Actor and host Rajeev Khandelwal, who recently walked the ramp at Times Lifestyle Week 2026 in Gurgaon, opened up about his enduring bond with Delhi. From savoring chhole bhature to spending time at Dilli Haat, the actor, known for his lead role in the early 2000s TV show Kahiin To Hoga, currently hosts the reality game show Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar.
‘I can feel Dilli ki hawa when I land’
Recalling his days in Delhi, Rajeev shared, “Delhi is like homecoming. I have plenty of memories from the city. The first part of my career was spent here. I wouldn’t say the first part exactly, but the part where you ghiso your shoes. I spent a lot of my struggling and formative years here. I’ve been to every part of Delhi, from Ashok Vihar to Saket to Greater Kailash 2. A lot of that has changed, but I think Delhi’s culture and attitude remain the same. The moment I land in Delhi, I still feel it, it’s just there in the air, the Dilli wali hawa. And the way people always say ‘Haanji haanji haanji!’ (laughs)”
‘Dilli Haat is my fave place’
Talking about his favorite spots, he said, “Dilli Haat is one place where I have spent a lot of time, because when you don’t have too much money, back in the day, it was all ‘yahan se bhi khana kha liya, vahan se bhi kha liya’. I’ve spent a lot of birthdays all by myself at Dilli Haat, so I have very fond memories. The place has changed quite a bit because I went there about 7-8 years ago; it has changed completely.”
Running on a tight schedule, the actor shared that he prefers returning to the city during the monsoon or winter. “Delhi winters are the best. I love Green Park ke woh chhole kulche, chhole bhature. Evergreen Sweets wale, I remember that. Ab toh nahi khate hain, I try to avoid sweets, but back in the day, I loved going there.”
‘I enjoy the ramp when I walk’
Wearing a striking long scarf and cummerband, Rajeev shared his secret to the perfect ramp walk. “I don’t really get jitters. I just don’t get inspired (to walk ramps) very often, honestly. When I do, I just enjoy my walk, the crowd, and the clothes that I’m wearing. It’s very important for me to enjoy the clothes that I’m wearing.”
About the Author
Sara Siddiqui writes about city, lifestyle and culture. She's a Delhiite and can be found around books.
