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Posted: 20 years ago
#31
"There's no doubt that fine dining is central to our existence," says actor Rajeev Khandelwal of Kahin To Hoga and Time Bomb fame. "The menu is never repeated, every meal is made fresh, and served with grace. There's an oldworld charm about everything. Somehow, I also relate to the basic, hardy quality of the cuisine, it reflects the warrior-like spirit of the land. I'm in Mumbai for my career; otherwise my heart is truly in Rajasthan. Actually, my mother is a Rajput and my dad is a Marwari, so I love both cuisines. But mainly, I'm a vegetarian. My all-time favourite is daal-baatichoorma, which has a panchmela daal, baatis baked over charcoals, soaked in a generous helping of ghee, and mashed baati mixed with jaggery and ghee into a choorma... yum!"
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Posted: 19 years ago
#32
g TV : Chowtime (AMRITA SALUJA)

Cool Customer!

Meet Amrita Saluja, television heartthrob Rajeev Khandelwal's estranged wife! Oops, I must add, 'estranged on-screen wife'. But what I'm going to tell you is bound to be a shocker for the legion of Rajeev (Sujal) Khandelwal female fans! Prolific model-turned-actress Amrita Saluja-Raichand was "unaware about Sujal's existence" when she was offered the female lead in Ketan Mehta's teleserial for Zee TV, Time Bomb. She was paired opposite Khandelwal to play his ex-wife!

For those, like Amrita, who need to be cued in to the connection between Rajeev and Sujal, let's say that Rajeev played a character called 'Sujal' in the teleserial, Kahiin To Hoga. The serial hit big time, while the character was a bigger hit, with fans drooling over Rajeev and his role. At that time, TV viewers not familiar with who Sujal was would be termed a geek.

This exuberant Whirlpool and Ponds gal had been turning down television serials left, right and centre until she got this off-beat offer from Ketan Mehta. When cornered, the outspoken Amrita was glib over what it feels to be playing 'wife' to hottie Khandelwal, after she managed to discover who he really was! Happily married to sports events professional Rahul Raichand, she is both excited and apprehensive, as she essays the role of a TV journalist, Roma Awasthi.

So, you were really unaware of the identity as well as star status of Rajeev Khandelwal?
Honestly, I was really not aware about Sujal's existence, because I never watch any late night serials. So, when I got this offer from Ketan Mehta to play the lead opposite Rajeev Khandelwal, as his estranged wife, I did not know about the Rajeev's background. It's only when they made me aware did I made it a point to watch a few episodes of Kahiin Toh Hoga and check out the actor who would be playing my husband Varun Awasthi in Time Bomb. Of course, it was embarrassing for me later on when all my friends ragged me for not being aware of 'one of the most strikingly handsome TV heroes'. Ironically, that helped because I was not in awe of the 'Sujal' character when I first met Rajeev and even later during the shoots.

But what was Khandelwal's reaction to your 'Sujal, who'?
No, there was no issue at all. Actually, Rajeev is quite contrary to his reserved, introverted image. Modest and witty, he told me to treat him like a 'raw' newcomer, because as it is he was playing a 'RAW Senior Intelligence Officer in Time Bomb. With his naughty flair he would keep teasing me that he would deliberately flirt with me just to irritate my husband who will watch the serial at home. Jokes apart, we developed a professional rapport that is evident during the intense emotional scenes that have a romantic undercurrent.

Why were you acting pricey, turning down all serials before Time Bomb happened?
Frankly, I'm neither an ambitious nor a glamour-struck person. I am also not a trained actress. Most of the serials offered to me, from prestigious production houses, were of the daily 'soap' variety, which I declined. Being over-exposed everyday with strenuous shoots, for a prolonged telecast, was not my cup of tea. Interestingly, when I was offered Time Bomb the doctor had prescribed me total bed-rest for I was down with jaundice. But the producers did not mind waiting for 15 more days to meet me.

What was it that actually motivated you to grab this socio-political thriller?
Besides the fact that Time Bomb is a 'weekly' serial of just 25 episodes with the backdrop of the dreaded 9/11 catastrophe, I considered it an honour to be singled out by Ketan Mehta who is a renowned filmmaker and has directed acclaimed actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. Besides playing a savvy TV journalist, Roma Awasthi, I also play an estranged wife, a mother of a small kid and playing a thrilling role in the counter-terrorist mission. Then there is also this suave smooth-talking male character (Amir Bashir) that I get drawn to while going through a marital crisis. This will make my character graph engaging enough for audiences.

