In an exclusive interview with Times Entertainment, veteran actor Rakesh Bedi and producer Asit Kumarr Modi shared insights into their decades-long friendship and professional journey. From their early collaboration on Hum Sab Ek Hain to the iconic Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and the recent success of Dhurandhar, the duo opened up about mutual respect, humility, and the entertainment industry.
Building a Bond Beyond Work
Rakesh Bedi emphasized that true friendship in the industry is rare and requires mutual respect. He said, "Friendship is built on mutual respect and admiration. Otherwise, it doesn't last, especially in our industry where everyone is a professional and constantly trying to move ahead. People often talk about cutthroat competition, but I don't believe in that. I feel my only competition is with myself. I always try to become better than I was before. When it comes to our friendship, we are all connected because Asit created this show and we built it together as one team."
First Meeting: A Memory That Lasts
Recalling their first meeting, Bedi said, "I still remember our first meeting. It happened at JAL Hotel on the highway, which is now closed. We met there in a room, and from that day until today, it has been more than 30 years. We have always stayed together. Whenever Asit needs me, I never question him about my role because I know he will give me a good character and write good scenes for me. I also never ask him about money; he manages everything on his own. Even though I may not earn as per my market price (jokes), I don't have any complaints."
Mutual Admiration and Respect
Bedi further explained their bond, stating, "I also do theatre and earn well from there, so I understand there are limits and everyone on the show has to be taken care of. It's not just about me because every episode has 20-25 people working together. That has always been my mindset — I work according to the value of the work I am doing. We are friends, mutual admirers, and we respect each other a lot. Sometimes when I call him, he may not answer because he is busy, and sometimes I can't answer either. But we always stay connected."
Asit Modi: Nervous Yet Determined to Cast Bedi
Asit Kumarr Modi shared his initial nervousness about approaching Bedi for Hum Sab Ek Hain. He said, "Rakesh ji is a very generous person, and I truly enjoy working with him. I want to talk about our show Hum Sab Ek Hain. At that time, I was new and had come up with the concept of a show called Hum Sab Ek Hain. He had done films like Chashme Buddoor and was also from the Film Institute. He had worked in shows like Shrimaan Shrimati and was already a respected actor. I wanted to cast him, but I was nervous about approaching him."
Modi added, "When I finally called him and met him, I found him extremely humble. During the three years of Hum Sab Ek Hain, I learned so much from him. He would narrate stories to me and I would sit and listen carefully. He gave me a lot of love, positivity, and guidance. He taught me how to deal with problems and how an actor should think. I learned a lot from him, and he always treated me like a younger brother."
Light-Hearted Banter and Financial Wisdom
The conversation took a humorous turn when Bedi teased Modi about his Gujarati thriftiness. Bedi jokingly said, "Asit has been working hard for so many years, so I have no complaints. He is a Gujarati man and understands the value of money very well. 'Jaise Paise ka maamla hota hai hai toh bolta... theek hai Rakesh ji abhi woh mazaa nahi hai..' Main bolta hoon... bhai aur kitna mazaa lena hai.. 17 saal se show chal raha hai.."
Modi responded with a smile, "When it comes to Rakesh ji, he has a funny habit. He always tells me in Punjabi that if you spend generously, you will also earn generously. According to him, if you live well and wear good stuff, you will earn more. You should not be afraid of spending because it motivates you to achieve more."
Post-Dhurandhar Success: No Change in Humility
Modi praised Bedi's consistency despite the success of Dhurandhar. He said, "After Dhurandhar became successful, I felt it would be difficult to bring Rakesh ji back on the show. But even today, he remains the same humble person. He still gives the same advice — keep working sincerely and enjoy life. No matter what success he has achieved, his focus has always remained on his work. That is something I have learned from him as well — whatever work you do, do it with complete dedication."
He added, "If your audience and your talent expect something from you, then you should give your best honestly. Rakesh ji is a living example of that. Even after the success of Dhurandhar, nothing about him has changed. There's no unnecessary attitude or too many staff around him. His humility and polite nature truly stand out as an artist."
Reacting to David Dhawan's Remark
Addressing filmmaker David Dhawan's comment that "Rakesh ki chaal badal gayi hai" (Rakesh's demeanor has changed), Bedi responded philosophically. He said, "I don't think too much about who has changed and who hasn't. People change, and that's okay. I know who I am. I have seen many ups and downs in my life. Like every actor, I have also gone through phases when I had no work and was sitting idle. In fact, I have seen even tougher days than that. But none of it affects me much. Whether life goes down or things go well, I try to remain the same. I don't let success or failure change me. Recently, David Dhawan stated in one of his interviews, 'Rakesh ki toh chaal badal gayi hai'. Even if someone says that Rakesh ki chaal badal gayi hai, I honestly feel I am still the same person."
