“I signed the film because of the script”: Rajeev Khandelwal on shelved Chenab Gandhi with Sanjay Leela Bhansali

February 19, 2026 - 2:42 PM IST

Actor Rajeev Khandelwal recently reflected on one of the most talked-about unrealised collaborations of his career — a planned film with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali that ultimately never moved beyond the development stage.

“I signed the film because of the script”: Rajeev Khandelwal on shelved Chenab Gandhi with Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Speaking in an interview with Pinkvilla, Khandelwal opened up about the long-shelved project Chenab Gandhi, revealing that the film was part of a larger agreement that did not materialise. The actor said, “I was signed by a commercial director. You guys must have read about it. I was signed by a very popular film director of our industry. I was in a two film deal with him, but that film never took off.”

Khandelwal, who transitioned from television success to films while maintaining a reputation for selective choices, noted that the project stood out primarily because of its script rather than its scale or commercial positioning. He explained that he has generally not been drawn to mainstream commercial cinema, but Chenab Gandhi felt different to him creatively.

Elaborating on why he agreed to do the film, he said, “That was the only commercial film I signed. Also, that film looked commercial because it was being directed by a commercial filmmaker, but the script was one of the very few good scripts that I have read.”

He emphasised that his decision was rooted in the writing rather than the association itself, adding, “But that film never got made. I’m talking about Chenab Gandhi. I signed the film because of the script.”

The project had generated curiosity at the time because it would have marked a collaboration between the actor and one of Hindi cinema’s most prominent directors. However, like many film ventures in development, it stalled before production could begin and was eventually shelved.

Khandelwal’s comments offer a rare glimpse into how projects can remain incomplete despite initial agreements, casting decisions and creative interest. His remarks also underline his continuing approach to choosing work based on material rather than visibility or scale.

While Chenab Gandhi remains unrealised, Khandelwal continues to focus on projects that align with his preferences, maintaining a measured presence across film and digital platforms.

Also Read: Rajeev Khandelwal opens up about playing Amar Vishwas: “He wants to change the system while being inside it”