This article came in today's Delhi Times
'The day I feel I am not able to survive on my own terms, I will turn corrupt!'
Rajeev Khandelwal puts all rumours to rest. Dreaming big, this actor has his feet grounded and priorities set right. Delhi Times catches up with him...
HEENA GROVER
The world of entertainment is rife with rumours about Rajeev Khandelwal quitting Left Right Left. Talks even suggest that he might be saying adieu to the industry soon. But in a recent tte--tte with DT, Rajeev spoke at length on why he actually planned to quit the serial and how he is not very happy about the way the television industry is growing.
Rajeev left one of Ekta Kapoor's prime time soaps, which had also served as his launch pad. People started recognising him as Sujal of Kahiin To Hoga. His chocolate boy looks and acting skills earned him a lot of admiration. And one day he called it quits. After that he did a prime time action thriller, which in some time was pulled off air.
"I opted out of KTH because I felt that my character and the script were going off the track. I am still new to the industry and don't have too many projects in my kitty. But the fact that I have a strong fan following makes me happy and responsible at the same time. I don't want to stick to a project just for the heck of being there, what matters to me is the strength of the character that I portray," he quips. "Same happened with Left Right Left. I was not satisfied with the way things were turning out. I informed the producers about it and gave them a month's time to react. Now, the serial has taken a very interesting turn. So why would I leave it? I am very much a part of Left Right Left and don't want to leave without a good reason," he adds.
On people calling him a rebel, Rajeev responds, "Well, I know that many think I am arrogant, but I am not. I am just being selfish about the quality of work I do. I am trying to survive here. The day I feel I am not able to survive on my own terms, I will turn corrupt!"
Rajeev has also been linked with actor Aamna Sharif. Are they really dating? "Aamna is a very good friend of mine but we are not involved in a relationship. If there is something, you will get to know of it. I love to be pampered and believe in healthy flirting, which I normally indulge in. A serious relationship brings with it a lot of responsibility. I don't think I am ready for it right now."