Rajeev Khandelwal, who became a rage due to his lover boy character ' Sujal' played in Balaji's Kahin To Hoga, is all set to enact a leading role in Rajkumar Gupta's upcoming flick ' Aamir.' This will be the first break for Rajeev in a film and that's too from a reputed filmmaker like Anurag Kashyap (he is executive producer of the film). The film is of thriller genre and will have no romantic angle to it. Rajeev Khandelwal will be present in every frame of the movie which is likely to deal with the topical issue of terrorism in a new light.
As Anurag Kashyap says, ' Rajeev Khandelwal is probably the only actor on television right now who has the potential to be a huge star and is complete star material. Aamir is Rajkumar's script. He has been my associate in Black Friday and No Smoking. I strongly feel that he has to make a film now and Rajeev fits the bill perfectly.'
It may be recalled that Rajeev Khandelwal and Aamna Sharif pairing has been very popular on the television and the two were expected to make their debut in a film together but luck seems to have other things in store for the actors.
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TV Actor Rajeev Khandelwal makes his debut
23 Jan, 2008 03:26 pm ISTlINDIATIMES MOVIES
Well the latest news is that the new film Aamir starring the TV star who is making an entry into Bollywood Rajeev Khandelwal was scheduled for a 28 day shoot, however the project took 2 months and is now currently dubbing. Our sources tell us that the film has been shot in various streets of Mumbai and has thus made use of totally natural lighting and has since done away with the concept of sets. Another point worth mentioning is that the actors had no clue as to where the cameras were mounted or what type of shot was being taken, so in the end it was totally dependent upon the acting prowess of the star. The entire film is based upon the life of a normal man faced with a certain situation and how he handles this in one day. The film had to be shot with the same amount of factor so as to maintain continuity. We wonder if this new type of film making will take off in Bollywood and the glamour industry.
New movie puts spotlight on Mumbai in terror radar
Annie Samson
New Delhi, Nov 18 (PTI)
Drawing from the growing concern over terror strikes worldwide and the July 2006 serial train blasts in Mumbai, a new movie under production attempts to capture a fresh angle of terrorism- through the eyes of the commoner.
Director Rajkumar Gupta, relatively a newcomer in the industry, has begun shooting 'Aamir' that explores how an average software engineer gets entangled unwittingly in the web of terror on his return to Mumbai.
The thriller, by UTV Motion Pictures'(not anurag kashyap🤢😆), will hit theaters early next year. Theater actor and television star Rajeev Khandelwal ... is playing the lead role, says Gupta. "It will be Rajeev's debut role in Bollywood. Others like Jhilmil and Jagrey Rao who are big names in theater will play character roles in the film," says Gupta.
"Since the film will be about Mumbai it will be shot mostly in that city with a couple of scenes in New York and London," he says pointing out that the film will be a strong character based one and not "one of those romantic comedies. 'Amir' tells the story of a young Muslim professional who arrives at the Mumbai Airport from New York and instead of being greeted by his family and loved ones is unwittingly drawn in to a complex terror plot to destroy the financial hub of India. He has to follow orders of a voice without a face or name.
Gupta, a graduate from the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, has been formerly assisted Anurag-Kashyap in 'Black Friday' as well as "No Smoking' starring John Abraham and Ayesha Takia. He has also worked as a scriptwriter as well as an assistant director for Hindi films. PTI
Rajeev has almost completed shooting for debut film
Television heartthrob Rajeev Khadelwal, who quit Left Right Left nearly 6 months ago, has completed 95% shooting for his debut film.
Rajeev, who is not allowed to divulge details about the movie, only tells us, "The film, produced by UTV, is releasing in March. We still have some more scenes to shoot. This is my first film and I am very small fish so I cannot talk much."
Rajeev, a lover of adventure sport, adds, "Right now we are on a break so I am making good use of it. I went for river rafting in Hrishikesh for four days with my friends. In January, we are going to start our schedule again. I know that everyone is excited to know about my first film but you have to wait for that."
Any other films on hand? "I believe in doing one project at one time so I am only doing this film as of now," he states.
After Kahin Toh Hoga and Time Bomb, Rajeev was seen in yet another action packed show - Left Right Left, where he used to play Captain Rajveer Singh Shekhawat. His character dies in the show. After that there was a buzz that Rajeev and Aamna Sharif are going to do a film or a show together but it did not happen. Rajeev is also said to be doing a film with DJ's creation.
