In Aditya Dhar’s recent hit film Dhurandhar, veteran actor Rakesh Bedi took on the role of the sharp and manipulative politician Jameel Jamali. At 71, Bedi delivered a performance that stood out, earning praise for his layered portrayal of power and cunning. Playing his on-screen daughter was 20-year-old actor Sara Arjun, who essayed the role of Yalina Jamali — a spirited, strong-willed young woman whose presence added emotional depth to the narrative. While the film has enjoyed commercial and critical success, a moment involving the two actors at the trailer launch event in November has continued to spark controversy online, even more than a month later.
The incident in question occurred during the Dhurandhar trailer launch, when Rakesh Bedi leaned in to greet Sara Arjun on stage. A short clip from the event circulated on social media, with some users claiming that the gesture appeared inappropriate and that it looked like Bedi was kissing Sara’s shoulder. The moment quickly became a subject of online scrutiny, prompting speculation and criticism, despite no complaint from Sara or her family.
Addressing the controversy in an interview with Hindustan Times, Rakesh Bedi dismissed the allegations outright, calling the reaction “stupid.” Clearly upset by the interpretation of the incident, the actor stressed that the moment had been taken completely out of context. He explained that he shares a warm, fatherly bond with Sara, both on and off screen, which many online viewers failed to understand.
“Sara is less than half my age and plays my daughter,” Bedi said. “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.” According to the actor, the interaction at the trailer launch was no different from their usual greetings during filming.
Rakesh emphasised that the affection he showed was that of an elder toward a younger co-actor, not something that should be viewed through a negative or sensational lens. “It was no different that day, but people are not seeing the affection there. The affection of an elderly man towards a young girl,” he said, adding pointedly, “Dekhne wale ki aankh mein gadbad hai to kya kar sakte ho (What can you do when people perceive it wrongly)?”
Further countering the claims, Rakesh Bedi pointed out a crucial detail that many critics seemed to overlook — Sara Arjun’s parents were present at the event. Sara is the daughter of actor Raj Arjun and his wife Sanya, both of whom attended the Dhurandhar teaser launch. “Why would I kiss her with ill intent publicly on a stage?” Bedi questioned. “Her parents were there. People are just crazy when they claim these things. They just need to create an issue out of nothing on social media.”
While a section of the internet continued to criticise the actor, many fans came forward in his defence. Viewers who grew up watching Rakesh Bedi in iconic television shows like Shrimaan Shrimati and Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai! expressed disbelief at the allegations. For them, Bedi has long been associated with clean humour, warmth and relatable performances, making the accusations difficult to reconcile with his decades-long public image.
Reflecting on the support he has received, Rakesh made it clear that he does not feel the need to justify himself excessively. “I tell you, I am not safeguarding myself,” he said. “My voluminous body of work, which has touched people, is doing it for me.” He shared a personal anecdote to underline how meaningful that connection with audiences has been for him over the years.
The actor recalled a recent dinner outing with friends, during which a woman approached him to share her story. “Her son is physically and mentally challenged, but he loves my work and can comprehend it,” Bedi said. “That speaks more for me than anything will.” For him, such moments reaffirm his belief that his legacy and conduct over the years speak louder than fleeting social media outrage.
As discussions around the incident continue online, Rakesh Bedi remains firm that the controversy is a case of misinterpretation amplified by social media. For the veteran actor, the episode highlights how easily genuine gestures can be misconstrued in the public eye — and how quickly narratives can spiral when stripped of context.
