Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi is witnessing a fresh wave of popularity following the success of Dhurandhar 2, where his performance has stood out despite a star-studded cast led by Ranveer Singh. The renewed attention has prompted fans to revisit Bedi’s journey, from an unconventional career choice to becoming a familiar face across Indian cinema and television.
However, during the exam, Bedi reportedly answered only 7 out of 39 questions before leaving midway to attend a theatre rehearsal. The decision marked a turning point, as he chose passion for acting over a stable career path.
Reflecting on his early struggles, Bedi said in an interview, “I trusted the process even when the rewards were slow,” highlighting the financial challenges he faced in the initial years.
The recent surge in popularity has also translated into brand endorsements and public appearances, including a ramp walk alongside Rakesh Roshan at Anu Ranjan’s Beti Charity Walk 2026 in Mumbai.
His film credits include notable titles like Chashme Buddoor, Anand Aur Anand, Betaaj Badshah, and Bewafa Sanam.
While Bedi has long been a familiar face in Indian entertainment, the success of the Dhurandhar franchise has propelled him into a new phase of recognition, driven by social media buzz and renewed audience interest in seasoned performers.
In the film, directed by Aditya Dhar, Bedi plays the politician Jameel Jamali, while Sara Arjun essays the role of his daughter, Yalina Jamali.
Responding to the backlash in an interview on the Red FM podcast, Bedi said the moment had been misinterpreted and described his gesture as paternal. He said, ““Ek chota sa incident hai. Woh meri bacchi hai Dhurandhar mein jo ladki mera daughter play kar rahi hai, Sara Arjun. Maine uske saath kitna kaam kiya hai film mein, toh woh jitni baar bhi aayi, main usko gale milke maathe pe kiss kiya, like a daughter. Aur yeh ek actor ka farz bhi hota hai, senior actor ka, ki yeh chhoti si bacchi thoda sa comfortable kar doon main... it was like beta sab theek hai, how're you?”
(It was a small incident. She plays my daughter in Dhurandhar—Sara Arjun. I have worked closely with her in the film, and whenever she came, I would hug her and kiss her on the forehead like a daughter. It is also a senior actor’s responsibility to make a young actor feel comfortable. It was like saying, ‘Child, everything is fine, how are you?’)
He further added, “Woh trailer launch pe woh ladki jab stage pe aayi, main usko aise hi kiss kiya aur logon ne kitna likha uske baare mein ki Rakesh Bedi kiss kar raha hai. Arey bhai, main usko hamesha hi aisa karta hoon. Balki logon ne jawab diya baad mein ki aap Rakesh ji ke baare mein aisa nahi bol sakte.”
(He further said, “At the trailer launch, when she came on stage, I greeted her the same way, and people wrote so much saying Rakesh Bedi is kissing her. I always greet her like this. In fact, later many people responded saying you cannot speak like this about Rakesh ji.”)
Commenting on the public reaction, Bedi said, “Logon ko toh kuch bahana chahiye, cheez chahiye bolne ke liye. Kiske baare mein log nahi bolte... kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna.”
(Commenting on the public reaction, he said, “People always need something to talk about. Who do people not talk about? People will say something or the other—that’s what they do.”)
A bold choice over conventional success
Bedi’s journey has drawn particular attention for its unconventional beginnings. Raised in Karol Bagh, Delhi, and educated at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Andrews Ganj, he initially followed a traditional middle-class path aimed at cracking the IIT entrance exam.However, during the exam, Bedi reportedly answered only 7 out of 39 questions before leaving midway to attend a theatre rehearsal. The decision marked a turning point, as he chose passion for acting over a stable career path.
Reflecting on his early struggles, Bedi said in an interview, “I trusted the process even when the rewards were slow,” highlighting the financial challenges he faced in the initial years.
Breakout moment in Dhurandhar franchise
In Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar 2, Bedi played the scheming politician Jameel Jamali, earning praise for his comic timing and sharp one-liners. His portrayal has resonated with audiences, helping him gain a new fanbase in the era of social media-driven fame.The recent surge in popularity has also translated into brand endorsements and public appearances, including a ramp walk alongside Rakesh Roshan at Anu Ranjan’s Beti Charity Walk 2026 in Mumbai.
Training and rise in acting career
To sharpen his skills, Bedi joined the Film and Television Institute of India. Over the years, he built a diverse body of work spanning more than 150 films and numerous television roles, gradually becoming a household name.Extensive body of work across film and television
Bedi has had a long and successful television career, appearing in popular shows such as Shrimaan Shrimati, Yeh Duniya Ghazab Ki, Sumit Sambhal Lega, Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai!, and Sahib Biwi Aur Boss.His film credits include notable titles like Chashme Buddoor, Anand Aur Anand, Betaaj Badshah, and Bewafa Sanam.
While Bedi has long been a familiar face in Indian entertainment, the success of the Dhurandhar franchise has propelled him into a new phase of recognition, driven by social media buzz and renewed audience interest in seasoned performers.
Rakesh Bedi and Sara Tendulkar kissing controversy
Rakesh Bedi had landed in a controversy during the promotions of Dhurandhar 2, when a viral clip from an event sparked debate on social media. During the event, Bedi was seen greeting his co-star Sara Arjun on stage. A short video from the moment circulated online, with some users claiming it appeared as though the 71-year-old actor had kissed the shoulder of the 20-year-old actor, drawing criticism.In the film, directed by Aditya Dhar, Bedi plays the politician Jameel Jamali, while Sara Arjun essays the role of his daughter, Yalina Jamali.
Responding to the backlash in an interview on the Red FM podcast, Bedi said the moment had been misinterpreted and described his gesture as paternal. He said, ““Ek chota sa incident hai. Woh meri bacchi hai Dhurandhar mein jo ladki mera daughter play kar rahi hai, Sara Arjun. Maine uske saath kitna kaam kiya hai film mein, toh woh jitni baar bhi aayi, main usko gale milke maathe pe kiss kiya, like a daughter. Aur yeh ek actor ka farz bhi hota hai, senior actor ka, ki yeh chhoti si bacchi thoda sa comfortable kar doon main... it was like beta sab theek hai, how're you?”
(It was a small incident. She plays my daughter in Dhurandhar—Sara Arjun. I have worked closely with her in the film, and whenever she came, I would hug her and kiss her on the forehead like a daughter. It is also a senior actor’s responsibility to make a young actor feel comfortable. It was like saying, ‘Child, everything is fine, how are you?’)
He further added, “Woh trailer launch pe woh ladki jab stage pe aayi, main usko aise hi kiss kiya aur logon ne kitna likha uske baare mein ki Rakesh Bedi kiss kar raha hai. Arey bhai, main usko hamesha hi aisa karta hoon. Balki logon ne jawab diya baad mein ki aap Rakesh ji ke baare mein aisa nahi bol sakte.”
(He further said, “At the trailer launch, when she came on stage, I greeted her the same way, and people wrote so much saying Rakesh Bedi is kissing her. I always greet her like this. In fact, later many people responded saying you cannot speak like this about Rakesh ji.”)
Commenting on the public reaction, Bedi said, “Logon ko toh kuch bahana chahiye, cheez chahiye bolne ke liye. Kiske baare mein log nahi bolte... kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna.”
(Commenting on the public reaction, he said, “People always need something to talk about. Who do people not talk about? People will say something or the other—that’s what they do.”)
