Shivani
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Rakesh Bedi reflects on a viral moment involving his on-screen daughter, Sara Arjun, which drew backlash. In Aditya Dhar’s hit film Dhurandhar, 71-year-old Bedi portrayed the shrewd politician Jameel Jamali, while 20-year-old Sara played his strong-willed daughter, Yalina Jamali. A brief interaction during the film’s trailer launch in November sparked controversy and continues to attract criticism weeks later. As Bedi leaned forward to greet Sara on stage, online users alleged that it appeared he kissed her shoulder. Addressing the incident, Bedi clarified the misunderstanding and urged people to avoid judgments based on misleading visuals alone.
Sara plays my daughter, who is less than half my age
When asked about the incident, Rakesh is quick to clarify that he shares a fatherly bond with Sara, which many people have misunderstood and taken out of context. “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,” says an incensed Rakesh.
The actor said that even on the day of the event, he greeted her with the same warmth and affection, which was later completely misinterpreted and turned into something else. “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 (What can you do when people perceive it wrongly)?” he mentions.
‘Sara’s parents were there, why would I do that?’
Rakesh also noted that Sara’s parents—actor Raj Arjun and Sanya—were present at the Dhurandhar teaser launch. “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,” says the actor.
While Rakesh faced heavy criticism online, many who had watched him grow up in Shrimaan Shrimati or Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai! strongly came to his defence. “I tell you, I am not safeguarding myself. My voluminous body of work, which has touched people, is doing it for me. I recently went to a dinner with friends, and a lady approached me. Her son is physically and mentally challenged, but he loves my work and can comprehend it. That speaks more for me than anything will,” he rounds off.