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chit chat with rajeev
Former small screen heartthrob Rajeev Khandelwal is riding high on the success of his debut film Aamir. He discusses his gameplan with AMIN ALI
Who is Rajeev Khandelwal?
An ordinary middle class guy who is an actor.
Trace your journey so far...
After my graduation in chemistry from Ahmedabad, I went back to Jaipur to my family. And like many youngsters, I didn't know what to do in life. Everything was fascinating and everything was boring! I came to Delhi to pursue acting but dabbled in everything other than acting. Finally, I decided to be a fulltime struggler in Mumbai. My struggles would make for a nice autobiography.
So acting was by choice?
No, by chance. I did think of being an actor when I was in Class III but that was like any other kiddie dream. I came to Mumbai to sell my documentary films, which didn't generate much interest. Then the actor in me started getting anxious and I decided to pursue it seriously and single-mindedly.
You have made smart choices so far. Kahiin To Hoga, Left Right Left and now Aamir. You are one smart cookie!
I follow my instincts. I have never made any rough sketch of my career. If my decisions look smart in retrospect, then let me tell you that there weren't too many supporters when I was taking them. When I had signed Left Right Left, there were many who thought I was being stupid by accepting a serial on a channel without great TRPs. The cynicism continued till the show became successful. Ditto with Aamir. Most colleagues thought that picking it up as my first film was suicidal, because it was not likely to be a commercial success.
So, you have the Midas touch!
I haven't always been part of just success stories. Time Bomb was a commercial failure. For me, success or failure is just a perception. I rely on self-belief.
Who is Rajeev Khandelwal?
An ordinary middle class guy who is an actor.
Trace your journey so far...
After my graduation in chemistry from Ahmedabad, I went back to Jaipur to my family. And like many youngsters, I didn't know what to do in life. Everything was fascinating and everything was boring! I came to Delhi to pursue acting but dabbled in everything other than acting. Finally, I decided to be a fulltime struggler in Mumbai. My struggles would make for a nice autobiography.
So acting was by choice?
No, by chance. I did think of being an actor when I was in Class III but that was like any other kiddie dream. I came to Mumbai to sell my documentary films, which didn't generate much interest. Then the actor in me started getting anxious and I decided to pursue it seriously and single-mindedly.
You have made smart choices so far. Kahiin To Hoga, Left Right Left and now Aamir. You are one smart cookie!
I follow my instincts. I have never made any rough sketch of my career. If my decisions look smart in retrospect, then let me tell you that there weren't too many supporters when I was taking them. When I had signed Left Right Left, there were many who thought I was being stupid by accepting a serial on a channel without great TRPs. The cynicism continued till the show became successful. Ditto with Aamir. Most colleagues thought that picking it up as my first film was suicidal, because it was not likely to be a commercial success.
So, you have the Midas touch!
I haven't always been part of just success stories. Time Bomb was a commercial failure. For me, success or failure is just a perception. I rely on self-belief.
You leave serials at the height of their popularity. A conscious career choice?
What would you have said if I left a serial when it wasn't doing well? Can anyone tell me what is the right time to leave any serial? Let me inform you that exiting from your serial at the peak of popularity means saying no to a lot of perks. I had never approached any serial with the thought that I would leave it at any point of time. When I lose interest in the show, I know that I cannot sustain the audience's interest either.
How much do you prepare for a role?
I know my limitations as an actor. The only way I know how to make my character come alive is by living that character. If I don't do it, I can't perform. I can't be Rajeev Khandelwal and play Aamir Ali.
You were a brave one to quit the K camp. Was it easy to part ways with Ekta?
I never intended to be brave or rebellious. I just followed my heart. The biggest decisions are very easy to take if your intent is right.
Was it just professionalism that upset Ekta or was there was an emotional angle too?
(laughs) You will have to ask her that! I don't even know whether she was upset and what she thought of me after I left.
You are image-conscious and stay away from controversy. .. Right?
I do what I believe in. And trust me I don't give it much thought. I have always known what I don't want to do. I guess, I've been fortunate
enough to play a few characters that became popular. And who would want to play something insignificant when you have a choice? As far as my personal life goes, I can just say that I'm a smalltown boy who takes his small-town values seriously. I'm yet to get comfortable with many things that come as a package with my career. I'm too small to be in the news for anything but my work.
Were you tempted to pick up a small role in a big banner production?
A number of times. But I was clear in my head what I wanted to do.
Can TV actors make bankable movie stars?
Now, it's the script that is bankable or not bankable.
Your favourite role?
Aamir Ali, of course. It is very challenging to play an ordinary man. I strongly feel that there just couldn't have been a better debut for me. I think Aamir happened to me, not to any other TV actor, as nobody needed that role as desperately as I did. The movie was shot in 29 days and I had to live and breathe the character all this while.
What else is there in the pipeline?
I had promised to myself that I wouldn't sign any film till Aamir's release. Though I read and shortlisted a couple of scripts. Now is the right time to sign them. I'm busy working on my second film, again with UTV Spotboy. This one is a love story.
Finally, come clean on the Aamna issue. Was or is there anything going on?
Aamna and I are very close friends. And we were always good friends. Nothing more, nothing less. The funny bit is that since neither of us is dating anyone, people have linked us. Being close friends, we went out together and were there in each other's moments of happiness. What else are friends for? I'm glad that people have stopped talking about our alleged link-up. Good riddance to bad rubbish! We are not getting unwanted publicity any more.
Do TV stars find it tough to move to movies?
"I was aware that it wouldn't be easy to make the transition, considering prevalent stereotypes. But I also knew that it would take just one film from someone to change that perception. I'm glad I was the chosen one."
Now, it's the script that is bankable or not bankable.
Your favourite role?
Aamir Ali, of course. It is very challenging to play an ordinary man. I strongly feel that there just couldn't have been a better debut for me. I think Aamir happened to me, not to any other TV actor, as nobody needed that role as desperately as I did. The movie was shot in 29 days and I had to live and breathe the character all this while.
What else is there in the pipeline?
I had promised to myself that I wouldn't sign any film till Aamir's release. Though I read and shortlisted a couple of scripts. Now is the right time to sign them. I'm busy working on my second film, again with UTV Spotboy. This one is a love story.
Finally, come clean on the Aamna issue. Was or is there anything going on?
Aamna and I are very close friends. And we were always good friends. Nothing more, nothing less. The funny bit is that since neither of us is dating anyone, people have linked us. Being close friends, we went out together and were there in each other's moments of happiness. What else are friends for? I'm glad that people have stopped talking about our alleged link-up. Good riddance to bad rubbish! We are not getting unwanted publicity any more.
Do TV stars find it tough to move to movies?
"I was aware that it wouldn't be easy to make the transition, considering prevalent stereotypes. But I also knew that it would take just one film from someone to change that perception. I'm glad I was the chosen one."
HOT CHIT-CHAT
What's hot about you?
My ignorance about it.
What's hotter—small or big screen?
The audience!
Latest in your life
Except love, everything!
Hottest role model
SRK, for the way he has handled his career and life.
Hottest actress
Kajol
Hottest fashion tip
Be cool and you will look hot!
Hottest fitness tip
It's the inside that matters more than the outside.
Your best gift to yourself
A 12-day camping trip to Ladakh from Jaipur.
Hottest thing you ever did for your girlfriend ?
She never told me.
Hottest thing she did for you
She took me to Jaipur in the month of May!
Hottest weekend getaway
My home!
Love Friendship Dating and Relationships
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