Rajeev Khandelwal Opens Up on Why Chenab Gandhi with Sanjay Leela Bhansali Didn’t Take Off

Entertainment: Rajeev Khandelwal, who was recently seen in the series Amar Vishwas streaming on MX Player, has spoken candidly about his shelved film Chenab Gandhi, which was initially planned with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

In an exclusive interaction, the actor revealed that he had once signed a two-film deal with a popular commercial filmmaker, but the projects never materialised.

“Knowing that I was popular at the time, a commercial film director—someone you all would know—approached me. I was signed by a well-known filmmaker from our industry for a two-film deal. However, the films never took off. Since he was a commercial director, the projects appeared commercial, but the script was one of the few truly outstanding scripts I had ever received. Unfortunately, the film never went on floors,” Rajeev shared.

Clarifying that he was referring to Chenab Gandhi, Khandelwal explained that he had agreed to the project purely because of its strong script. He also recalled an honest conversation he had with Bhansali during that period.

“I remember telling Mr. Bhansali, ‘Please test me first. Let me know if you truly want me for the role. After that, give me the freedom to ask for the script—and also the freedom to say no. I understand you are a senior director, but sir, first take my screen test and look test. The day you tell me, Rajeev, yes… I want you, only then will I read the script. And after that, I would also like to have the right to say yes or no.’”

While Chenab Gandhi generated curiosity at the time, the project ultimately failed to move forward, leaving fans wondering what could have been a powerful collaboration.