Actor Rajeev Khandelwal recently opened up about his decision to quit the highly popular show Kahiin Toh Hoga at the peak of its success, revealing a clash with producer Ekta Kapoor and the overwhelming pressure of fame.
The Unlikely Journey to Sujal
Rajeev Khandelwal shared how he landed the iconic role of Sujal Grewal. After a few ad assignments, he auditioned for a Balaji Telefilms show in Delhi, initially thinking it was a long shot due to the massive crowd. He was first cast in Kya Hadsa Kya Haqeeqat before being called to Mumbai for Kahiin Toh Hoga.
He recalls being surprised by the offer for Sujal, especially since another actor had already begun filming. Rajeev never anticipated the show’s immense popularity, doubting it would take off, particularly with its late 11 PM telecast slot. He even considered himself not conventionally good-looking for the romantic lead.
Overnight Stardom and Overwhelming Love
Within just 15 episodes, Rajeev witnessed a surge in excitement around him. Girls would blush and smile, and he started receiving interview requests from leading publications, with his story even making front pages. After 25 episodes, he was constantly cutting ribbons and making appearances, feeling the fame was surreal.
The fan love became overwhelming. People would wait outside his home, slip letters under his door, and inundate him with gifts. He couldn’t even enter his own house or go to his terrace due to the crowds. This period brought numerous film offers, but Rajeev held back, wanting to prove himself beyond the “Sujal” image.
Why He Chose to Walk Away
Rajeev states he quit Kahiin Toh Hoga solely because he couldn’t handle the overwhelming love and felt he wasn’t giving back enough in terms of quality. He wanted to avoid being typecast as the “brooding romantic guy” and consciously chose roles different from Sujal.
His next venture, the series Time Bomb, did not achieve the same success. He observed that the same media outlets which celebrated his rise were quick to report on his “mighty fall,” highlighting the fickle nature of fame.
Locking Horns with Ekta Kapoor
Rajeev admits to having “a lot of fights” with the show’s producers, including Ekta Kapoor. His decision to leave at the show’s peak was widely misunderstood. Many perceived it as him being “egoistic” or demanding more money, thinking he believed he had “arrived.”
He clarifies that when he met Shobha Kapoor (Ekta’s mother and co-producer), they offered him more money to stay. However, Rajeev’s request was not for a raise, but for a reduction in pay in exchange for better quality work. He knew that walking out of a successful show would make it difficult to find future TV work, as producers wouldn’t be happy with his decision.
- Rajeev Khandelwal quit Kahiin Toh Hoga at its peak due to the overwhelming fan love and a desire for creative quality.
- He actively avoided being typecast as the romantic lead, seeking diverse roles.
- His decision led to a widely reported clash with Ekta Kapoor and a perception that he was egoistic.
- Despite being offered more money, he sought a pay cut for better content, prioritizing artistic integrity over financial gain.
Rajeev Khandelwal has since explored various platforms, last seen in OTT shows like Secrets of Shiledaars and Showtime, continuing to carve his unique path in the entertainment industry.
