'Worrying about TRPs is not my job'

Rajeev Khandelwal has been successful in all his endeavors so far. From television (Kahiin Toh Hoga) to films (Aamir), he's always hit gold. His new serial Sach Ka Saamna promises to be a hit game show, especially with celebrities like Vinod Kambli baring all on the show.

When Rajeev chatted with Rediff readers on Friday, July 17, that was a hit as well. For those who missed the fun, here's what transpired.

Rajeev Khandelwal says, Hi everyone! Here I am. Ready to bare it all.

Usha asked, Well! Your new show really makes one cry as it proceeds.

Rajeev Khandelwal answers,  I agree. But the tears are of relief or happiness. Never have I met anyone who's cried because of any pain caused on the show.

aamna asked, Hi rajeev, Your show was very good. But dont you think it will create some problems in participant's personal life?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, I know it's not easy to answer the truth. And that too in front of millions of people. I do not think speaking the truth will lead to anything negative. In the longer run, the effect should be calming. If not, then it is sad because all our life we are taught to stick to the truth.

shikha asked, hi your new look is good but i think u sud be more chatty wid the participants

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, To be honest, there is not much scope to chat with the participant, because the show gets serious after a while. And I can't be probing or pushing someone into conversations. I will try my level-best though.

dineh asked, If you are on the hot seat of Sach Ka Samnaa then what is chance of your winning Rs1 cr?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Zilch.

preeti asked, let me tell you one thing, non-sense anchor for a non-sense show.

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, I respect your opinion. I still feel that it's not a nonsense show.

augustanuj asked, how explicit is it going to be "sach ka samna" in comparison to "the moment of truth"?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, The show is going to be very original as far as the format is concerned. However, the Indian sensibility would be kept in mind.

LAAJOJEEKEEBAHAN asked, HI HOW R U SIR. DONT YOU THINK YOU ARE BREAKING THE RELATIONSHIP OF FAMILY IN PROGRAMME SACH KAA SAMNAA?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, That's a negative way of looking at it. Do you think speaking the truth can lead to anything negative? If yes, then should a relationship survive on a bundle of lies? And don't you think that the day truth comes out, it will be even more destructive?

nishant asked, would u agree to sit on the hot seat and be ready to answer?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, As of now, maybe not. Someday, when I have enough courage, maybe yes.

nits1981 asked, hi yr show doesn't seams real

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Let me tell you, there is nothing scripted in this show. Though I agree that it seems unreal, in today's times, when someone speaks the truth in front of the world.

singhan asked, hola rajeev, so happy to see you on Sach ka Samana, I liked your work in Aamir.. Great performances :-) the only thing I don't like is your hair these days.. You looked amazing in your tele-serial and even in your debut movie.. after finishing the shoot of that movie for which have grown so much hair.. Please go back to short hair.

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, I will get my hair cut the day I finish with my commitments where I am required to keep long hair.

dgdc asked, I watched the show only last night. However I found the questions too personal and answers too predictable. I fail to understand what value this type of program carries for individual viewer and society as a whole?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, The questions will be personal in this show, because they are individual-centric. The value that may and, I repeat, "may", go across would be that if someone has the courage to speak in front of hundred crore of people, then maybe I can speak the truth in front of four people.

acharyadharmendra asked,  if it is a charity show as you said, charity should begin from home, get in ur dad, mom and sis to ask these questions

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, This is not a charitable show. This is a game show, where contestants come with their own will. We would love to have anyone who has the courage to speak the truth, be it from my family or from any part of this country.

BM1 asked, Hello Rajiv, what is the eligibility criteria for participating in this contest??

