Rajeev

TELE TALK

'I'm a gambler to the core'

After his popularity as Sujal in Kahin Toh Hoga, RAJEEV KHANDELWAL tells Heena Grover that he is enjoying the soaring TRPs of his latest serial, Time Bomb

Why did you exit Kahin to hoga if the character was so close to you?
The show wasn't working for me. The characters and their roles weren't taking a logical path. So, instead of just standing on the same location and saying the same lines, I opted out. I need to be explained as to what I am doing in the serial and why I am doing it. I can't work like a robot. I have to be convinced about the scenes. I didn't agree with most of the script. I was promised a good character track but nothing significant happened. It isn't easy to quit a successful show that too when you are playing the lead role. Yet, I wish them all the best and I am sure Ekta and Gurpreet, the actor who replaced me as Sujal, will do a fine job.

Tell us about your new show Time Bomb.
It's an international political thriller wherein I play an officer from RAW who has to save the Prime Minister from a terrorist attack. Thus, the serial depicts one hour of the day, per day. And it is very racy. It has a different style of narration that excites me. My character of Varun in Time Bomb doesn't even have the time to smile. The thing I like about him is that he isn't filmi or macho but a very real and simple guy.
What are your upcoming projects ?
Well, it's too soon to even think about another show. Right now, I'm totally
engrossed in Time Bomb. But
I have had offers from almost every channel and want to take my time before I commit myself to anything.
How would you describe yourself?
I am a very simple person. I hate hypocrisy. I believe in myself and in hard work. I don't believe in God. I am a gambler to the core, and am never tired of taking risks. I've always followed my instincts, taken a plunge and faced the music. I believe in myself and don't care about what the world thinks of me. And yes, I am as possessive and passionate as Sujal!
Is Bollywood on your agenda?
I am getting quite a good number of offers from the film industry too, but nothing has attracted me as such. I am just waiting for the right break. Being an opportunist, I'm looking forward to some great scripts so that I can prove my talent.