Rajeev Khandelwal, who became a household name with his stellar performances on Indian television, celebrates his 49th birthday today, October 16. Known for his unforgettable role in the TV show Kahin To Hoga, Rajeev quickly became a fan favorite. But while he conquered the small screen, his journey in Bollywood didn’t follow the same path of success.
Early Life and Journey into Acting
Born on October 16, 1975, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Rajeev comes from a Marwari family. His father, Lieutenant Colonel CL Khandelwal, retired from the Indian Army, instilled a sense of discipline in his life. Rajeev completed his initial education in Jaipur before attending St. Xavier’s College in Ahmedabad.
It was during his time in college that Rajeev’s interest in acting grew. He started his career in Delhi, where he initially worked with a production house and ventured into modeling. His work in TV advertisements soon made him a familiar face on screens across the country.
Rise to Stardom in TV
Rajeev made his television debut in 2002 with the show Kya Hadsaa Kya Haqeeqat, but it was his role as Sujal in Kahin To Hoga that turned him into a national heartthrob. His portrayal of the intense, brooding lover won over audiences and catapulted him to stardom almost overnight. The show’s success made him a star in the Indian TV industry.
He further impressed fans with his roles in shows like Left Right Left and CID, cementing his place as one of the top actors in Indian television.
Bollywood Debut and Struggles
After a string of successful TV shows, Rajeev decided to explore Bollywood, making his debut in 2008 with Aamir, a thriller produced by Ronnie Screwvala. Despite receiving critical praise for his performance as Dr. Aamir Ali, the film failed to do well at the box office.
Rajeev continued to work in films like Shaitan, Soundtrack, and Table No. 21, all of which saw him in versatile roles. Unfortunately, none of these movies performed well enough to give him the big break he needed in Bollywood. Despite his consistent performances, Rajeev couldn’t replicate the same success in films that he enjoyed on TV.
Why His Bollywood Career Didn’t Take Off
While Rajeev’s entry into Bollywood generated excitement, the industry’s commercial focus might not have aligned with his choice of roles. His preference for offbeat films like Aamir and Shaitan gave him critical acclaim but didn’t translate into box-office success. On the other hand, his decision to move away from TV, where he had a massive fan base, further impacted his career trajectory.
Had Rajeev balanced both TV and film projects, his Bollywood journey might have seen better results. Nonetheless, his versatility as an actor remains undeniable.
A Talent That Still Shines
Even though his Bollywood career didn’t match his TV success, Rajeev Khandelwal’s contribution to the Indian entertainment industry is notable. His roles in both TV and films showcase his range as an actor. Today, he continues to explore new projects, including web series, and remains a favorite for many fans.