You claim that daily soaps don't really excite you how come you were chilling out at Ekta Kapoor's belated birthday party at her Juhu bungalow?
Ekta invited my husband Rahul to the party. I only accompanied him. As of now there has not been any direct discussion with Ekta. Given a choice I would prefer to host a chat-show or anchor a celebrity guest show. I would find that more exciting and dynamic than playing a melodramatic character in one of the dozens of saas-bahu soaps that are cluttering our channels today.

What kind of an 'off-screen' saas-bahu scenario do you find yourself in ?
I guess I can consider myself for being blessed with a doting mother-in-law who pampers me. I am literally the bahu-rani. Whenever I am not shooting in the mornings, my in-laws and I sit and watch recorded videos of spiritual discourses by Swami Chinmayanand. Although I love cooking Italian stuff it is rarely that I get a chance to indulge in my own recipes. My hubby and in-laws are very supportive as regards my modelling and acting career.

Were you inspired by news anchor Barkha Dutt whilst enacting your character of a TV journalist?
Ketanji and Noopur Asthana have been meticulously guiding me for this ambitious, savvy news-channel anchor character that I play. But I have also been observing noted TV journalists like Barkha Dutt and Sonali Chandra to imbibe the right body language and professional way of working, to add that authentic aura. Recently I was asked to anchor the theatre premiere 'Big Nite' of three star-studded movies, live. They were telecast on the Zoom channel. This gave me practical exposure as far as doing homework for my Time Bomb character is concerned.

source: yahoo grps

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Posted: 19 years ago
#33

Shiza is having some problem with her PC.So she is unable to upload this interview of Rajeev. She sent the interview to me to be uploaded. So all credits due to her. This interview is from Indian Express.

TELE EXPRESS

TALKING POINT with Rajiv Khandelwal






Radhika Dwivedi
Kolkata, September 4:Are you satisfied with the way Time Bomb has turned out?
Yes I am.

Do you miss being Sujal Garewal?


I prefer to always look ahead.

The chemistry you shared with Aamna Sharif is missing with Amrita Saluja Raichand.


Time Bomb is not a romantic drama, it has a completely different plot.

What do you think of the new Sujal?


I don't watch the serial at all. But I wish him all the best.

Are you tickled that Balaji gave him a nose job to look more like you?


I heard about it, but it didn't affect me.

What was the response to your departure from the serial?


It was a very emotional response but that is all history now and it's out of my system.

Which was the most dangerous stunt you did for Time Bomb?


I have had to do lots of exciting stunts such as jumping from 15 or 20 feet walls or chase scenes. I also had to do a stunt where I jump a hurdle with a small child in my arms. His mother was watching nearby so I had to do my best to make her feel her baby was safe.

Who's the hottest co-actor you've worked with?


I would definitely like to work with Aamna again.

What's your vibe with Ekta these days? Would you go back to Balaji?


Why would I not go back to Balaji? Everything is fine with Ekta, I think she is one of the most creative people in our industry. If she offers me an interesting role, I will definitely accept it.
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Posted: 19 years ago
#34



Rajeev Khandelwal Everyone has to struggle in life. There is no short cut to success. When I came to Mumbai, I stayed with a friend -- cinematographer Deepak Malvekar. I stayed with him for a year, and he never charged me rent. Though he was a cinematographer, I did not ask him for his help to bag a role. I was among the 500 hopefuls who turned up to audition for the character of Sujal in the serial, Kahiin Toh Hoga. Later, I auditioned for the serial, Kya Haadsa, Kya Haqeeqat. I got a call from Balaji to play Sujal five months after I auditioned for it. I am what I am today because of my sincerity, dedication and focus. I enjoy every moment of being in front of the camera. You need to go through the grind to get the best out of you. I decided after my Standard 12 that, even if I have to fail, I would first make an effort. There is no point in sitting at home and cribbing. If you have faith in yourself, you will go places.
Edited by memsaab - 19 years ago
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Posted: 19 years ago
#35
Kay Kay Menon
Transcript of LIVE CHAT with Actor, Kay Kay Menon at 12 noon on Thursday, September 22 2005 in Mumbai

Kay Kay Menon
actor

"There's nothing called parallel cinema as of now; the term was valid many years back when it served as a rebel movement to stand up to mainstream cinema. Today, there is a peaceful co-existence between all kinds of cinema"


Giya >
I must say you are the best actor.
Kay Kay Menon > Thank you. I appreciate the fact that you call me the best but I don't think I really believe in the term, 'the best.' I think I am one of the best. But thanks a lot.

