Rajeev Khandelwal, a prominent figure in Indian entertainment, is not just an actor but also a singer, host, and voice artist. His career spans television, film, and beyond, showcasing his diverse talents.
Biography/Wiki
Born on October 16, 1975, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Rajeev Khandelwal is 48 years old (as of 2023). He completed his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jaipur, and earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad. His passion for acting emerged early, beginning with a stage performance in the third standard.
Even in ninth grade, he auditioned for Punjab Doordarshan, though family obligations prevented him from pursuing that opportunity. His army background family initially made it challenging to enter the entertainment industry. At one point, he even attempted to join the army himself but was rejected. The challenges continued; during his final college year, he faced difficulties leading him to move to Delhi and live with friends.
Before his television debut, he gained experience through documentaries and scriptwriting, and even worked as a model for brands including LML, Green Label Whiskey, and Videocon.
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5′ 9″
- Weight: 70 kg
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Brown
- Body Measurements: Chest 40″, Waist 32″, Biceps 14″
Family, Girlfriend & Wife
Rajeev hails from a Marwari family. His father, Col. C.L. Khandelwal, is a retired army personnel, and his mother is Vijayalaxmi Khandelwal. He has an elder brother, Rahul Khandelwal, and a younger brother, Sanjeev Khandelwal. He identifies as an atheist.
While filming “Kahiin To Hoga,” he was rumored to be dating his co-star, Aamna Sharif. In 2007, he adopted a daughter, Swati, from the Muskaan institute. He later married his long-time girlfriend, Manjiri Kamtikar, in an Arya Samaj ceremony on February 7, 2011.
Career
Rajeev’s television debut was in 1998 with DD National’s “Banphool.” He took on a negative role in “Kya Hadsaa Kya Haqeeqat” in 2002. His breakthrough role came in 2003 with Ekta Kapoor’s “Kahiin To Hoga,” where he played Sujal Garewal. Subsequent roles included a RAW field officer in “Time Bomb 9/11,” and appearances in shows like “Sun Leyna” (2006) and “Left Right Left” (2007).
His Bollywood debut in 2008 with “Aamir” marked a significant turning point. He continued to appear in films such as “Shaitan” (2011), “Soundtrack” (2011), “Table No. 21” (2013), and “Samrat & Co” (2015). He also hosted several reality shows, including “Deal Ya No Deal,” “Super Cars,” “Sacch Ka Saamna,” and “My Endeavour.” His television comeback was in 2015 with Sony TV’s “Reporters.”
Awards
His accolades include Indian Telly Awards (2004) for Best Fresh New Face, Best Television Personality, and Best Onscreen Couple for “Kahiin To Hoga.” He also won MTV Lycra Style Awards (2005) and the HT Most Stylish Awards (2016).
Salary
In 2007, his film salary was reportedly ?2-3 crore per film.
Favourite Things
| Category | Preference |
|---|---|
| Actors | Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan |
| Actresses | Kajol, Waheeda Rehman |
| Diet | Non-Vegetarian (Egg Bhurji, Spinach) |
| Hobbies | Reading, Horse Riding |
| Movies | Shakti, Hachiko |
| Book | The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand |
| Travel Destinations | Leh-Ladakh, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai |
| Fashion Designers | Rahul Agasti, Narendra Kumar |
| Perfume | Bleu De Chanel |
| Color | Blue |
Facts
- He finds onscreen kissing uncomfortable.
- He values cleanliness highly.
- His nickname is Raj.
- He is a smoker.
- He drinks alcohol occasionally.
- His dream house is similar to Shahrukh Khan’s “Mannat,” which he’d name “Jannat.”
- He experienced a significant financial loss due to a past relationship.
- He gifted his parents a cordless phone with his first salary.
- A leaked scene from “Reporters” caused a stir on social media.
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