Trying to break free from the Sujal (‘Kahiin To Hoga’) mould, Rajeev has dabbled with varied characters and production houses.
From playing a cop in ‘Time Bomb’ to being featured in a music video, to hosting ‘Deal Ya No Deal’, Rajeev says he’s “done it all”. The actor will soon be seen in producers Tony and Deeya Singh’s new show ‘Left Right Left’ (SAB).
“Initially, I was reluctant because the channel is not a mainstream one. But Tony and Deeya have a wonderful track record.” Even though Rajeev is not playing the protagonist in the show he says, “What is the point in playing it easy? There is no challenge in being predictable.”
Rajeev plays Captain Rajveer, a mentor for the five central characters played by Priyanka Bassi, Kunal Kapoor, Vikas Manaktala, Harshad Chopra and Arjun Bijlani.
“Television has nothing to do with a hero or a heroine. The entire set up has to work. I don’t believe in the tried and tested formula. I like to be experimental,” says the actor. Even though he admits that ‘Time Bomb’ was not a huge success he reasons, “How many of us get an opportunity to work with Ketan Mehta? Maybe the audience for the show was not huge, but the niche viewers loved ‘Time Bomb’.”
Unhappy with the way ‘Deal Ya No Deal’ was called off, Rajeev admits, “Just when I was beginning to enjoy the show, it was called off. But when the TRPs of the show were not encouraging and the channel was not earning enough revenue, there was no point in continuing it. In fact, there was a point when I told the channel to call it off.”
But doesn’t he feel left out of not being seen at prime time? “I find it sad when I see actors running after shows. They are being featured in three to four shows simultaneously. It shows how insecure they are. I’m proud about all the work that I have been doing. I’d rather look ahead and do meaningful work,” he says.
Finally, rubbishing speculations about a romance between actor Aamna Shareif and him, Rajeev laughs, “I’m tired of all the rumours. I will stand up and scream if I am seeing a woman.”
nuzhat@dnaindia.net
