MUMBAI: Rajeev Khandelwal, a prominent name in Indian television and cinema, rose to stardom with his unforgettable portrayal of Sujal in the hit drama Kahiin To Hoga.
The role catapulted him into the limelight, earning him widespread admiration and making him a household name across the country. However, his sudden departure from the show left fans both stunned and disappointed.
Now, years later, the actor has finally broken his silence on how he landed the role and why he chose to walk away at the peak of his popularity.
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In a recent candid interview, Rajeev recalled his early struggles, saying, “I had given countless auditions for advertisements. Then one day, while I was in Delhi, I came across an ad in the newspaper about auditions being held for Balaji Telefilms. I turned up at the venue, saw a massive crowd and thought it was just a publicity gimmick.”
He went on to share, “Vivek, who was working with Ekta Kapoor at the time, encouraged me to audition for the role of Sujal in Kahiin To Hoga. Initially, I was cast in Kya Hadsaa Kya Haqeeqat, and while I was shooting for that, I heard that Sujal’s role had already been filmed for fifteen episodes. But soon after, the makers decided to recast, and I was told Ekta was considering me.”
Rajeev eventually met Ekta Kapoor and secured the iconic role. But fame came with a price. “The craze was beyond anything I could have imagined,” he admitted. “I felt overwhelmed. If I couldn’t perform to the standard the audience expected, then I didn’t feel worthy of their love and admiration. That’s why I chose to step away.”
Addressing long-standing rumours of a rift with Ekta, he said, “People are free to believe what they want. But Ekta knows the truth. There was no fallout—just a personal decision I made.”
Even today, Rajeev Khandelwal’s portrayal of Sujal remains etched in the memories of fans. His departure may have left a void, but his legacy as one of television’s most beloved characters endures.
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