Geher > Why do people call you "the poster boy" of parallel cinema? Are you comfortable with this tag? How did you get it in the first place? Has it got anything to do with your looks?
Kay Kay Menon > There is nothing called parallel cinema as of now. I think cinema today has a broader spectrum, encompassing all kinds of films. The parallel cinema, which was valid many years back, is not valid today because that was a rebel movement to stand up to mainstream cinema. But today, there is a peaceful co-existence between all kinds of cinema. Secondly, I don't know where I got this tag from, but no harm done.

Tanya > What is the best and worst part of being a celebrity?
Kay Kay Menon > The best part is whatever you do as a person gets noticed, and the bad part is whatever you do as a person gets noticed too.

Riva > What an unusual name - Kay Kay! What does it mean and who kept this name for you? How did you get this name? Do you have any other name?
Kay Kay Menon > Kay Kay means 'victory' in Chinese. It is as mundane as, for e,g., Vijay. I had another name, which is under wrap completely, and I changed it to make it universal so that there is no parochial reaction to my name.

Kali > Where are you from and how did you come into this field?
Kay Kay Menon > I have lived my life in Maharashtra since my dad was in a transferable job. I have been on stage since the age of 9 and have been acting ever since. But I got in to it (acting) professionally since the past 10 years. As I was any way acting gradually, I heard my own calling to be an actor.

Lili > It's amazing how you blend into your roles. You can play a middle aged Prime Minister of India in a serial like Time Bomb and also a young man in Hazaaron Khawhaish and Sisiilay . What's the secret behind this versatility? Any tips that you can give to budding actors like myself here?
Kay Kay Menon > I think the whole idea is to be in the role rather than thinking of your own image and if your age is in between (thirties/forties) than you can always play a older and a younger guy. Once you are very old, you can't play a young and vice versa.

Gdgfg > Is acting a passion or a profession for you? Do you really get involved with your work?
Kay Kay Menon > I am dispassionately passionate about my work, in the sense that I am totally involved and passionate while I am working but once that project is over, I am dispassionate about it.

Jigs > Hey Kay Kay, it's funny that you are so secretive about your name. Come on, tell us what's this other name? Are you superstitious or something? Is it there some numerology/astrology funda, I mean the change of name? Are you superstitious?
Kay Kay Menon > I am not superstitious. But I believe in god completely, and as far as the name goes, god knows!

Roli > What do you look for in a role when choosing it?
Kay Kay Menon > The script has to be above average and not brilliant (necessarily). Secondly, the director has to be in tandem with what he wants to do and thirdly, the money has to be okay.

Sekharvv > Hi KayKay. I am a big fan of your voice?
Kay Kay Menon > I am quite surprised at this compliment though I know have a voice that I can modulate well. I have often struggled at my dubbings to give it a proper projection but compliment encourages me and I thank you for it.

Drem > Kay Kay, good and sincere actors like you have to struggle a lot to make a name for themselves in this industry. Did you have to struggle? Do tell us a little about your experiences in this field.
Kay Kay Menon > I struggled by choice because I used to have a corporate film making unit of my own where in I used to make decent amount of money etc. But I was never satisfied with the kind of work I did. So I closed down everything and plunged back into acting. The initial 4-5 years were pretty bad, but since it was by choice, I found the strength to hold on.

Sekharvv > I particularly like the song " Uyire " from Khakha, Khakha . Now a day, you sing in Telugu also. I think you should sing regularly in South Indian movies. I believe your voice is one of the best I have heard in the recent times and your accent is just too good.
Kay Kay Menon > I think you have mistaken me to be the singer KK. He is absolutely brilliant and I don't mind the mistake in identity.

Clod > We know very little about you. Do tell us about yourself, your family, background, education etc., and why did you choose to be an actor?
Kay Kay Menon > As I said, I have been brought up in Maharastra. I did my graduation in Physics. Did My MBA, dabbled in advertising had my own corporate film company, and was acting all along. And then closed my company and my false ambitions and went back to what I was meant to be, which is, being an actor. I am the only son to my parents and dad used to work for Ordinance (defense establishment) factories. I was born in Kerela but lived my life in Maharashtra.

