Rajeev Khandelwal, known for his compelling performances, has once again captivated audiences with his portrayal of an arrogant and egotistical superstar in the hit series “Showtime.” With part two of the show set to release on July 12 on Disney+ Hotstar, Khandelwal is back in the spotlight. In an exclusive interview with DNA, he opened up about the nuances of his character and shared some deeply personal experiences from his own career, including run-ins with real-life superstars who exhibit similar traits as his on-screen persona.
When asked if he has ever worked with an arrogant superstar, Khandelwal candidly admitted, “I have had many experiences where I saw a lot of arrogance coming from the superstars. Now let’s be fair to anyone and everyone. I don’t know whether it was arrogance or something else. Because I realised that there are good days and bad days. There are moments when they come across as arrogant but they are not. For example, when I am going to an event, there could be some people who might think I am arrogant. We are talking about a person who has been in the industry for a long time, is a superstar, and lives a life larger than life. So it would be wrong on my part to pass a judgment like that ‘he was arrogant’.”
Khandelwal went on to explain the complexity of human behavior, especially under the glare of constant public scrutiny. “So I met some of them more than a couple of times and in the first meeting I was left scarred, like why was he being so arrogant man. At the next meeting, I realised why is he being so warm? So, I have had those moments where I thought oh man look at the arrogance and for what? But then maybe I misjudged them or they were genuinely arrogant. So I cannot really say what was the reason.
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The conversation ventured into the mechanics of the entertainment industry, as Khandelwal discussed the premise of “Showtime,” a series that goes behind the glitz and glamour to reveal the darker side of Bollywood. The show delves into the often ruthless world of production houses, power struggles, and off-camera disputes that fester backstage. Co-starring talents like Emraan Hashmi, Mahima Makwana, Mouni Roy, and Shriya Saran, the series has grabbed attention for its raw, unfiltered portrayal of the industry.
Directed by Mihir Desai and Archit Kumar, “Showtime” aims to lift the curtain on the hidden dynamics and intense rivalries that are often glossed over in the public eye. “The series encapsulates what happens behind the scenes, where it’s not just about lights, camera, action, but also about ego clashes and backstage drama that play a significant role in how the industry functions,” Khandelwal elaborated.
The actor spoke passionately about how “Showtime” is an amalgamation of various real-life experiences, both his and his co-stars. “Every character in the series is inspired by someone or something that the industry insiders would find relatable. It’s a reflection of the life we live every day, documenting not just the glitz and glamour but also the grime underneath.”
Khandelwal’s upcoming role is highly anticipated, particularly because it offers him a chance to exercise a full gamut of emotions. Expressing his excitement, he noted, “This role has been very challenging but also gratifying. It allowed me to delve deep into the psyche of someone who is perennially in the limelight, dealing with both adoration and vilification.”
As the release date for “Showtime” part two inches closer, the buzz around Rajeev Khandelwal’s experiences and his revelations about his real-life encounters has only amplified the anticipation. The actor’s reflections serve as a reminder that behind the star-studded façade of Bollywood lies a complex world of struggles, ambition, and often, egotism.
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