Former Sujal, Rajeev Khandelwal, talks to Shweta Teotia on Ekta Kapoor's comments about him, Time Bomb and breaking away from the lover-boy image
In a recent interview in Mumbai Mirror Ekta Kapoor said, "Rajeev Khandelwal, who?" when asked about you…
It's a funny thing. I can only speak for myself. I am an evolved person and really don't care what people say. It would be very juvenile to react to such petty things.
What was your first reaction when you opened the page that day?
Well, I am a cool cat and I am used to all these things. It neither shocked me nor broke my heart. In fact, I read the article and moved on to the next page.
Your ties with Balaji have been severed beyond repair…
There are certain things that I can't help. As an actor, I made sure that I gave my best and shouldered my responsibility well. But when an actor's creative process is hampered then the purpose of his art is defeated. I have never intended to harm or hold grudges against anybody.
Why have you opted out of the third season of Time Bomb?
It is true that I will not be doing the third season of the show. I am not doing it because I don't want to be type-cast as an action hero. I am a restless person and want to grow as an actor.
How has the show made a difference to you?
Amongst other things, it has helped me to leave the chocolate-boy image behind. I have had an opportunity to experiment with and test my versatility as an actor. Plus, now people have accepted me even as an action hero. I may not be great at it yet but the fact that my action sequences have been appreciated means something. I felt that post Kahiin To Hoga I had to prove a point to myself and to the world. I have.
Has Bollywood come calling yet?
It is no big deal these days to get a couple of films. What is more important is that the content should be good enough for me to believe in. I don't want to end up doing any sleazy, B-grade film. So far, I haven't signed any film.
How are things between Aamna Sharif and you?
We are very good friends and make it a point to catch up every once in a while. We have entirely different schedules so regular meetings don't happen.
You were absent from the Kahiin to Hoga party…
In the first place, I wasn't invited to the bash. Secondly, I feel that I had no reason to be there. I have nothing to do with it now though I owe my success to that show.
How do you feel about having bagged the MTV Lycra awards for the most stylish face on TV?
It feels really nice. I didn't think I would win. I haven't really experimented with fashion in my shows, so I won the award on the merit of my personality. Plus, the other contenders are all very stylish so it gives me a high to have won.
Of late, you have become media shy. Why?
I get quite appalled by such rumours. It is another thing that I don't want to be in the limelight for the heck of it. It's not like I am doing such great work that it needs to be spoken about. When I do something great or interesting, then the whole idea of publicity makes more sense. I am not avoiding the media, only keeping a low profile.
You turned 30 on October 16. What did you do on your birthday?
I dedicated the day to my fans and tried to reply to as many calls and messages as possible. I had a rather quiet birthday.
Any special gifts?
The gift that touched me the most was this book I received that was compiled by a couple of my fans. That book documents my journey as an actor. It impressed me as it includes details of my life when I wasn't an actor.
How does it feel to be receiving such adulation from fans?
Frankly, I get scared. Fans elevate you to a height where there are immense expectations. At that level, you can't go wrong and it really bothers me. It is a mixed bag of emotions.
• Well, I am a cool cat and I am used to such things. It neither shocked me nor broke my heart—Rajeev
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