He hopes to publish a book or write a screenplay one day. Until then, Rajeev Siddhartha is content playing a writer on screen, as he did in Musafir Café, starring Vikrant Massey, Vedika Pinto, and Mahima Makwana. To prepare for the role, the actor practised writing during the brief prep period. “I guess God has fulfilled my aspiration of becoming a writer through the character. I did write a couple of short stories to prepare for the part,” he says, adding that he had two reasons to sign the Netflix romantic drama.

“When Ruchir [Arun, director] told me about Rahil [his character], his personality, and traits, I was excited. I knew that I could bring something fresh to the table, from the stillness to the power of observation that the character demands. To play such parts subtly with grace is always a challenge, and I love that. In fact, I grew up in Mussoorie. I was in a boarding school till class six. This gave me the opportunity to combine the [two] love of my life — acting and the hills where I grew up,” smiles Siddhartha.