But fans will have to wait till March to see Sujal on the big screen.
'No more serials for me'
Rajeev Khandelwal became a part of most families when he charmed them in his telly soaps, Kahin To Hoga, Kya Hadsa Kya Haqeeqat and Left Right Left. But now, it seems like he's ready for a career shift.
The actor will make his movie debut in Aamir, directed by newcomer Rajkumar Gupta (who assisted Anurag Kashyap in No Smoking).
Rajeev tells Patcy N more about his film, and his future plans.
You made a transition from documentary writer to documentary director, to a TV actor to a big screen actor.
I have seen it all. From working as a production manager and staying in a studio to becoming a producer, to doing advertisements, to seeing lakhs of rupees at a time to losing it all in debts because of shooting a pilot show which did not get approval...
When I write my autobiography, it will be very colourful!
Photograph: Pradeep Bandekar
'No one can tamper with my destiny'
In an exclusive interview with Roshni K Olivera, Rajeev Khandelwal talks about stepping into Bollywood, insecurities and the weird SMSes he's been getting these days
You are all set to step into Bollywood...
Yes, I have just finished shooting for my film Aamir. It's been a great experience. I hope people enjoy the film as much as we enjoyed shooting it.
What's the movie all about?
Aamir is a thriller but not the run-of-the-mill thriller. All I can say is that the film will be gripping for whoever watches it from the word go.
Why did you choose a thriller considering you have a popular romantic image on television?
I always thought I'd make my debut in a typical Bollywood film, but when I read the script of Aamir I realised how narrow my horizons were. I read the script during one of my flights and when I got off at Delhi airport I decided I wanted to be part of this film come what may. Also, the faith that Raj Kumar, the director, and Anurag Kashyap, the creative producer, showed in me was overwhelming.
But this movie doesn't have the typical Bollywood elements of song and dance...
This is not a typical song and dance kind of a movie, but it is a hardcore commercial film and has something very novel to offer. Times are changing and I guess the audiences are willing to watch beyond the routine stuff.
Would you like to do a masala film? I would like to experiment with all kinds of genre. Of course it's too early for me to talk about my choices.
On television you were known to be very choosy about your roles...
I will be the same irrespective of the medium. I only take up a project when my heart and mind are in sync about it.
Would you take up a TV show at this point?
As long as I see a challenge and grow as an actor, I don't mind doing television. But doing what I've already done is a big No No. I like looking ahead and not behind. So personally I
see myself doing films as of now. I hope I don't have to eat my words in the future!
Barring Shah Rukh Khan, hardly any TV actors have made it big in Bollywood. Do you feel insecure?
We all come with our own destinies. No one can tamper with my destiny. I am pretty secure as far as my decisions are concerned. Even if things go wrong, I don't mind starting from scratch. I'll keep trying. It's human to fail and I will never be ashamed of failure. I would know that at least I tried. Anyway talking about failure, there are some who would want to see me fail. I have been getting some weird SMSes these days. I just laugh them off.
Apart from Aamir, is there anything else in the pipeline?
I want to play a fair game. I'll wait till the release of my film and then decide from whatever I am offered. I want the industry and audiences to first see my capability.
Who are your favourite actors?
I love the sincerity and hardwork of Hrithik and the success story of SRK.
And actresses?
I would love to work someday with Kajol.
We know about Rajeev the actor, what's Rajeev the person like?
Simple, ordinary and the guy-next door.
Some find you rather aloof, some think you are arrogant...
You didn't mention about those who find me lovable (smiles). I live my life my way and not the way the world wants me to. I am only answerable to my conscience. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Fair enough. I believe in the policy of live and let live.
Rajeev's love for Anurag Kashyap
Rajeev Khandewal loves one thing about Anurag Kashyap… that is apart from his style of filmmaking. Rajeev admires the fact that Anurag has given an opportunity to his first assistant, Rajkumar Gupta to not only make a film, but he believed in Gupta so much that not once did he visit the sets while the shooting for Aamir was on. Explains Rajeev, "There are very few directors who not only give a chance to their protgs, but also give them complete freedom to shoot the film without any interference. Anurag is one such guy. I didn't see him once on the sets of the film."
ALL PRAISE: Rajeev Khandelwal and (inset) Anurag Kashyap
This article is from The Bombay Times dt 18/02/2008.
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