Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi, who portrays the cunning Pakistani politician Jameel Jamali in director Aditya Dhar's political thriller Dhurandhar, has shared intriguing insights about his co-star Akshaye Khanna and dropped significant hints about the highly anticipated sequel. Bedi's revelations highlight the unique dynamic on set and the soaring audience expectations for the next chapter.
The Quiet Intensity of Akshaye Khanna
In a recent conversation with Faridoon Shahryar, Rakesh Bedi opened up about his experience of working alongside Akshaye Khanna, whose portrayal of the charismatic gangster-politician Rehman Dakait has been widely acclaimed. Bedi contrasted his own gregarious nature on set with Khanna's notably reserved demeanor.
"I am someone who likes to interact with everyone on set and share jokes," Bedi explained. "Akshaye, however, is different. He would often be found sitting quietly in a corner, immersed in a book or focused on his phone." Despite this quiet exterior, Bedi emphasized that their off-camera interactions were deeply engaging. "Whenever we sat together before a shot, we had very intellectual conversations. He asked me many questions about my theatre background, and I inquired about his process as well. We shared some excellent discussions, and when it came to the scenes, we rehearsed extensively," he added.
Why Rehman Dakait Stole the Show
Bedi also analyzed the massive popularity of Akshaye Khanna's character, Rehman Dakait, among audiences. He attributed this connection to the character's layered and flamboyant presentation, amplified by the popular song 'FA9LA'. "When a villain becomes lovable, he becomes more loved than the hero," Bedi stated, drawing a compelling parallel from Bollywood history.
He cited the example of veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, who, at the peak of his career, would receive thunderous cheers and applause for his entries in theatres despite predominantly playing negative roles. "He was the quintessential lovable villain, and a similar phenomenon is happening with Akshaye's character," Bedi observed.
Unprecedented Anticipation for Dhurandhar 2
The actor expressed amazement at the public's fervent demand for the sequel, Dhurandhar 2, which is scheduled for release on March 19. He recounted a telling interaction with a fan that encapsulated the general sentiment. "A woman told me that after watching 'Dhurandhar,' she wishes she could sleep and wake up directly on the day the sequel releases. This is the reaction of countless people," Bedi shared.
He credited this anticipation to the film's gripping and unconventional narrative. "We told an amazing story but deliberately withheld its climax. Now, everyone is desperate to know what happens next and how it all ends. This curiosity is a direct result of every scene in 'Dhurandhar' being thoroughly engaging, because the makers courageously avoided relying on standard commercial formulas," Bedi elaborated.
Jameel Jamali's Darker Turn in the Sequel
While careful not to divulge specific plot details, Rakesh Bedi offered a tantalizing glimpse into the evolution of his own character, Jameel Jamali, in the sequel. "It's not my place to reveal details, but I can confirm that my character will be more 'kamina' (rascal) than what audiences witnessed in the first part," he teased.
Providing some context, he hinted at the political machinations to come. "My character has managed to place his son-in-law in a position of power after orchestrating the elimination of Rehman Dakait. But what is his next move? Just because he has installed his son-in-law on the throne does not mean he is willing to relinquish his own power and influence," Bedi revealed, setting the stage for more complex treachery and drama in Dhurandhar 2.