Baiju > Are you married? Have a girlfriend? What sort of woman do you like? Who would you like to go on a date with?
Kay Kay Menon > I am married. That puts a full-stop to all the other questions.

Roma > What are your hobbies and are you a foodie? What sort of food do you like?
Kay Kay Menon > I am not a foodie at all. Anything cooked with love, I shall enjoy and eat. I don't eat fish and Karela (a vegetable also called bitter gourd). I don't ever call them hobbies - I hardly have any time for hobbies - but I do enjoy playing cricket or any other sport.

Lili > Is your wife from films too? Do have kids? Do you speak Malyalam fluently?
Kay Kay Menon > I can speak Malyalam but can't read or write. My wife is also from TV and theatre and I have no kids. Her name is Nivedita.

Tanya > The happiest day of your life?
Kay Kay Menon > I don't remember, frankly speaking. It would be untrue to come up with something. However, that does not mean I am depressionist. I have had a lot of happy moments, so it is difficult to point out just one.

Lili > Why do you do very little preparation for the roles your play? That's what I read somewhere...
Kay Kay Menon > No, I do a lot of preparation but what I had said was I don't do research unless it's a historical character, and believe me it is very, very hard work to derive something out of a given script than to borrow it from outside (research); in that sense I prepare harder.

Sign Off Message > The times that we live in today needs a lot of love and compassion. Please distribute it in abundance. Love, Kay Kay.

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Posted: 19 years ago
#36
Aamir Bashir
Transcript of LIVE CHAT with TV actor, Aamir Basir at 12 noon on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 in Mumbai

Aamir Bashir
TV actor
"Naseeruddin Shah had a role to play in my becoming an actor. I watched and admired him a lot. I've been acting since I was four"

Meena >
Hi, please tell me, if you are going to come alive in the serial Time Bomb , where you act as an assassin who has been killed?
Aamir Bashir > No, it's not a Balaji show. So it's highly unlikely.

Lig > How did you get the role in Time Bomb ? Did you know its director, Ketan Mehta?
Aamir Bashir > No, I did not know Ketan Mehta. Ketan told me that I was highly recommended by Sudhir Mishra (film director). So that's how I got the role. But I am wondering why Sudhir did not telecast me in his film, Hazaaron Khawhishyen .

Rohit > You are a very good actor. You remind me of Naseeruddin Shah! Is acting a passion, a love or a profession for you? How did you get into it?
Aamir Bashir > Thank you for the compliment. Naseer had a role to play in my becoming an actor. I have watched and admired him a lot. I got into acting after I received my first applause in a school play. I have been acting since I was four years. It was for a telefilm called Doordarshan Srinagar.

Nvi > Are you doing any more TV serials?
Aamir Bashir > No, I am not because nothing interesting has been offered.

Urvi > Who are you closest to on the sets of Time Bomb ?
Aamir Bashir > I am closest to Amruta, as she is the only actress I work with, and the director.

Nieha > You have done crossover films. Is there a future for off beat and crossover cinema in India and abroad, except on the festival circuit?
Aamir Bashir > I think there is a future for good cinema the world over, but I don't know what cross over means.

Chandi > You look like a thinking actor. Are you going to become a director in the future?
Aamir Bashir > Well, I am writing my own film script at the moment and hopefully will get to direct soon.

Neha > Would you do a Balaji TV serial?
Aamir Bashir > I doubt it. I have been offered work by Balaji but have had to refuse because of the quality of writing.

Jacjie > Why is it that despite having made a debut in Amitabh starer Armaan, you did not quite make it in Hindi films? When did you start your film career?
Aamir Bashir > I came to Mumbai in 1998 and started off with a small role in Split Wide Open (English movie). Armaan did not do well at the box office. It's an unwritten rule in Bollywood; if your film is not a hit especially if you are not a star, then you are not good enough.

Lili > What's your educational qualification? Were you born and brought up in Kashmir? Are you in touch with your state? Do you go back there? How is the situation over there right now?
Aamir Bashir > I am a Graduate in History and have also studied Law after that. Yes, I was born and brought up in Kashmir. I go there at least once a year. The situation has improved but there is a long way to go before things are normal. The script that I am writing is on Kashmir.

