Rajeev Khandelwal, known for his performances in films like Shaitan and Table No. 21, has candidly spoken about his personal encounters with the casting couch in the Indian film industry, describing the challenges he faced in dealing with it. The casting couch remains a persistent issue in Bollywood, often reflecting the darker side of the industry.
Rajeev Khandelwal recalls casting couch encounter: ‘‘Sorry sir, ye toh nahin milega aapko’’
In an interview with Zoom, Rajeev Khandelwal opened up about the challenges outsiders face in securing work in the industry and how he dealt with instances of sexual harassment during that period. He highlighted the importance of self-awareness for actors, stressing that they must understand their identity and the path they choose to achieve success.
Reflecting on his experience, Rajeev Khandelwal shared, “It can be very difficult and very easy to handle it, too. You have to identify who you are. The sooner you identify who you are and who you want to be. Kya main saam daam dhand bhed kar ke success kamana chahta hoon (Am I someone who wants to achieve things through persuasion, price, punishment, and division) or am I that personality who would not find any happiness by doing all of this? I am a person who wants to earn every smile and appreciation that I get.”
Rajeev shared that he consciously chose to take control of his own career, firmly believing that no one else should have the power to shape his future. “It is tough to fight temptation, and easy if you know who you are. I would tell them, sorry sir, mere se nahin milega aapko (you would not get it from me) and in my head I would think, ‘Are you the one who would write my destiny? Sorry, boss, you would not write my future, I would do that. I don’t give importance to one individual that this will make or break my life,’” he said.
Rajeev Khandelwal rose to fame with the TV show Kahiin To Hoga and made his Bollywood debut in 2008 with Aamir. He has since appeared in films like Table No. 21, Shaitan, and Bloody Daddy. Most recently, he starred in the historical action-thriller The Secret of the Shiledars on JioHotstar, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, which follows a treasure hunt linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Also Read: Rajeev Khandelwal and Aamna Sharif reunite after two decades, new photos confirm on-screen comeback
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