Actor Rajeev Khandelwal, known for his rise to stardom through Ektaa Kapoor’s popular series Kahiin To Hoga, recently spoke candidly about his decision to leave the show. During an interview with Screen, he reflected on the challenges he faced after gaining significant fame and the misconceptions surrounding his exit.
Despite the overwhelming adoration from fans—evidenced by constant gifts, letters, and even crowds gathering outside his home—Rajeev felt a disconnect between their expectations and the quality he wanted to deliver in his work. This internal struggle ultimately motivated him to step away from the romantic character of Sujal that made him a household name.
He noted that many speculated about tensions with Ektaa Kapoor when he departed from the show. Rajeev shared that he was labeled as “egoistic” for leaving a successful series at its peak, a misconception that overshadowed the reality of his situation. He expressed, “People thought I was trying to be too big for my boots, but they didn’t understand the truth behind my departure.” Understanding that he might not be offered many roles on television after resigning, Rajeev acknowledged that no producer would likely consider him for new projects.
Faced with significant pressure, he recalled numerous disagreements with producers during his career. Especially when leaving a successful show, he encountered resistance. Rajeev mentioned visiting Shobha Kapoor to express his intention to leave, emphasizing that his request was not about seeking higher pay, which was offered to him, but rather about pursuing quality in his work.
In more recent projects, Rajeev starred in the web series The Secret of the Shiledars, which featured notable actors such as Sai Tamhankar and Ashish Vidyarthi. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the series is currently available for streaming on JioHotstar, marking a new phase in his career as he continues to navigate the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.