Jigs > Why did you make a debut in a film like Armaan with a big star cast where you didn't have much of a role?
Aamir Bashir > Well, on paper my role was bigger than Amitabh but due to the length of the film a lot of my role was edited out. Besides, nobody was waiting to launch me, so I didn't have a choice as such.

Tanya > How is your experience working with Rajeev Khandelwal and how do you find him as a human being?
Aamir Bashir > He is very pleasant and very professional. Takes his work very seriously.

Kali > Where are you from and how did you come to Mumbai? When is your birthday?
Aamir Bashir > I am from Kashmir. I came to Mumbai only after Alpaviram (serial) was offered to me while I was in Delhi. My birthday is on September 17.

Gauri98 > Are you married? Do you have any girl friends? What sort of a woman do you like?
Aamir Bashir > No, I am single. I like intelligent women, and it basically depends on emotional compatibility than anything else.

Jigs > What do you do in your free time? What are your hobbies?
Aamir Bashir > I read, watch movies and watch a lot of sport.

Tanya > You would like working in action or romantic dramas? Who is your favorite action hero?
Aamir Bashir > I don't have a preference. As long it's a good product, it does not matter. I don't have a favorite action hero but do have favorite actors like Nassir, Daniel Day Lewis and Robert D'Nero.

Llili > You were in Delhi also? Were you doing theatre there? Usually that's what an actors do before they come to Mumbai. By the way...a belated Happy Birthday to you!
Aamir Bashir > Thank you. Yes, I lived in Delhi for nine years. While I was studying, I did theatre in college and outside college well.

Meena > If not in films, what else would you have done?
Aamir Bashir > I would love to do sports broadcasting.

Clod > Who do you look up to for inspiration as an actor? Why?
Aamir Bashir > There is Om Puri and Naseer because these are the only proponents of acting as an art form and at the same time, for their humility.

Sign Off Message > Whatever rises will fall. Whatever is born will die. So when everything is impermanent, learn to live in the moment. Love, Aamir.
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Posted: 19 years ago
#37

" I AM A GAMBLER TO THE CORE "

After his popularity as Sujal in kahiin toh hoga, Rajeev khandelwal is enjoying the soaring TRP's of his latest serial, Time Bomb.

* So y did u exit kth if the character was so close to u?

The show wasn't workin for me. The characters n their roles weren't taking a logical path.(its still d same) So,instead of just standing at the same location n saying the same lines, i opted out.(bilkul sahi kiya👏👏👏) I need to be explained as to what i m doing in the serial n why i am doin it. I cnt work like a robot.(robot..hee hee..na na..woh toh koi aur hai..right guys..😆😆😆) I have to be convinced about the scenes. I didnt agree wid most of the script. I was promised a gud character track but nothing significant happened. It isnt easy to quit a successful show that too wen u r playin d lead role. Yet, i wish dem all the best n i m sure ekta n gurpreet, the actor who replaced me as sujal, will do a fine job.(no ways...y r u sooo gud....neways....they need every1's best wishes😉😉..fir bhi there's no use...v wnt let tis happen)

* Tell us about ur new show time bomb?

It's an international political thriller wherein i play an officer frm RAW who has to save the prime minister frm a terrorist attack. Thus,the serial depicts one hour of the day ,per epiosde. And it is very racy. It has a different style of narration that excites me. My character of varun in time bomb doesnt even have time to smile. The thing i like about him is that he isn't filmi or macho but a very real n simple guy.

* Wat r ur upcoming projects?

Well, its too soon to even think about another show.(hai ji...2 soon...humein marwa k chhotoge kya...v r dying 2 c u n u say tis 2 soon...pls kuchh karo😭😭) Right now,i m totally engrossed in time bomb. But i have had offers frm almost every channel n want to take my time before i commit myself to anything.

* How would u describe urself??

I am a very simple person. I hate hypocrisy. I believe in myself n in hard work. I dnt believe in god. I am a gambler to d core, and am never tired of taking risks. (woh toh we all know)I've always followed my instincts, taken a plunge n faced the music. I believe in myself n dnt care wat d world thinks off me. And yes, i m as possessive n passionate as sujal !!(haila😛😛....yeh padho toh zara ..kya bol gaya....poore interview ki best line👏👏)

* Is bollywood on ur agenda?

