Rakesh Bedi Reveals Daughter Convinced Him to Take Up Uri: The Surgical Strike Despite Initial Refusal Over One-Scene Role
Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi has shared an interesting behind-the-scenes story about how he ended up being part of Aditya Dhar’s Uri: The Surgical Strike, despite initially refusing the offer due to the small size of his role. The actor revealed that it was his daughter, Ritika, who ultimately convinced him to take up the project.
Initially Said No to a One-Scene Role
Speaking in a conversation with filmmaker Farah Khan, Rakesh Bedi recalled that he had turned down the film at first because his role involved just a single scene.
“I had refused Uri because it had just one scene in Serbia,” he said.
The actor felt the part was too brief to consider seriously, especially for a film he was unfamiliar with at the time.
Daughter’s Advice Changed His Mind
However, his daughter Ritika had a different perspective and strongly encouraged him to reconsider the offer. According to Bedi, she believed in supporting new filmmakers and saw potential in director Aditya Dhar.
Looking at his daughter, he shared, “But she insisted, ‘Dad, he’s a new director and very promising. Please do the film.’”
His wife also supported Ritika’s viewpoint, adding that established actors should encourage emerging filmmakers instead of turning them away.
“Her argument was that if veterans refuse to work with new directors, it will not be fair,” he recalled.
Ritika also emphasized the broader impact of such decisions, saying it could create a cycle where newcomers struggle to find opportunities.
“It becomes a cycle, then nobody gets a chance,” she reportedly said.
Eventually Agreed — and the Rest is History
Influenced by his family’s perspective, Rakesh Bedi eventually agreed to do the film. Shortly after, director Aditya Dhar personally approached him as well, reinforcing the decision.
“That’s when I agreed. Later, Aditya came and told me, ‘Sir, you have to do it,’” Bedi said.
His daughter Ritika later joked about the experience, saying her advice had proven valuable.
“Listen to us youngsters, you’ll benefit!” she laughed.
A Small Role That Left a Big Impact
In Uri: The Surgical Strike, Rakesh Bedi played a Pakistani government official in a brief appearance. Despite its limited screen time, the film went on to become a massive success and marked a turning point in Indian action cinema.
Continued Career Success
Rakesh Bedi has recently gained renewed attention with his performances in major projects, including the popular Dhurandhar franchise, where he played the character Jameel Jamali. Known for his sharp comic timing and screen presence, his role stood out among an ensemble cast.
He was also recently seen walking the ramp with veteran actor Rakesh Roshan at a charity fashion event in Mumbai.
A Career Spanning Television and Film
With a career spanning decades, Rakesh Bedi remains a respected name in Indian entertainment. His television work includes popular shows like Shrimaan Shrimati, Yeh Duniya Ghazab Ki, and Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai!, while his filmography features classics such as Chashme Buddoor and Betaaj Badshah.
A Lesson in Trusting the Next Generation
Bedi’s story highlights how a simple piece of advice from a family member can change the course of a career decision. What began as reluctance over a small role eventually became part of one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated modern action films.
