Rajeev Khandelwal, who rose to stardom in the early 2000s with his unforgettable role as Sujal in Kahiin Toh Hoga, has built a reputation not just as a talented actor but as a man of integrity. While his chemistry with co-star Aamna Sharif and his performance made him a household name, Rajeev’s journey to success wasn’t without trials.
Now leading a quiet life in Goa, Rajeev recently opened up about the darker side of showbiz — confronting the casting couch and dealing with sexual harassment during the early days of his career.
“I Never Gave Anyone That Power”
Speaking to Zoom, Rajeev recalled a moment when he was approached with inappropriate intentions. Without hesitation, he drew a firm boundary. “When it happened, I told the person, ‘Sorry sir, mere se nahi milega aapko.’ I wasn’t going to give in,” he said. “In that moment, I asked myself — is this person going to define my journey? No. I’ve always believed that I write my own destiny.”
He emphasized that rejection from someone in power didn’t mean the end of his career. “Just because someone doesn’t support you doesn’t mean your story won’t unfold,” he added.
On Battling Insecurities & Finding Self-Worth
Despite the soaring popularity of Kahiin Toh Hoga, Rajeev confessed that he sometimes questioned whether he was just a “one-hit wonder.” However, rather than letting self-doubt consume him, he focused on building a meaningful and honest career — one project at a time.
“I Chose Integrity Over Shortcuts”
Reflecting on the issue of sexual harassment in the entertainment industry, Rajeev explained that the path is both difficult and simple — depending on how grounded one is. “The key lies in self-awareness,” he said. “If you know who you are and what you stand for, the decision becomes clear. I wasn’t someone who could trade my values for success.”
He made it clear that he never wanted to take shortcuts. “I didn’t wish for castles built by someone else. Even the tiniest achievement — I wanted to earn it through my own hard work.”
A Legacy of Strength and Principles
Rajeev Khandelwal’s story is not just about fame but about resilience and staying true to oneself in a world full of compromises. His candidness is not only rare but also inspiring for many aspiring actors navigating the unpredictable paths of the entertainment industry.
