Rajeev Khandelwal On Upcoming ZEE5 Series Naxal: I Rejected Another ZEE5 Show For This

Rajeev Khandelwal is undeniably one of the most talented actors in Indian cinema. He successfully managed to cross over from TV to Bollywood with films like Samrat and Co., and Aamir. He even made his mark in international cinema with the film Salt Bridge.He starred in the recent ZEE5 Original series ‘Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala‘ won him appreciation for his role as well as his romantic chemistry with Divyanka Tripathi. He admits people keep asking him about the second season of the show. While he does reveal to us if there will be a second season, Rajeev Khandelwal also opens up about his next exciting project ‘Naxal’ with ZEE5 that is being directed by director Partho Mitra.

Watch the interview clip here.

1. What were some of the audience reactions you got for Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala?

The reactions have all been positive. I’m told a lot of people loved it. While travelling people will come up to me and say how much they loved the show. They keep asking about season 2.

2. So is there going to be a second season? 

I can’t say anything officially because that message has to come from the production house. But yes I think they are working on a second season beyond that I cannot say much about it.

3. You were also the host of the chat show Juzz baat which is on ZEE5. Which was the most memorable episode for you?

Juzz baat is a very special show because I was talking to people who maybe deserved more. Because we have such a big divide between films and TV they had to limit their talent. I enjoyed doing every episode and it would be very hard to pick out one from there. I would say every episode is special.

4. Your next ZEE5 Original is ‘Naxal’ but we heard you rejected another show on ZEE5 itself for this show… 

Yes I was offered two shows and both happened to come from ZEE5 and I liked both shows. But sometimes you really want to do one project more than the others and I really wanted to do Naxal. But the person from the other show really wanted to do that show. In the end I had to make up my mind because the shows were going to get delayed. I decided to go with my heart and chose Naxal.

5. What was it about this role that made you really want to do it? 

It’s a different take and it is not a routine subject. This show will deal with an issue that has been around for decades. It’s not only affecting lives in India but also internationally. I think this is a relevant story to tell and it’s unlike anything you have seen about this subject. For me personally also this is a role that audiences haven’t seen me in at all. It will be interesting to show a different side of my acting on screen.

6. Do you feel the OTT space is giving you freedom to be the kind of actor you want to be? 

Yes absolutely, because there’s limited roles you can do on TV. Even in films there’s a limit to the kind of roles we are offered. Web space is bringing out new stories daily that are brave and push storytelling forward. It’s exciting to be a part of this space in today’s age.

7. ZEE5 completed two years on 14 February, any wishes you would like to give ZEE5 and it’s audiences? 

Absolutely, ZEE5 is doing some great work and putting out previously untold and unique stories. I wish them the best of luck and hope they keep bringing out good stories for actors like me to show on screen and for audiences to consume. I also want to congratulate ZEE5 on reaching such a wide audience where their content is being watched by millions and I can only see them growing from strength to strenght.

Watch Rajeev Khandelwal interviewing the unappreciated but talented actors on TV, in Juzz Baat. Stay tuned for regular updates of his upcoming ZEE5 Original Naxal.