New Interview of Rajeev - IndiaTVForums

Freelance journalist IkyathaYerasala interviews telly's charismatic reporter' Rajeev Khandelwal aka Kabir Sharma...

A bad ass cop in Shaitan, a self sacrificing Muslim doctor in Aamir, an army captain in Left Right Left and a flawed, yet likable journalist in Reporters - his riveting performances are a reflection of his acting prowess. Unconventional is a term often used synonymously with actor Rajeev Khandelwal, who's essayed a variety of roles with aplomb. As his latest show Reporters draws to a close, the actor gets talking about the newsroom drama, his chemistry with Kritika Kamra and more...

Reporters is going to end very soon. Do you have any message for the ardent followers of your show?

All I have is gratitude for all the ardent followers of Reporters. Positive feedback is like a shot of adrenaline for people like us. It keeps the conviction alive and drives us to do better each time we come on the sets. Also, for someone like me, it keeps the pressure alive as you are answerable to all those who are following the show.

Evidently, the show is a breath of air. You have always made choices that are not run-of-the-mill. What do you look for when choosing a TV show or a film?

I look for a fresh, believable and relatable premise when I pick up any film or show. And of course the character I am supposed to play. It should challenge me at the onset.

How much of a change do you think Reporters has brought in to the way people look at Indian Television?

I don't know, but from the feedback it seems that it will further open gates for fresh new premises in television. Hopefully, Reporters will change the opinion of people who think all Indian shows on television are regressive and not watchable.

Most shows that run for years have nonsensical plots and still have high TRPS. But shows which are fresh are mostly taken off air after a while. What's your take on this?

I think it is all about demand and supply. Shows which are taken off air without completing their run must not be meeting the expectations of the channel. At the end of the day, it is an industry with a lot of monies riding on each show. A show has to achieve something for the channel to survive.

For the first time, you got to be on the other side and see how the media industry functions - how did it feel to play a journalist?

It was yet another profession which I lived on screen. Though reel life is much different from real life, Reporters gave me an insight into the lives of journalists to quite an extent. It was quite adventurous akin to the lives of journos. The deadlines, job compulsions, dilemmas, responsibility etc were some attributes I understood through Kabir in Reporters.

Your chemistry with Kritika Kamra has been appreciated. What's the best part about working with her?

Kritika is a very supportive, cooperative and intelligent co-actor. Besides being a wonderful performer, she is also a very professional actor. She is a delight to work with and contributes a lot which helps in upping your own performance.

In Bollywood, your roles have been critically acclaimed. Considering your acting talent, do you think you have got due credit in the industry?

I feel all of us get what we are deserving of. It is just a matter of perspective. My yardstick of getting due may not match with others. I think I have got what I deserve. But it's too early to start analyzing my career as I still have miles to go!

You often voice your opinion on your blog. What are the causes that are close to your heart?

Old age is one of the biggest issues I feel for. And as for the rest, like any other rational human I feel for all the not progressive' issues.

How do you spend time when you're not working?

I travel and do all the things that I dream of doing. From smallest ones to the biggest one (till I can afford it). I try and live my dreams. Post Reporters it's going to be vacation time for me.

You have innumerable fans who send you a plethora of messages and gifts. How do you feel about all the love that you get?

I feel indebted. Appreciating someone is one thing but going out of one's way to make someone feel special is another. People have been very kind to me right from the beginning and I feel I haven't done enough to reciprocate all that I get. But as I say, I still have miles to go, so I hope I clear off all the debt in this lifetime.