He is the latest entrant to the breed of "new wave" actors like Varun Badola, Neena Gupta, Rajeswari Sachdev and Niki Aneja who seek to bring a touch of realism to Indian television amid a plethora of "all black" or "all white" characters in most serials today.

His previous appearances on the small screen in 'Kahin To Hoga' and 'Time Bomb' may have presented actor Rajiv Khandelwal in either 'passionately romantic and sugary sweet characters or out-and-out action portrayals but his latest serial 'Left Right Left' has this handsome actor in a role with a "touch of realism" about it.

"Working in serials like 'Kahin To hoga' and 'Time Bomb' has been an extremely pleasurable experience. In fact, till this day, I cherish the trophies I received for these serials. However, post-'Time Bomb', I want to be a part of the new wave movement on television. Taking up 'Left Right Left' is for me a first step in this direction," Rajiv said.

Premiered on July 11 on Sab TV, 'Left Right Left' has Rajiv essaying the character of Captain Rajvir, an army captain who joins a pre-NDA academy as a training instructor.

"The character of Captain Rajvir is an extremely believable one. It is difficult to slot him in either a romantic characterisation or an action hero image. On the battlefield, this army captain is an excellent warrior with a never-say-die attitude.

However, as the instructor of the young cadets, who have joined the institution to prepare themselves for a career in the army, he is like a friend and counsel to them, almost like a source of inspiration for them.

At another level, he is an endearing and lovable character for the women on the campus. In short, the character has several sides to him, just like it is in real life," Rajiv said.