Rajeev Khandelwal Discusses Prioritizing Ethics Over Alluring Social Media Trends
During an exclusive discussion with Zoom, Rajeev Khandelwal was inquired about his deliberate avoidance of typical celebrity social media behaviors, such as inviting paparazzi or cultivating a robust online persona. He replied openly, “It’s simple, I don’t want people constantly intruding into my life. I’m not urging anyone to look at this or that; it’s not something I’ve orchestrated, but for those who are active on social media, it’s their choice and strategy, which I respect. I engage with it because it’s part of my work. At times, it can be enticing due to the financial incentives. People often ask me, ‘Are you crazy?’ You can buy your own items, just promote the brand and move on. However, I believe I don’t want to sell anything under the guise of expressing my affection for people. I don’t do collaborations; I’m on social media solely for my fans. I have an account, but I’m not very active.”
He further expressed that social media should serve as a platform for him to share his views. “Social media is a space where I can express my thoughts when necessary. With the advent of AI, things can get confusing, so if there’s any miscommunication, I can use my account to clarify. I initially joined social media to promote the shows and series I am involved in. Now I’ve come to realize that I need it; I can’t rely on someone else’s account. Most importantly, I come for the affection. But I don’t want to become so attached to that affection that I feel compelled to be on social media constantly. It ultimately reflects my inherent nature; I don’t want to advance my career based on someone else’s backing.”
Rajeev Khandelwal On Avoiding Dependency on Social Media
The actor acknowledged that while brand endorsements and influencer culture can be financially appealing, he intentionally opts out of paid partnerships. For him, authenticity is more significant than financial gain. “You Gradually Become a Parasite” When asked if he has encountered difficulties from filmmakers who expect actors to maintain a strong online presence, Rajeev confirmed that such instances have arisen. “Yes, I have faced those challenges. They even question my manager about why I don’t have an active profile. I explain to them that if this is a requirement for my future work, I would rather not pursue it. Once you start seeking validation, it becomes an endless cycle. You gradually turn into a parasite, as you succumb to temptation. I’ve always steered clear of temptation from the start, and I remind myself that this is not for me; it’s for someone else.”
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