Rajeev Defends The Controversial Reality Show

It has been over a few years since Rajeev Khandelwal bid adieu to the small screen to make it big in the world of films. Today, with films like Aamir, Shaitan and Soundtrack to his credit, the actor has certainly made a mark thanks to his critically acclaimed performances. The actor may have found his true calling in movies but there's no denying that it was TV that gave his talent a much-needed platform.

"Out-of-job Politicians Panned Sacch Ka Saamna Only To Grab Eyeballs"

Rajeev Khandelwal Defends The Controversial Reality Show

It has been over a few years since Rajeev Khandelwal bid adieu to the small screen to make it big in the world of films. Today, with films like Aamir, Shaitan and Soundtrack to his credit, the actor has certainly made a mark thanks to his critically acclaimed performances. The actor may have found his true calling in movies but there's no denying that it was TV that gave his talent a much-needed platform. So when he was chosen as the host for the very controversial reality show Sacch Ka Saamna, he knew it was an opportunity to win the love of his TV audience yet again. Though questionable in content, the show was a massive success and made Rajeev one of the finest hosts on TV. When the makers decided to come back with a second season, Rajeev was an obvious choice. As Rajeev gears up for yet another promising season of the show, he talks to Showtime about playing host for the second time around, the contentious content of the show, supposed friend-turned-foe Ekta Kapoor and more.

As a reality show, the first season of Sacch Ka Saamna definitely came as a refreshing change for television viewers. But as the show started catching up, it constantly came under the scanner as its format shocked millions across the nation. However, besides receiving constant flak, it also became increasingly popular with every episode. Its controversial questions may have left the viewers astonished, but its TRPs hit the roof. No wonder then that Rajeev is gung-ho about hosting the show the second time around. "I'm very happy. I absolutely love this show and think it's a brilliant concept. We had made up our minds that we will come out with a second season last year itself. And I'm happy that I am on board once again," he says with a smile.

Though the show made many uncomfortable and was considered morally wrong, Rajeev admits that because he was an integral part of the show, the criticism didn't deter him from giving his best shot. "The criticism never bothered me. Some people just targeted it because they thought it was all about cheap publicity. Moreover, I don't think it got any flak. I have not met any individual, who has said anything unsavoury about the show. I travel so much and haven't heard anything wrong about the show. All I have heard is that people don't want to come on it because it's a difficult concept," he justifies.

But what does he have to say about the fact that MP Kamal Akhtar took up the issue in the Rajya Sabha, claiming that the content of the show was against Indian culture? Didn't that make him a bit nervous while taking it up the second time around? "No one has ever told me that it's a horrible show. It's only those out-of-job politicians who would sit in the Parliament and discuss it, just to grab eyeballs. If I, myself, thought it wasn't respectful enough, I wouldn't have ever been a part of it. But I strongly believe it's one of the best shows to have ever hit Indian television," he asserts.

As an actor, Rajeev may be a part of Bollywood today, but he strongly feels that it is this show that keeps him connected to his television audience. "It's a great feeling to come on TV because I think being on TV is far more difficult than the other mediums. I have a lot of respect for all the actors who work round-the-clock to entertain the viewers. I have seen it myself and know how taxing it is," he adds, "It's not easy working 16-17 hours a day. And then there are pressures of looking good too. It really hurts when people think that TV is the poor cousin of films. Not many actors can withstand the pressures of TV. It goes into the smallest of villages. And to be accepted even in the smallest of towns is a great feeling."

Largely, even today fans remember him as the suave Sujal Garewal from Kahiin To Hoga. Now that he has made his big career move and comfortably settled in B-town, does he consider TV to be his first love? He disagrees, "No ya, I don't consider films or TV as my first or second love. I am not an attached person by nature. TV sure gave me a lot and it is a great medium, which I chose to start off with. It gave me a lot of experience in terms of facing the camera and all. But for me to say that it was my first love would be wrong. I am very proud to have been a part of it and I'll contribute to TV in whatever way I can even today. But then that applies to films and theatre as well."

After his abrupt exit from Kahiin Toh Hoga, numerous rumours about his fallout with Ekta Kapoor and Balaji Telefilms did the rounds. Apparently, Rajeev hasn't made peace with the TV czarina to date. Ask him the reason for this and he responds rather diplomatically, "I'm not in touch with her. But then again, I'm not in touch with any film directors or producers I have worked with in the past. As and when they need me, we all get in touch with each other."

So is he open to working with her in the future? "I am open to working with anyone who offers me a good script and has good intentions. I don't have any dos and don'ts," he says assuredly.

Be it hosting a popular show or doing meaningful films, Rajeev is certainly keeping his fans happy. Ask him if he's content about the way his life is shaping up and he states philosophically, "I hope that five years down the line, I feel happy about what I've done. My life is not just about my career. It's not just about making a name for myself. All this is merely a part of my life. I want to live life to the fullest. Bringing a smile on my parent's face is important. Giving happiness to my in-laws and my wife is equally important to me." Well, in addition to being talented and hardworking, this guy has his priorities in place too. That certainly is impressive!


*By Chandni Ghosh