Jaipur is my city: Rajeev Khandelwal
TNN | May 7, 2011, 12.00am ISTPopularly known as Sujal in the serial 'Kahiin Toh Hoga,' Khandelwal has earned reputation as an actor. A Pink City export to the glam world who rose to fame with roles on the small screen, and then worked at finding a foothold in Bollywood, he sure has come a long way in his profession, but at heart, he is right where it all started for him β Jaipur.
"It's my city, my Jaipur. And it's no exaggeration when I say that the beauty of the city is that it holds its age-old traditions dear, and close to the heart, without being conservative. When I say traditional, it means that it still retains its basic culture and heritage, and maintains the essence of a majestic town, without being swayed by the harsh realties of modern lifestyle. The last three years have witnessed the foray of Jaipur's talent on international platform. The city has grown a lot, but it has not lost even a bit of its small town charm. During these 10 years, I don't really live in Jaipur, but every time I come here, I discover new things. A new lot of young and talented actors from this city have carved a niche in the world of television. Confident youth, smart and pretty girls have brought the world at their feet with their achievements. One can find all sorts of things to do like shopping in malls, going to the discs or bars at night, going to the movies, etc. The change can also be gauged by the heavy traffic in the city.
There is no other place that I love as much as my beloved hometown Jaipur, because I was born and brought up here, my roots are here and parents still live here. This place has that perfect blend of serenity and modernisation that I cannot find in any other place. Whatever I do, wherever I am, my city is clearly reflected in my personality and my work. I have the feeling of belongingness here, and it's just not with the city, in fact, it goes for the entire state. I still remember, once I was travelling to Ajmer for a show on my birthday. When I reached there, my fans gave me a pleasant surprise β and had organised a mini celebration. And it was not the only surprise as something more was waiting for me. On the same day, when I reached Jodhpur in the evening, another birthday bash had been organised. I was really touched by all of it.
I won't say that Jaipur is the only city to export talented people to the foreign tinsel towns. Undoubtedly, Jaipur has always had a pool of talented actors who have made our city proud. Even in Mumbai, whenever I say that I am from Jaipur, the spark and gleam in people's eyes just gives me high."
comment:
p_commentcount