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Having the courage to speak the truth.

kiran_mani asked, rajiv..i used to watch moment of truth....i liked it..n i enjoyed it coz the culture in USA is like that..but will this work in india? and one of my friend said to me today that its all scripted...how true that can be?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, The show is not scripted at all. It cannot be scripted. Whether the show will work in India or not depends on the maturity levels of the viewers. If we continue to live in a hypocritical society, then maybe it's too early. But my gut says India is willing to stand up and own up to the truth.

abhijit asked, ur new show is fantastic. u should call the politicians in ur show

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, The show is open to one and all, whoever is willing to speak the truth. We cannot chase or pressurise people in coming to the show.

BM asked, I saw the first episode and felt that the format of the show is heavily tilted towards the organisers. You are leveraging personal life of your participants and its contents to your benefit. Dont you think that after having given access to their personal lives and revealing innermost truths complications (sometimes at the cost of their relationships) they deserve to be acknowledged beyond thank you. I think the participants deserve to paid "handsomely" and "publicly" even if they dont answer correctly as they go along otherwise this appears to be highly highly exploitative approach for commerical gains, whether or not the participant has signed on those forms, your view

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, There will be some who will win and some who will lose. But I guess all of them will be winners by the end of it because they would become living examples in our society of people who had the courage to face the world.

annies asked, Hi rajeev let the world speak nonsense but your show is really gr8

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Thanks a lot for the encouragement.

rena asked, Hi Rajeev, i just love ur acting, i had never seen this kind of acting yaar! wld u like to play negative roles in a movie?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Surely. Would love to experiment with all kinds of roles. Thanks.

Virrr asked, Greetings ! Don't you think that some of the Qstns asked to the contenstans are too very personal...don't you think that the Qstns should be prepared keeping in mind sensitivity of Indian mindset...

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, When we talk about Agni Pareeksha, the questions have to be difficult. The participants are aware of all the questions before coming on the show. If they wish to quit, they can, at any stage. So if one is willing to face the toughest questions, who are we to pass our judgment on their lives or character? Don't you agree?

Rosh asked, After stepping off the hot seat, how does the contestant and the family cope with the emotional awkwardness? Do you get to witness high-voltage drama?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, I do not think there is any drama in this show. It is one life unfolding in front of all us, and we all can relate to it. People deal with their stresses and their personal gains differently. We do not intend to milk or exploit those moments. When they leave the set, they are mostly composed and mature in handling the situation, because they agreed to come on their own will.

kh asked, When and which channel is this show telecasted?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Star Plus, Monday-Friday, at 10:30 pm. Hope you get time to watch it.

hihi asked, Hi Rajeev, we love your work & we want to see you in more young, vibrant or negative roles.. wld you like to do the same??

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Yes. I think your wish would be fulfilled with my next release, Peter Gaya Kaam Sey.

dharam asked, Hi Rajeev. What has been the most difficult or most emotional moment for you till now in Sach Ka Saamna?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Plenty of moments where I had a lump in my throat. But I quickly reminded myself that I am the host, and cannot be expressive on the show.

LAAJOJEEKEEBAHAN asked, RAJEEV JEE , WE LOVE YOU AND RESPECT YOU. BUT WE WANT TO LEAVE THIS PROGRAMME SACH KA SAMNAA. DO A GREAT MOVIE LIKE BEFORE. WE WANT TO SEE U AS AN ACTOR, TALENTED ACTOR. THIS SHOW WAS NOT FOR YOU. HOPE YOU WONT MIND

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Thanks a lot for your suggestion. I do what my heart says, and love to challenge myself with every project of mine. Sach Ka Saamna is a show which will not happen every day. And I am very happy to be a part of it.

dhruv asked, rajeev, everyone has thoughts of dirty kind, some time or the other..that does not mean they really want to be like that, like the last question which threw your first lady contestant out. and do u think it won't have a negative impact on that lady's life and relationships with her mother and husband...

