While the spy thriller 'Dhurandhar' continues its triumphant run at the box office, one of its veteran actors finds himself battling a very different kind of storm. Rakesh Bedi, who plays a negative role in the blockbuster, has finally addressed the intense criticism he faced for over a month following a public gesture towards his young co-star, Sara Arjun.
The Controversial Gesture and Viral Backlash
The incident occurred in November during the high-profile trailer launch event for 'Dhurandhar'. A video clip showing Bedi welcoming Sara Arjun with a hug and a peck on the shoulder quickly went viral. Social media platforms were soon flooded with accusations of inappropriate behavior, with many users condemning the actor's action. The clip was taken out of its original context and shared widely, fueling a significant controversy that overshadowed the actor's praised performance in the film.
Rakesh Bedi's Emotional Defense: 'It's So Stupid'
In a candid conversation with Hindustan Times, a clearly exasperated Rakesh Bedi broke his silence. His reaction was blunt: "It's so stupid." He elaborated that the entire narrative was a gross misinterpretation of a pure, familial bond. Bedi emphasized that Sara Arjun is less than half his age and that they share a deep, father-daughter-like connection both on and off the screen.
"Sara is less than half my age and plays my daughter. Whenever we met during the shoot, she would greet me with a hug, just as a daughter would with her father. We share a nice rapport and camaraderie, which is also reflected on screen," Bedi explained. He expressed dismay that people chose to see malice in an elderly actor's affection for a young colleague. "It was no different that day, but people are not seeing the affection there. The affection of an elderly man towards a young girl. Dekhne wale ki aankh mein gadbad hai to kya kar sakte ho?"
Parents' Presence Proof of Innocence, Says Actor
Rakesh Bedi presented a compelling point to underline the innocence of his gesture. He highlighted that Sara Arjun's parents, actors Raj Arjun and Sanya, were present at the same event. He questioned the logic behind anyone attempting an inappropriate act in full view of the young actress's family and the media.
"Why would I kiss her with ill intent publicly on a stage? I mean, her parents were there," he stated. Bedi attributed the furor to the sensationalist nature of social media, where issues are often manufactured from nothing. "People are just crazy when they claim these things. They just need to create an issue out of nothing on social media," he concluded, expressing frustration at the misplaced outrage.
'Dhurandhar': The Blockbuster Context
This controversy unfolded against the backdrop of the massive success of 'Dhurandhar'. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the action-packed spy thriller stars Ranveer Singh in the lead, with Rakesh Bedi and Akshaye Khanna portraying antagonists. The film has been a box office juggernaut, reportedly earning over Rs 4560 crores in the domestic market within just two weeks of its release, even as one of its supporting actors dealt with unwarranted personal scrutiny.
The episode serves as a stark reminder of how moments of genuine warmth can be distorted in the age of viral clips and instant judgment. While Rakesh Bedi has stated his case, the incident highlights the intense and often unforgiving spotlight that social media shines on celebrity interactions.
