Mumbai: Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi has finally responded to the online controversy that erupted after a clip from the trailer launch of Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster film Dhurandhar went viral, with some social media users alleging inappropriate behaviour involving his young co-star Sara Arjun. Calling the claims “stupid” and “baseless”, the 71-year-old actor has firmly denied any wrongdoing.
Film’s massive success amid controversy
Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, has emerged as one of the biggest Hindi film successes of the year, already crossing the ₹450-crore mark at the global box office. The film features Rakesh Bedi as politician Jameel Jamali and 20-year-old Sara Arjun as his daughter, Yalina Jamali. While audiences have praised the intense father-daughter dynamic portrayed on screen, an off-screen moment involving the two actors briefly overshadowed the film’s success.
The controversy dates back to the film’s trailer launch event held in November, where a short video clip showed Rakesh Bedi leaning towards Sara Arjun while greeting her on stage. Some users on social media alleged that it appeared as though the senior actor kissed the young actor’s shoulder, triggering criticism and heated online debate.
Rakesh Bedi breaks silence
Addressing the issue for the first time, Rakesh Bedi dismissed the allegations outright in an interview with Hindustan Times. He described the controversy as a misinterpretation of a moment of affection that had been blown out of proportion.
“Sara is less than half my age and plays my daughter. 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,” Bedi said.
According to him, the interaction at the trailer launch was no different from their usual greeting during the filming of Dhurandhar.
“Affection was misread,” says actor
Rakesh Bedi expressed disappointment that what he described as a paternal gesture was interpreted negatively by some viewers. He said people failed to see the affection behind the moment.
“It was no different that day, but people are not seeing the affection there. The affection of an elderly man towards a young girl. Dekhne wale ki aankh mein gadbad hai to kya kar sakte ho?” he said, adding that social media often thrives on controversy rather than context.
The actor stressed that the gesture had no ill intent and was completely innocent.
Parents’ presence at event
Bedi also pointed out that Sara Arjun’s parents were present at the trailer launch, something he believes should have put an end to the rumours. Sara’s father, actor Raj Arjun, and her mother, Sanya, were seated in the audience during the 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. They just need to create an issue out of nothing on social media,” he said.
Support from fans and industry
Despite facing online criticism, Rakesh Bedi said he has also received considerable support from fans and well-wishers who have followed his long career in film and television. He believes his decades of work speak for his integrity.
“I am not safeguarding myself. My voluminous body of work, which has touched people, is doing it for me,” the actor said, adding that he has nothing to prove.
About the film and cast
Released in theatres on December 5, Dhurandhar features a strong ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan and Sanjay Dutt in prominent roles. The film’s gripping political narrative and performances have helped it cross ₹450 crore worldwide, cementing its place among the year’s biggest Hindi releases.
While debates around age gaps and on-set dynamics continue to surface in the Hindi film industry, the makers and cast of Dhurandhar have largely remained focused on the film’s commercial and critical success.
Conclusion
Rakesh Bedi’s clarification appears to have drawn a line under the controversy, with the veteran actor firmly rejecting allegations and emphasising the familial bond he shares with his co-star. As Dhurandhar continues its strong box office run, the episode once again highlights how brief moments can be amplified online, often without context, in the age of viral social media scrutiny.