As Aditya Dhar’s high-octane actioner Dhurandhar: The Revenge continues to shatter box office records globally, the spotlight has shifted toward one of the film’s most unexpected triumphs: the resurgence of veteran actor Rakesh Bedi. Joining the chorus of admirers is filmmaker Kunal Kohli, who recently expressed deep admiration for Bedi’s portrayal, while simultaneously critiquing an industry that he believes failed to give the actor his due for decades.
In a recent conversation with journalist Faridoon Shahryar, Kohli—the director behind classics like Hum Tum and Fanaa—highlighted the meticulous character building in the Dhurandhar franchise. While the sequel is undeniably a vehicle for Ranveer Singh’s superstardom, Kohli noted that the film’s true strength lies in its treatment of the supporting ensemble.
Kohli pointed out that the way Rakesh Bedi has been presented in the film is a masterclass in direction and belief. In Dhurandhar: The Revenge, Bedi sheds his long-standing “comic relief” image to play a shrewd and impactful character, a move that Kohli finds both refreshing and long overdue.
“If you look at the film, every character has been treated like a superstar,” Kohli remarked. “The fact that someone like Rakesh Bedi has been presented with such belief is remarkable. It’s sad that for so many years he didn’t get his due, but it’s wonderful that he finally has. He has become an overnight sensation, an overnight star.”
Kohli further emphasized that Bedi’s talent was never in question, but rather the industry’s narrow vision. “The beauty is he was always there, always doing wonderful work, but his breakthrough has happened now, and he truly deserves it.”
Drawing parallels to the golden age of Hindi cinema, Kohli suggested that Dhurandhar succeeds because it allows its characters to breathe. He compared the film’s structure to Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay, where even in the presence of legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, actors like Asrani and Jagdeep were given iconic moments that defined their careers.
According to Kohli, the success of Rakesh Bedi’s character—which has sparked a wave of viral memes and social media acclaim—is a lesson for modern filmmakers to shed their insecurities. He argued that when a director allows supporting characters to flourish, the entire film benefits, as evidenced by the stellar performances of Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, and Sanjay Dutt alongside Bedi.
The recognition comes at a poignant time for Rakesh Bedi. Despite a career spanning nearly five decades and hundreds of roles in film and television, the actor recently shared lighthearted anecdotes about the industry’s habit of “forgetting” seasoned performers. In a recent vlog with Farah Khan, Bedi jokingly questioned why he was never cast in her films, highlighting the common industry platitudes of “finding the right role next time.”
The emotional impact of this late-career surge was best captured by Bedi’s family. His daughter, Ritika, recently shared that watching her father receive such a massive reception at the film’s screening was a moment of deep validation.
With Dhurandhar: The Revenge crossing the ₹2000 crore mark worldwide, Bedi’s “overnight” stardom at this stage of his life serves as a reminder of the enduring power of talent when paired with the right opportunity. For Kunal Kohli, it’s a win not just for Bedi, but for the entire industry’s creative health. To know such
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