Talking about films and acting, the casting couch gets tagged along as some filmmakers mix personal favors with work. Not only have females become prey to it, but even males have experienced the casting couch. In an exclusive interview with PeepingMoon, Rajeev Khandelwal admitted facing the casting couch during the early days of his career. Thee actor who debuted with Aamir, was hinted by a renowned director before his first movie. 

Speaking to PeepingMoon, Rajeev Khandelwal said, “Yes, I did. I did face casting couch by, back in the day, a renowned director. Jo khud hi baar baar bolte hai maine 100 crore ki movie ki hai bhulnaa mat. He met me and offered me 2 film deals before my debut movie Aamir. My only condition was to listen to the script first. ‘Aap ke naam ke piche aapne kahin 100 crore film di hai, lekin saath me kai disaster bhi diye hai, aap unke baare me baat nahi karte hai sirf 100 crore film ke baare me baat kar rae hai.’” 

Table No. 21 actor further added, “I said that I would want to hear the script, he didn’t want to give the script, probably he was interested in me. I ran away, saying sorry I do not want to do the film I also said I am a straight guy and not interested. He didn’t like it, although he didn’t force me but he hinted at something and I refused saying it doesn’t work for me this way. After that, I never crossed paths with him”

Rajeev Khandelwal has carved a niche for himself in the industry kickstarting his career from television shows to movies namely, Aamir, Table No. 21 to Pranaam, and more. His latest work is a web series Showtime also starring Emraan Hashmi and Mouni Roy. The show highlights the insights of the film industry and is backed by Karan Johar’s Dharmaatic Entertainment. He will next feature in Munjya director Aditya Sarpotdar’s upcoming project.