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'Jaipur to Bombay via Delhi'
got a nomination at Filmfare awards in 2009 among the best debutantes
of the year, Rajeev Khandelwal has proved that he is a powerhouse of
talent. His choice of films further escalated his popularity among
viewers of good cinema. Already a household name as 'Sujal' of the
popular television serial 'Kahin To Hoga' before he switched to the
big screen, the actor with a huge female fan following is back on
small screen with Sach Ka Saamna- Season 2, currently being broadcast
on Life OK. After spending some eight odd years in the industry, the
actor tells Karan Bhardwaj he is still the boy struggling to make it
big in people's eyes.
Do you find a difference between TV and films?
I never got into films thinking that one medium is superior to the
other. Both TV and films are equally brilliant. It's a sad perception
that television is inferior to films. I am extremely proud of the fact
that I have been working for television for years. I do not really
think that being part of film industry makes my personality larger
than life. I am still that Rajeev Khandelwal, who had come eight years
back to Mumbai chasing dreams.
What is going to be in focus in this season of Sach Ka Saamna?
The show echoes the current resurgent mood of the public and the
nation. As the winds of change sweep across the country, most of us
are urgently seeking the need for accountability and for a corruption
free India. But neither are we trying to cash in on the burning issue
nor is the show meant to eradicate corruption. We don't aim to bring
any revolution or sort of a change. This is just like a commercial
show meant for TRPs. But the subject is new for a routine reality show
on an entertainment channel. For the first time such sort of
constructive approach has been adopted.
What's your take on corruption?
We all just talk about this issue. And we think it is someone else's
duty to battle against it. It's very easy to point fingers and feel
sad for ourselves. For me, there is no difference between a scam of Rs
100 or Rs 100 crore. I admit that I have also been into a little
corrupt activities earlier. I don't remember specific things as of now
but I am sure I was.
Do you believe in the campaign led by Anna Hazare?
I am in tune with what is happening in the country. I am a citizen of
the country who is concerned about the nation as much as others are. I
also feel sad like an ordinary citizen.
Broadcasting your show on a new channel isn't a setback?
I was also new once upon a time. I haven't thought much about it. All
I knew was that I was going to be part of this show. I strongly
believe in the concept. It's given me a huge high when I look back and
see myself being the host of Sach ka Saamna. I know ratings may not be
very high initially. But I know a lot of people are going to watch it
as they connect with the show.
In your show, people are paid to speak the truth. Your comment?
Why not? It's an amazing concept. They are making money by speaking
the truth. Till now, people used to churn out money with lies and
deceit. I tell you one thing, a lot of people will not utter the truth
even if they are offered crores (of rupees). Such heinous lies are
hidden beneath.
You are a Jaipur boy. You chose to come to Delhi instead of Mumbai.
Share some experiences of your long journey.
My journey has been beautiful. In fact, my life is a dhoom machao
story, like an entertaining autobiography. The most beautiful days of
my life were in Delhi when I didn't have anything in terms of luxury.
I used to knock door to door, roam from place to place in search of
livelihood. The reason why I first chose to come to Delhi was that I
wasn't confident enough to look up to Mumbai. The city of dreams used
to scare me as I had heard many amazing stories like everyday over two
lakh people would move to Mumbai to realise their dreams and then come
back like a loser. So I thought I would gather experience and make
some money in Delhi and then probably head towards Mumbai. But where
there is a will, there is a way.
You got excellent reviews for 'Soundtrack' but it didn't do well at
the box office.
Soundtrack was a brilliant film for sure. I haven't met a single
person to date who didn't like it, if he/she has seen it.
Unfortunately, it didn't do well. We had worked very hard for it. We
had done lots of workshops, visited discs, pubs in Mumbai. Soha Ali
Khan and I used to practice lip reading, which also helped us in
performing our roles with ease.
Does commercial success matter to you?
I have been picking commercial subjects. Business definitely matters
to all production houses. Films that I have done so far, including
Aamir, Soundtrack and Shaitan, are commercial films to the core.
Soundtrack is the kind of film I would love to do. I know it will take
time to reach out to every household.
Who do you look up to in Bollywood?
It's a diplomatic answer but I really look up to everyone who has made
a name for themselves. I know how much goes into making your name no
matter how close you are to any of the directors or if you belong to
any big family. You have to put in your best.
Something on Tanuja Chandra's Raakh?
I think Raakh will be Tanuja Chandra's best work so far. It has an
interesting concept. It is a supernatural flick where I play an
obsessed lover boy from a small town. I have signed two more films. I
will start shooting for those films in the middle of January.
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