Raj Kumar Gupta says for Aamir , he needed an actor without the baggage of a star. “I don't watch TV serials. So I didn't know about his popularity on television. He was introduced to me through a line producer, who was friends with Rajeev. Like the character, he also comes from middle class background so he could understand the demands of the doctor caught in a situation. He conveys a lot through his eyes and when an actor can do that, half of the job is done. We did workshops as we had to complete shooting in 23 days.” Gupta says they were new and a lot of improvisation came through trial and error. “He has a sensible head on the shoulders. All his choices after Aamir have been different. I just hope that all his films get released in time,” says Gupta who went on to direct No One Killed Jessica .
Director Neerav Ghosh says Rajeev was not his original choice for Soundtrack . “He was not my first choice to play the role of DJ Raunak Kaul. Stars don't like to work with a newcomer unless a very big banner is backing the new director but the way Rajeev played the character, I have no reasons to complain. He is good looking but not abnormally good looking. He had got a good body but not a perfect body. He is brilliant but he doesn't try to come across as a genius. This helps to play different parts which many of the young stars can't.” In an industry where even newcomers work through secretaries, Neerav finds Rajeev quite accessible. “Also, during the promotions I realised Rajeev has some serious fan following as well courtesy his TV days. “Girls love him. So he has an emotional connect and reach as well. What more you want?”