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, I think the first thirteen questions would have an impact that would last for a longer time, if you are objective and positive in your thinking. The fact that she came on the show makes her a true hero.

naughtypush asked, Rajiv tell me which is the worst question till now u asked in this show and to whome . pls. reply

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Every question is a challenging question. Could be difficult. Could be easy. I'm not judgmental about the questions.

sonam12345 asked, the show is good but can't watch with family

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, I hope that someday we all learn to face the truth. Thanks for your honest opinion.

Fora Shrotriya asked, hi Rajeev... how can I participate in the show?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, There are phone lines open, 66157735, and you can log on to www.startv.in

rajchaudhari2004 asked, hi rajeev, this is Raj, i never seen your popular serial Kahi to Hoga, but i have seen ur movie, Aamir and i liked ur acting in it and i really liked u anchoring the SACH KA SAAMNA, u look very confident in it, so what is the secret of it?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, I'm not judgmental on the show, and I guess that helps me a lot in conducting it with a lot of dignity and respect.

venky asked, Are you present to witness the test, when the contestant answers the 50 questions?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, No. I am not a part of either the selection process or the polygraph test.

Amitkaran asked, Rajeev how confident you are that this how will manage this kind of an amazing TRP in he long run as the content of the program will be repetitive and predictable. How long will your charisma and talent be able to keep this show on the top of the TRP charts, Coz you will have tough time finding contestants specially after seeing first few episodes.

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Worrying about TRPs is not my job. I just I am as honest and sincere in my approach, right till the end, for as long as the show lasts.

r asked, Apka show sach ka shamna is very good. & Best of luck.

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Thanks a lot for the encouragement.

Jitendra asked, Hello Dear Mr. Rajeev...How are you...? U r doing great job on the show "Sach ka Samna" Really a lots of courage needed to face the show...

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, I completely agree with you. It is not easy to participate. But there are a lot of people who will be exemplary on the show.

v.sachdeva asked, Dont Use such questions. Think about our culture. Everybody hates you.

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, What does our culture teach us? To speak the truth or to detest someone who speaks the truth? I'll leave it on you.

amit1977 asked, What purpose this show is solving for the society

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, This is a game show. The byproduct of this show may just help the society to come out and confront the truth in their lives. And, I repeat, "may".

sonam12345 asked, i think my luck is so bad thts why i still can't talk with u

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Not really. Forgive me if I can't attend to all of you. Trying me best. Thanks for your unconditional support always.

harrison asked, hello Khandelwal Jee, I watched your serial kahi to hoga two three times only, you did a great role in that serial. On 15th July, I watched your 1st episode of Sach Ka Saamna, really it is a very difficult to ask about any someone of his/her personal life. How do you feel when u ask the personal questions? what was your feeling when u entered their mind and heart.

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, I am a very ordinary human being. So I feel connected to all the participants. It is not easy sitting there and asking some difficult question. But, then, I remind myself that they came on the show knowing that they would have to face these difficulties.

PaagalAaadmeee asked, Rajeev, Why dont you call any celebrity in you show? you can answer unlimited personal question to them? Viwers should also how here so called STARS are.

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, The show is open to one and all, for people from all walks of life. If you wish to participate, reach out to us.

wqeqwe asked, Your show is paradigm shift to reality showa. But don't you think sometimes it is better to say untruth than truth?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, It is debatable, and I too speak lies in day-to-day life. But this show challenges people to speak nothing but the truth. And that it is why we call it Agni Pareeksha.

rajchaudhari2004 asked, Rajeev tell me that Polygraph Test reveals the truth of a Person ? is it like NARKO TEST ?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, A polygraph test determines truth or lie by the change in your blood pressure, your pulse rate, body temperature, etc. When we speak a lie, our body undergoes a lot of changes. Polygraph tests detects those changes and makes its decision.

anand_happs asked, We have seen some episodes of moment of thruth. Do you think you can reach the success it enjoyed?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, I'm just hoping that the show is well received and appreciated for its novelty. It is one of its kind, and the first on Indian television. The intention is very positive: to provide entertainment along with a possibility of encouraging people to speak the truth.

nmaheshwri@gmail.com asked, The actor claims that he hates regressive shows and which is the primary reason he had quit doing daily soaps.