I m getting quite a gud amount of offers frm the film industry too, but nothing has attracted me as such. I m just waiting for the right break. Being an opportunist, i'm looking forward to some great scripts so that i can prove my talent.(talent to prove....woh toh u hv....jst hv 2 sustain it nw)...

hey guys there was a nice pic along wid this article ...i'll post it l8er..till den ..bye..tc..

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Posted: 19 years ago
#38

Getting 'Prerna' at Raheja



Rajiv Khandelwal entertains the crowd at Raheja College at Santacruz

Collegians were not only entertained but were also treated to lectures by top-notch professionals from the media industry


Mumbai Mirror Bureau


Indian Idol's favourite participant Rahul Vaidya gave a mesmerising performance at Mumbai Mirror- sponsored Prerna '05.

A Hidden Interface between Thoughts — a media management seminar organised by students of Sadhana Education Society of L S Raheja College, Santacruz with Cinema People's Academy (CPA) on Friday.

Besides all this, what made the audience gasp with surprise was the voice of the young TV actor Rajeev Khandelwal (ex-Sujal of Kahiin to Hoga). He received a tremendous applause from the crowd. "It was a mind-blowing experience as Rajeev Khandelwal sang Thoda Sa Pyaar Hua Hai," said Charvi Shah, of Raheja College.

The seminar also brought together many media management icons to discuss a wide spectrum of topics related to Bollywood and the small screen.

The day took off with insights on Event Management by Rajesh KV, Head, Wizcraft. This was followed by an interesting interactive session with the young and extremely talented Aditya Dutt, Director of Aashiq Banaya Aapne.

When it comes to film marketing, there is just one brand that has maintained its position for years and made an impression on the minds of the audience.

Yash Raj Film's banner flies high and mighty and Tarun Tripathi, its Marketing Head gave the students a wonderful insight on innovative marketing techniques used by this production house.

Advertising gurus Debashish Das, president of Lintas, Shripad Kulkarni, head of Percept and Aneesh Mohan from Mindshare led an enlightening discussion on the glitz and glamour of the advertising industry.

Anuj Gandhi, President of The One Alliance and Thomas and Aparna Joshi of indiatelevision.com spoke on the big issues behind the small screen, while Tarun Katial of Sony India commented on the future of this industry.

"Such programmes for under-graduate management students help in a great way in nurturing their minds. With Bollywood going global such programmes present a good scope to the young and enterprising management students who dream of touching the skies with no bounds," said the principal of the college, R Heredia.

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Posted: 19 years ago
#39
"I am bored of television now"


Those striking Kashmiri looks should have helped Aamir Bashir bag more work on TV. But this reticent actor, who starts off an interview by modestly admitting that he doesn't have much to say, prefers to do the odd role that comes his way and go on with his life. After Alpviram and Sarhadein, he appeared recently, although briefly, in Zee's Time Bomb, before being bumped off from the serial.
Chikita Kukreja caught up with him at a suburban Mumbai caf to find out more…


A Kashmiri in Tellywood! Where's the rest of your family?
I live alone here but we are a small family with my parents and a married younger brother. My father stays in Delhi and my mom and brother put up in Srinagar.


How did you get into this field?
I was always fond of acting, right from my school days! Somehow, acting in television never appealed to me but then I did a one off story for Sony's Bhanwar, then I was offered Alpviram…that's how I went ahead with it.


If not television, where would you have found yourself?
I had worked in television before…. stared off as a journalist… as a correspondent for ANI. But I think, sports broadcasting would have been my preference as I am fond of sports.


Tell us about your experience working in Time Bomb and with Ketan Mehta?

It was amazing, an absolutely different story line! Not like the daily soaps telecast nowadays which is the same old stuff all over again and again ...boyfriend, lover, husband trying to reach out to the woman he loves. It was a very good experience. After all it was Ketan's show, though he was not directing our track

You end up dying in the serial, was it that you left…or it was made to end that way?

I did not leave, I died in the serial. My role was supposed to end that way…. there was a kind of ambiguity to the character …every one liked it…. it was mysterious…the team also thought of extending my track but things just couldn't work out.

What are your present projects?
Nothing on television, I am bored of it…it feels like going to office, a 9-6 job, and I can't stand doing that anymore. Presently, I am writing a script for a movie…I hope to make this film on my own…even direct it.

Why didn't you continue doing roles like the character of Rohit in Alpviram, 7- 8 years back?

