The casting room for Don 3 is reportedly buzzing with activity once again. After the news broke regarding Vikrant Massey’s exit from the project, director Farhan Akhtar is wasted no time in scouting for a powerhouse replacement. The latest reports suggest that veteran actor Rajat Bedi is now the frontrunner to step into the role.
This shift marks a significant turn in the film’s pre-production. While Massey’s departure left a temporary void, the potential inclusion of Bedi—who is currently enjoying a career revival—brings a different, perhaps more seasoned, energy to the ensemble.
Vikrant Massey’s exit was largely attributed to a mismatch in creative visions. Known for his “method” approach, Massey reportedly wanted to push the boundaries of the antagonist role, but the script’s current direction didn’t quite sync with his vision.
In the wake of this, Farhan Akhtar has pivoted his focus. Sources suggest that the production team is looking for an actor who can bring a rugged, classic-cinema intensity back to the franchise. This is where Rajat Bedi comes in.
Rajat Bedi, best known for his roles as the quintessential antagonist in the late 90s and early 2000s, has recently found a new wave of relevance. Following his acclaimed work in a recent high-profile OTT series, his name has been at the top of several casting lists for major action projects.
Farhan is reportedly looking for someone with a physical stature and a commanding voice that can hold its own in a high-octane action setting. Industry insiders suggest that Rajat and Farhan have a sit-down meeting scheduled for mid-January 2026 to discuss the character’s nuances.
While the role was originally tailored for Massey’s style, the script is being slightly tweaked to play to Bedi’s strengths—focusing more on a “menacing force” rather than a psychological one.
With the production timeline already under a microscope, locking in this role is crucial. The franchise has always been defined by the chemistry and friction between the protagonist and their rival. If Rajat Bedi signs on, it would signal a move toward a more traditional, high-stakes rivalry that mirrors the tone of the earlier Don films. To know latest updates stay tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
