Rakesh Bedi says Jameel Jamali from 'Dhurandhar' is not his first acclaimed role; 'I tend to refrain…'

Veteran Bollywood and theater actor Rakesh Bedi has been winning hearts on screen for decades, but it is his recent portrayal of Jameel Jamali in the film 'Dhurandhar' that has made him a viral sensation all over again. Known for memorable roles across film, television, and stage, Rakesh Bedi spoke to the media during the IndieMoons Arts Festival 2026 in Bhopal. In a candid conversation, he discussed his preparation for the role, how social media has changed the nature of fame, and more.When asked about the overwhelming response to Jameel Jamali, Bedi was quick to put things in perspective. This was not, he pointed out, his first experience of a character becoming a cultural phenomenon. Free Press Journal quoted him saying, "Previously, my character, Chakravarty, in the film 'Ek Duje Ke Liye' also garnered immense popularity. However, since that was before the era of social media, people were not as aware back then." The veteran actor further shared that fame, especially the sudden viral kind, can be disorienting. But he seems to have made his peace with it—and with keeping a level head about it. He said, "While life certainly changes when a character like Jameel Jamali achieves fame, I tend to refrain from celebrating it excessively."Playing a character like Jameel Jamali—a Pakistani figure—required careful research and physical preparation. Bedi described his process with characteristic modesty, but what emerges is a portrait of a disciplined actor who leaves little to chance. He said, "For my role in Dhurandhar, I tried to understand how Pakistani leaders speak—what their body language is like and what their style is. I worked a little on just that."One of Rakesh Bedi's sharpest observations during the interaction was about the common confusion between comic actors and stand-up comedians. In an era when stand-up artists are increasingly crossing over into films and television, this distinction matters.He said, "While Jameel Jamali may be a comedic character, that does not mean a stand-up comedian could necessarily portray him effectively. That is an entirely different genre."Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film features Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Arjun Rampal, and R Madhavan. The movie was released in theaters on March 19, 2026.