Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi has found himself at the centre of an unwarranted social media storm, where he has been forced to address what he calls "stupid" and "baseless" allegations. The controversy involves his young co-star, Sara Arjun, who plays his daughter in the recently released blockbuster Dhurandhar.
The Controversial Moment at the Trailer Launch
The incident traces back to the high-profile trailer launch event for Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar in November 2025. A clip from the event, where Bedi leaned in to greet the 20-year-old actress on stage, was misinterpreted by a section of netizens. They incorrectly claimed it appeared as if the actor was kissing Sara Arjun's shoulder. Despite the event occurring over a month ago, the misleading claim continued to circulate online, sparking undue criticism.
In a recent conversation with Hindustan Times, Rakesh Bedi, who plays the politician Jameel Jamali in the film, firmly shut down the accusations. He expressed his frustration, highlighting the absurdity of the situation given their familial on-screen relationship and the significant age gap. "Sara is less than half my age and plays my daughter," Bedi stated, clarifying the nature of their bond.
Bedi's Firm Rebuttal and Trust in His Legacy
Rakesh Bedi explained that his rapport with Sara is purely paternal, mirroring their characters in Dhurandhar. "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," he said. He pointedly questioned the logic behind the allegations, noting that Sara's parents, actors Raj Arjun and Sanya, were present at the very same event. "Why would I kiss her with ill intent publicly on a stage? I mean, her parents were there. People are just crazy when they claim these things," he added.
Rather than defending himself extensively, Bedi placed his faith in his longstanding career and body of work. He believes his professional legacy is the ultimate testament to his character. "I tell you, I am not safeguarding myself. My voluminous body of work, which has touched people, is doing it for me," he asserted, sharing an anecdote about being appreciated by a specially-abled fan.
Career Resurgence and Industry Praise
This controversy emerges alongside a major career resurgence for Rakesh Bedi, fueled by his acclaimed performance in Dhurandhar. The film, which has also boosted the careers of Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, has brought the veteran actor back into the limelight. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra, in an exclusive chat with Screen, heaped praise on Bedi's work ethic and improvisational skills.
"Almost every producer, director, or actor I know is taking his number from me and congratulating him. Some are even planning to cast him," Chhabra revealed. He credited Bedi for reinventing himself and adding his own layer of humour to the character, which wasn't originally in the script. Chhabra recalled Bedi's immediate trust when offered the role, quoting him as saying, "Beta, main trust karta hoon tujhe, let's do it."
Ultimately, Rakesh Bedi attributed the negative online discourse to misplaced perception. With a philosophical shrug, he concluded, "Dekhne wale ki aankh mein gadbad hai to kya kar sakte ho? (What can you do when people perceive it wrongly?)." His focus remains on the positive reception of his work and the new opportunities unfolding from his impactful role in Dhurandhar.
