Rajeev Khandelwal on how his latest offering, Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala, helped him explore a new artistic facet
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; October 8, 2019)

Given his knack for offbeat projects, you would expect Rajeev Khandelwal to steer clear of rom-coms. However, the actor emphasises at the outset that Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala is far from a run-of-the-mill love story. Over to Khandelwal as he talks about the ALTBalaji and Zee5 offering that is making waves online.

Considering You've Attempted Romantic Dramas Before, What Made You Greenlight Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala?
When I first heard the story, I turned it down. However, the makers called me for a narration again, this time around with the writer Jaya [Misra]. Three episodes into the narration, I realised that the writing was excellent, and it was a show I should not skip. I came on board as the character was exciting. The story allows me to play two different characters; that is challenging. Also, I am doing a love story after many years. I consciously stayed away from the genre for long.

The Show Marks Your First Collaboration With Divyanka Tripathi.
Last year, she had been a guest on my chat show, Juzzbaat. That was the only interaction I had had with Divyanka until this show came our way. Working with her was a fantastic experience. When you've been in the industry for long, it brings a sense of discipline to you. Divyanka is a perfect example of that. I seek the quality in my co-stars as I am also a disciplined actor.

Your Crackling Chemistry Has Become A Talking Point.
It took us a while to crack it. She was a bit hesitant. So, as a co-actor, I had to make her comfortable and show her that she could trust me.

How Was Your Experience Of Working With Director Pradeep Sarkar?
When I met him for the first time, I was scared. He is a man of few words. It was his wife who helped us break the ice. He has worked with seniors in the industry, yet he showered me with love and respect. He unravelled a different facet of myself as an artiste. I wasn't sure if I could pull off comedy, but he discovered my flair for the genre. Pradeep da told me that I have good comic timing.

Your Debut Web Series, Haqq Se, Is Gearing Up For A Sequel. Will You Be A Part Of It?
The team has discussed it with me, but my dates may be a problem. We are trying to figure it.

Vinay MR Mishra (DNA; September 14, 2019)

Rajeev Khandelwal, best known for playing the national crush Sujal in Kaahin Toh Hoga (2002),  has returned to the genre with Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala. The 43-year-old can be seen as Vikram, a brooding Michelin Star chef in the digital series that streamed on OTT platforms recently.

“My fans were constantly asking me to do a romantic TV show. I was quite clear that I wasn’t doing a daily soap for sure. This (Coldd Lassi Aur Chicken Masala) was completely my thing. I thought I need to give my fans one romantic show before I become too old to do one,” he says. The romantic drama, which revolves around cooking, has two timelines. In the first part, he is an intense Chef and the other one has him showcasing his lighter side.

While you might think it would have been a task for Rajeev, who comes across as a serious guy, to get the nerve of the character, it wasn’t the case. “It came so easily,” he says about playing the younger version of Vikram, a slightly funny guy. “I knew it... I have got great comic timing since I used to be on stage and have been an emcee,” he adds.

Rajeev shares that he used to be the go-to guy for his friends, to write funny scripts for haldi, sangeet, etc.

The show primarily revolves around an estranged couple — played by him and Divyanka Tripathi — crossing their paths after a certain time. When asked how he would react to a situation when he has to work with his ex, the actor said, “I’m a positive guy. I don’t harbour ill feelings for anyone. So, if I bump into my ex and my presence will bother her life, I won’t cross my path with her. Sometimes, you do fall out of love, but that doesn’t make you my enemy.”

Giving an example, he explained, “If tomorrow my wife comes and tells me ‘Rajeev, I don’t want to live with you anymore’ and I find out that she means it, I’ll respect her and say it’s your life. I’ll do anything to make her life beautiful.”

— Zee Media Newsroom