Rajeev is out of KTH

BY VICKEY LALWANI

We hate to do such stories where it is felt that the actor has been using the media. But what to do? The matter was "actually" in a limbo till date.

But it's more or less official now! The most happening guy on Indian television, Rajeev Khandelwal, will cease to be a part of Ekta Kapoor's Kahiin To Hoga.

We at indiantelevision.com were the first to tell you that the debonair Rajeev was unhappy about the script since quite some days.

The decision has been taken after much contemplation and deliberation.

Rajeev strongly felt that his character was not going anywhere, the story was deviating from the main track a little too often, and above all, the future graph of his character did not excite him.

Mind you, Rajeev has been thinking quite hard, ever since we first broke the news to you. It's not easy to say goodbye to a show which made him a household name.

After coming back from Maldives where he went for a show recently, Rajeev met those who mattered but was unable to convince hinmself that he would enjoy the proceedings hereafter. That virtually put a stamp of approval on his earlier decision.

Buzz is, Sujal was asked to to rape Charu, one of Kashish's sisters. The script demanded that he takes revenge on Kashish after he realises that she does not love him at all. He needs to turn all black. Rajeev feels he cannot turn all black from a position where he commanded love, respect and awe.

There was also a buzz that Star Plus has pataoed him to stay back by offering him another show. "Wrong. Quantum of work was never the issue. Money is not a problem with Ekta. After people came to know that I may quit, I have had at least 10 offers from good production houses and channeels. My problem is only the fact that I am not happy with the way it is going presently. There is very little thought processes coming in from the Creatives. Many guys from technical department have resigned. A lot many factors are responsible," he informed, but quickly added, "Frankly, Ekta is capable of turning it around and regaining the lost flavour in just a couple of days," said the outgoing actor.

"I am in the process of shooting my last portions," he added. The tone was low and filled with lots of emotion. Kahiin To Hoga is very religious to me. I am too passionate about it. It will always be very, very close to my heart," he added.

When contacted, Ekta Kapoor's trusted lieutenant said, Nivedita Basu said, "We at Balaji know for a fact that he is not shooting after a few days. He has told us that he wants to discontinue. I cannot tell you the exact date when he'll be shooting with us last."

Director Anil Kumar said "As far as I know, Rajeev is out of the serial.The hunt for the next Sujal is on. However Aparna Dubey gave a wishy washy answer. "No comments," she quipped.

Think of it, its rather a sad story. The man who has millions of fans belonging of opposite sex, which no other actor on Indian television has had till date, has to leave the show mid-way.

Let's see what happens next. Will Kapoor have the problems she had when Nausheen Ali Sardar said goodbye to Kkusum?

By the way, the grapevine is that the hunt for the new Sujal has begun. Balaji Telefilms is looking at new faces. "No established actor please," says an insider.

Miracles do happen... and if Raeev gets back to Kahiin To Hoga, please don't blame us. You all know how television functions in India!