Director Aditya Dhar’s action-thriller Dhurandhar continues to dominate headlines—not just for its box-office performance, but now for an unexpected controversy.
While the film’s stars Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna are being praised for their performances, veteran actor Rakesh Bedi has come under intense scrutiny following a viral video from the film’s trailer launch event.
Why Rakesh Bedi Is Being Trolled Online
In Dhurandhar, Rakesh Bedi plays Jameel Jamali, while Sara Arjun appears as his on-screen daughter.
A short clip from the trailer launch has gone viral, showing the 71-year-old actor kissing Sara—who is reportedly 51 years younger—on the shoulder as she arrives on stage.
The gesture immediately triggered outrage on social media, with many users calling it inappropriate and questioning the age difference.
Rakesh Bedi Breaks Silence on the Viral Video
Reacting to the backlash in an interview with Hindustan Times, Rakesh Bedi dismissed the controversy and defended his actions.
He said:
“Sara is less than half my age. During the shoot, we hugged the way a daughter hugs her father. Our bond is very pure. What people saw was affection, not anything else.”
He added:
“If viewers choose to see something wrong in a fatherly gesture, that’s their perception. I am not here to give explanations. My work speaks for itself, and it has touched people’s hearts.”
What Exactly Happens in the Viral Clip?
The controversial video shows:
- Sara Arjun walking onto the stage at the trailer launch
- Rakesh Bedi greeting her warmly
- The actor placing a brief kiss on her shoulder
While some viewers interpreted it as a harmless, affectionate gesture, others felt uncomfortable—leading to widespread trolling and debate online.
Social Media Divided Over the Incident
The incident has split opinions sharply:
- Supporters argue it was a fatherly, non-problematic gesture
- Critics say public figures should be more mindful of optics at events
After Bedi’s clarification, some users have toned down their criticism, while others remain unconvinced.
