Rakesh Bedi Revisits Controversy Over Viral ‘Kissing’ Clip With Sara Arjun During Dhurandhar 2 Trailer Launch
Rakesh Bedi is currently basking in the success of his latest release, Dhurandhar 2, in which he played the role of Jameel Jamali and received widespread appreciation for his performance. However, the veteran actor recently revisited a controversy that emerged during the trailer launch of Dhurandhar.
Viral Video and Social Media Backlash
During the event, Bedi leaned in to greet his co-star Sara Arjun on stage. Shortly after, a short clip began circulating online, with some social media users claiming it appeared as though the 71-year-old actor had kissed the 20-year-old actress on the shoulder. The moment sparked widespread discussion and criticism directed at Bedi.
In Dhurandhar, Rakesh Bedi plays the shrewd politician Jameel Jamali, while Sara Arjun portrays his daughter, Yalina Jamali.
What Rakesh Bedi Said
Speaking on the Red FM podcast, Bedi clarified that the moment had been misinterpreted:
“Ek chota sa incident hai. Woh meri bacchi hai Dhurandhar mein jo ladki mera daughter play kar rahi hai, Sara Arjun. Maine uske saath kitna kaam kiya hai film mein, toh woh jitni baar bhi aayi, main usko gale milke maathe pe kiss kiya, like a daughter. Aur yeh ek actor ka farz bhi hota hai, senior actor ka, ki yeh chhoti si bacchi thoda sa comfortable kar doon main… it was like beta sab theek hai, how’re you?”
He added:
“Woh trailer launch pe woh ladki jab stage pe aayi, main usko aise hi kiss kiya aur logon ne kitna likha uske baare mein ki Rakesh Bedi kiss kar raha hai. Arey bhai, main usko hamesha hi aisa karta hoon. Balki logon ne jawab diya baad mein ki aap Rakesh ji ke baare mein aisa nahi bol sakte.”
Commenting on public scrutiny, he said:
“Logon ko toh kuch bahana chahiye, cheez chahiye bolne ke liye. Kiske baare mein log nahi bolte… kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna.”
Dhurandhar 2’s Box Office Success
This is not the first time Rakesh Bedi has addressed the issue. Dhurandhar 2 was released in theaters on March 19 and crossed the ₹500 crore mark within five days of its release. The film has received massive appreciation both from audiences and critics, cementing its place as a blockbuster hit.
Bedi’s clarification highlights that the brief stage moment was a gesture of care for his on-screen daughter and not intended to spark controversy, while his performance in Dhurandhar 2 continues to receive acclaim.