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, I not only hate regressive shows, but hate regressive attitudes as well. Sach Ka Saamna is a progressive show encouraging people to speak the truth.

harish asked, Hi Rajiv, What is the real motto of your show and how are you adding to national interest?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, The real motto of our show is to provide entertainment, with a possibility of also creating a positive change in our society.

Virrr asked, How are those initial 50 Qstns for polygraphic test prepared for each contenstants?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, The fifty questions are made after discussions and interviews with the contestant. Also, before making the questions, a detailed research is done about the contestant, like meeting his friends, family, relatives, neighbours, colleagues, etc. After all this, the questions are framed.

sachin_pune asked, Hello Rajiv, you are looking very nice in show, would you ever try to sit on the other seat

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Thanks for your appreciation. I would not sit on the hot seat for as long as I'm hosting the show. Not possible , isn't it. :)

sonam12345 asked,  thank you so much i try since 5 years thank you so much for ur reply

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, It's my pleasure. Best wishes. And love.

suresh63 asked, Rajeev, to be very frank. I used to watch Moment of Truth regularly. You also must have watched them before starting Sach Ka Saamna. Hope you will agree that you need to improve a lot.

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Your suggestions are welcome. Will try our level best to match up to your expectations.

payal asked, The dissapointing part of the show is..its just for 30 mins..Make it one hour..

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Will convey your suggestion to the channel. Thanks.

DubaiFan asked, You asked, Hi Rajeev had been ur fan since the time i saw your zee tv series time-bomb. You have all the potential to become a good silver screen actor best of luck for a great future - A fan from Dubai.

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Thank you so much for your wishes. I too wish you the best in life.

Rjk asked, You have taken off the show very well. The way you anchor has improved a lot and lot of dignity and uniformity is seen. But what is the basic funda of we knowing their personal life esp the character of a woman being questioned?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Maybe if you look at it objectively, you will relate to every question that is asked to the contestant. We all have very similar lives. And we all have grey areas. Nobody's superior to the other, but some are more courageous than the other.

rajchaudhari2004 asked, Thanks for answering my two questions..but u never said thanks to me when i said i liked ur acting in Aamir, however, plz. tell me, are u answering these questions, means do u type the answers or there is a man who is helping u to type it out?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, I am answering the questions, but not typing them. We have an expert who knows how to deal with chatting, etc. Thank you so much for appreciating my work, and thanks again for I forget to thank you last time!

su asked, Have you watched Moment of Truth, before ? Do you think the questions are more toned down taking into consideration the Indian audience ?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Yes. The approach and attitude is definitely matching Indian sensibility.

sidu asked, why are ur movies not coming?

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, You'll see a lot of them next year. This year, recession and multi-plex strike played spoilsport.

ANISHVYAS asked, Again Sonam12345 is being answered. This is preplanned chat

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, No. This is not. I am picking up questions randomly. Trust me, this cannot be scripted!

Anniesingh asked, we know you chose your projects very carefully waht was it that attracted you towards sach ka saamna was it the courage of people to admit the truth

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, Yes. I thought this show not just provides entertainment, but also provides food for thought.

rps asked, truth means u r making ur enemy is it true but its really great we likeit the way u r respresenting the show in conclude hope this society may try to speak truth suggest u should involve little more emotionally atleast some one can learn the lesson in life.

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, I understand what you are saying. We can just make an effort. We cannot force people to change their attitude. Change is something internal and we cannot just hope that people are more positive and progressive.

Reena asked, Do you think somebody's personal or sex life is entertaining for others.

Rajeev Khandelwal answers, No. Definitely not. But the honesty and courage with which one answers can be inspiring for many.

Rajeev Khandelwal says, There may be many questions but there is only one answer: Truth prevails.