Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi has officially responded to the growing social media chatter and claims made by Pakistani politician Nabil Gabol regarding his character in the hit film Dhurandhar. Following the film’s massive success and the upcoming release of its sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, Bedi clarified that his portrayal of the cunning politician Jameel Jamali was not modeled after any single individual.
The controversy erupted after Nabil Gabol, a former Member of the National Assembly in Pakistan, suggested in a viral video that the character was based on him. Gabol expressed dissatisfaction with the depiction, claiming that while the character shared a physical resemblance, it failed to capture his “dabangg” (daring) real-life personality.
“A Blend of Personalities”
Speaking to the media, Rakesh Bedi dismissed the idea that he was impersonating Gabol. While he admitted to studying various political figures to prepare for the role, he emphasized that Jameel Jamali is a fictional creation.
“I didn’t portray him at all,” Bedi stated firmly. “I simply adopted a particular look—the wig, the styling—that suited the character’s requirements. If someone feels my appearance resembles them, that is their interpretation. It was never intended to represent any specific real-life personality.”
Bedi further explained that the writers and director Aditya Dhar sought to create a character that represented a “type” of politician rather than a specific person. He noted that he observed the body language, speech patterns, and mannerisms of several different politicians to build the performance.
The Controversy in Pakistan
Despite the film being officially banned in several regions, clips of Rakesh Bedi’s performance have circulated widely online. Nabil Gabol’s reaction sparked a wave of social media activity, with many users debating the accuracy of the portrayal.
Gabol had previously criticized the film for its depiction of the Lyari neighborhood, claiming it was unfairly painted as a hub for criminal activity. He also took a jab at Bedi, calling the performance inaccurate compared to his own political career.
Looking Ahead
Unfazed by the political noise, Bedi is currently focused on the release of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, scheduled to hit theaters on March 19, 2026. The actor maintains that his job is to serve the script and the director’s vision, rather than engage in personal or political comparisons.
“The character is like a fox—someone who knows how to stay in power no matter which way the wind blows,” Bedi added. “That is a trait you find in many places, not just one.” To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