Nothing of that sort came up again. That was also a different character right from the beginning; he was not the same husband…lover…boy friend…etc.

There has been talk that you have an attitude problem….
Everyone has an attitude, so do I. Some people it's a good one, some don't. As far as I am concerned, I feel my attitude is absolutely fine…I've walked out of shows, when I was told it is going to be a thriller and it turns out to be a family drama…. if that's bad attitude…then it's bad.


Is there anyone you really admire most in the industry?

I didn't want to be like anyone in this industry, but yes, I always wanted to work with Mr. Om Puri and I did get a chance to be with him on a very good show called Antaral. And I was so excited to be standing in front of him, that I actually fumbled my lines!


Is there anything you miss staying in Mumbai?

Winters…a place that does not have four seasons misses out on many things, and Mumbai's definitely a place like that!

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Posted: 19 years ago
#40
The recipe for a green bomb
Boiled bitter gourd, six cereals for flour! TV actor Rajiv Khandelwal on what keeps him in action


MIX AND MATCH! Rajiv Khandelwal tries some salad with tea at New Delhi's Intercontinental The Grand Photo: Anu Pushkarna
When an action hero says he survives only on foliage, the idea seems fascinating. But when Rajiv Khandelwal states that he buys his own spices, prepares his own flour, the thought starts looking saintly. "No, to me it's kingly. In today's world, who buys whole masalas... or takes pain to get the flour prepared with six different cereals - a couple of varieties of oats, gram, soybean, sorghum and of course wheat," reveals Rajiv on a trip to his home city to promote Zee TV's Time Bomb where his exploits as an undercover agent have won the serial a great start. Relaxing with tea and sandwiches at New Delhi's Intercontinental the Grand, Rajiv judges food by its quality rather than quantity. "I imbibed the habit from my mother who always emphasised on green vegetables and sprouts, and I carried the practice with me to Mumbai. You can't impress me with lavish meals, but give me my lauki, turai or palak and you can make me sign anything," he quips. As for favourites, having spent his growing up years in Rajasthan, Rajiv has a soft corner for Rajasthani cuisine, with obviously gatte ki sabzi and sanghi ki sabzi topping the list. Rajiv started his career from behind the camera and took a detour to acting via modelling. "During my struggling days, it was difficult to practise my style of cooking. I used to emphasise on salad and raw eggs but now I have a cook. I never allow him to prepare the food in advance. I make him peal and cut vegetables in front of me. It doesn't take much time. Just boil them, have some zeere (cumin) ka tadka, that's it. Whenever I have an off day, I go with him to buy the spices and vegetables. It's difficult to trace fresh stuff in Mumbai, but somehow I have discovered certain places." Finicky or healthy Don't his friends call him finicky? "They do, but sooner or later they realise it's health food. Jab bhi sets par mera dibba khulta hai, people have different reactions. Amna Sharif (his co-star in Kahiin to Hoga) used to love it. Deepak Parasharji also liked it. Now, Roma, who is playing my wife (in Time Bomb) hates my stuff." On his sudden shift from the mushy role in Kahiin To Hoga on Star Plus, putting a wedge between him and Balaji Telefilms - considered to be a safe zone on Indian television - in the process, Rajiv holds that to him, safety means taking risks. "I am a Chemistry graduate from St. Xavier's, Ahmedabad. When I decided on acting as a career, it was a risk for a boy from a middle class background. My family and relatives were apprehensive and most were against the move. Today they are happy, for success is a relative term - it brings with it lots of relatives!" He continues, "Similarly in Kahiin... , my character Sujal was not going anywhere. For the sake of drama you can't make a character frivolous." Rajiv maintains in the daily soaps, it's hard to do justice to the character. Talking about the difference between working with Ekta Kapoor and Ketan Mehta, Rajiv says the difference is more in the format than the personalities. "When you have to shoot for 14-16 hours and you know the episode has to be telecast in the evening, you can't think of creativity. It brings good money, that's it. However, in a serial like Time Bomb where one knows the story is going to be completed in 24 episodes, understands the character graph, one can strive to bring life to the character." Time to rush to Greater Kailash, his erstwhile abode where he wants to catch up with his paanwallah and STD wallah friends. "It gives me a kind of high, for they backed me when I was a nobody." Nice recipe to stay grounded.
source THE HINDU

Picture hasbeen uploaded in the gellary

Edited by Life for Rent - 19 years ago

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