Rakesh Bedi Slams Trolls Over Kiss Controversy With Dhurandhar Co-Star Sara Arjun, Calls It ‘Senseless’

Actor Rakesh Bedi has responded to online criticism after a video from Dhurandhar’s trailer launch appeared to show Rakesh kissing co-star Sara Arjun on the shoulder. Rakesh has dismissed the allegations as “stupid”, stressing that the gesture reflected affection between colleagues, not improper behaviour.

In Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, Rakesh portrays shrewd politician Jameel Jamali, while Sara Arjun plays Jameel’s outspoken daughter Yalina Jamali. The film, also headlined by Ranveer Singh, R Madhavan and Akshaye Khanna, has drawn strong audience interest and has crossed Rs 400 crore at the Indian box office.

Rakesh Bedi Dhurandhar Sara Arjun controversy and box office performance

Film	Director	Main Cast	India Box Office
Dhurandhar	Aditya Dhar	Ranveer Singh, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Rakesh Bedi, Sara Arjun	Over Rs 400 crore

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Rakesh said the moment captured at the event had been misunderstood. Rakesh explained that he and Sara had built a warm bond during filming. "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."

Rakesh said the interaction at the trailer launch matched how they usually greeted each other. According to Rakesh, viewers online chose to ignore context. "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 continued.

Rakesh Bedi Dhurandhar Sara Arjun social media debate

Rakesh questioned why he would act wrongly on a public platform with Sara’s family present. "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," the actor added.

The 71-year-old also said the incident did not require any special defence from Rakesh. For Rakesh, decades of work and audience trust speak louder. "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 concluded.

Comments about the Rakesh Bedi and Sara Arjun Dhurandhar video remain active online, with users sharply divided. While some social media posts accuse Rakesh, others highlight Sara’s on-stage comfort and the presence of family and crew. Dhurandhar continues its theatrical run as the discussion carries on.