After an eight-year hiatus, actor Rajeev Khandelwal has made a return to television as the host of Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar, a reality game show that celebrates homemakers and their invaluable contributions. Describing the experience as a beautiful journey, Khandelwal revealed that the show's unique concept was the primary factor that drew him back to the medium.
Television's Female-Centric Perception
Reflecting on television's audience dynamics, Khandelwal noted that the medium has long been perceived as being predominantly driven by female viewers. "When I started in 2002-03, television was considered a woman's medium. It's a woman's medium even now, or at least considered to be," he said. He explained how this perception originated from traditional viewing patterns in Indian households.
"Traditionally, men would go out for work and in households where women did not work, they were the ones at home. They had control over the remote. That's how the whole thing started, and then we all started believing that it's a woman's medium," he shared. However, he believes the reality is more nuanced, acknowledging that men also consume content like cricket and sports on television, but women often retain control over the remote.
Gratitude for Audience Support
For the actor, audience support has been central to his television journey. Having become a household name with shows such as Kahiin To Hoga and Left Right Left, Khandelwal expressed his gratitude for the affection he has received over the years. "It's a great feeling because it gives people like me an opportunity to live in their hearts and make a place for ourselves there. I think I'm one of the fortunate ones. Female audiences have consistently given me their love and I am grateful to them," he said.
Khandelwal, who transitioned to films with Aamir and has recently appeared in OTT shows like Marzi and Miya Biwi Aur Murder, emphasized that the love from his audience remains a driving force in his career.
