor.

So, we finally see you in a new show, Left Right Left.....
Yeah, I feel good for two reasons. Firstly, after Sarkkar (Zee) this is my next project and second, I have worked with this production team (DJ's ) before. So, I am well versed with their style of working. DJ's are known for the passion and hard work they put in their projects. And I prefer the same style of working. So, it's but obvious that I'm enjoying my part in their new venture, Left Right Left.

What made you say 'yes' to the role of Dr. Ritu Mishra in this show?
For the first time I get the opportunity to play a psychiatrist. I am the friend, philosopher and guide of the cadets. Their future depends upon my evaluation of how competent are they as army officers. So, it's quite a challenging and a substantial role. The importance assigned to my character and the treatment given makes me stand out.

So you are like an agony aunt for the cadets…
The term 'agony aunt' would be inappropriate. Reason being, Ritu is not there to say goody goody things to them. She is in fact, a no-nonsense woman, who does not mince words. She is very much aware that she's in a male dominated profession but doesn't allow her feminity to hinder her ambitions. In fact, her presence unnerves the men folk around.

Well, general perception is that those who have a tough exterior are otherwise very vulnerable and secretive. Do we foresee a dark past in Dr. Ritu's life?
Hmmm…. You'll have to wait and watch (laughs)! I will not divulge further details, but yes, as the story unfolds, you will know more facets of her persona. Ritu certainly doesn't exude 'what-you-see-is-what-you-get type of an attitude. There is something unsaid about her, which you will see as the serial proceeds.

We've heard that to retain authenticity, the actors underwent aggressive training at the Raigad Military School. How bad were you grilled?
Yes, but it was only for the cadets and their seniors. As I play a doctor and am not required to flex muscles, I was spared of the grueling training sessions.

Then you must have definitely done some homework for the role.....
Yes, I surfed the net, read articles on psychology and similar stuff. To get into the skin of the character I even studied some case files.

Do you identify with Dr.Ritu as a person?
No ways! Unlike Ritu, I am not a talkative person. I prefer listening and am a keen observer. Also Ritu is very blunt; she will call a spade a spade. However, I'll think hundred times before I open my mouth.

But your stint in Fear Factor (Sony) proves that you do opt for challenges like Dr. Ritu?
Absolutely, I am a complete outdoor girl. I love adventure sports. That's the main reason that I accepted to be a part of Fear Factor. The entire event was mind blasting!

You've been lucky to essay a variety of roles in your career. Was it intentional or things just fell into place?
I guess I'm simply lucky, that I got to experiment with my roles. It was never a deliberate attempt. It's the perception of the casting team; it's their say. With no offence meant, I feel, if one is confident, intelligent and attractive, you are chosen to essay diverse roles. Fortunately, I fall in that category and I have no qualms whatsoever.

But we have never seen you playing the gharelu bahu?
That's true, but if I am offered to play an interesting role of a bahu, I am game. I'm an actor and my duty is to act and not advocate what is good or bad. In fact, it would be a challenge to play that role in such a manner that it doesn't look clichd.

Coming back to Left..., what kind of response are you expecting?
Well, I am positive that it will create a good impact. But again, that depends on the viewers, whether they find me see a convincing psychiatrist in me.

We know you must be waiting for this over-asked question. How was it working with Rajeev Khandelwal?
It's like working with any other actor (laughs). Just kidding! Well, he is really a nice guy. It's really commendable that he has achieved so much in such a short span. Besides, in my opinion, there should be a chemistry off screen, then only will you recreate the magic on screen.

Got your point! So what type of chemistry exists between Ritu and Rajveer (Rajeev)?
Hey that's not fair! You want me to disclose everything right away. If I tell you everything then who will watch my show (laughs)!

Last question....any other projects?
Nothing as such, except that I'll be entering Kituu Sab Janti Hai on Sahara. It's my third show with Siddhant Productions where I play a corporate woman, Malaika, head of a news channel.

Source: Tellychakkar.com

DJ's new show on Sab TV, Left Right Left, ropes in Priyanka Bassi, last seen as the lead in Zee Caf's Bombay Talking. Priyanka signed on this new show just 15 days after Bombay Talking went off air on 13 February, but the petite beauty decided to stay mum about it till now.

"I play the character of Naina Singh in Left Right Left. Professionally, I am a RJ but due to certain circumstances and family reasons I join the army. It's basically a training academy," says Priyanka. To give an army touch to the show, the star cast has already had three lectures with an army captains. "This is not it" adds Priyanka, "We will be leaving for Mahad where an army setup has been put up. We will be leaving on Friday for Mahad."

DJ's coproducer Deeya Singh is not ready to comment on Priyanka's induction, however. "I don't want to talk about it right now," says Singh.

The main punch of this show would be a love angle between lead Rajeev Khandelwal and Priyanka Bassi. " Well, there will definitely be a track where there will be some chemistry between me and Rajeev, but I can't say much about it," says Priyanka.

Left Right Left is a story of six young hearts who join the Indian Army, and it's a complete journey of their lives. It's a different show, with a totally different star cast.

Stay clued for more....

How did you enter the TV world?

I started by doing shows for the serial Bombay Talking, in September 2005. I also did some Press campaigns. Later, I gave some auditions and got selected.

What are your current projects on television?
Currently, I am handling only one project - Left Right Left.

What character do you play in Left Right Left?
I play the character of Naina, a very strong and determined girl. Naina hails from a village. The story is about how she comes to town for further studies and later goes through many ups and downs in life.

Can you tell us something about your hobbies?
I like listening to music. I love acting and direction too. Other than these, I love shopping.

Your happiest moment so far is…
Well, I don't really have any moment that I could term happiest. But I could say that I was very excited when I signed the contract for Bombay Talking.

What kind of roles would you prefer to play?
I haven't thought of any particular role, as of now. I believe that an actress should be able to perform any role and not only concentrate on one.

What are your future projects?
I haven't signed any more contracts as I want to concentrate on only on my present project. I have given my dates for Left Right Left. Later, when I am through with this project, I'll plan something else.