Rakesh Bedi hits back at ‘creepy’ comments over Sara Arjun shoulder kiss at Dhurandhar event: 'I’ve always treated her like this'

Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi recently addressed the backlash he faced after a video from the trailer launch of Dhurandhar went viral in November 2025. The clip showed him greeting co-star Sara Arjun with a kiss on the shoulder, sparking criticism online, with some calling the gesture “creepy” and inappropriate. In a new interview with Red FM, the 71-year-old actor dismissed the outrage, maintaining that his actions were purely paternal. “There was a small incident. The girl who plays my daughter in Dhurandhar, Sara Arjun. While shooting, every time she came, I would hug her and kiss her on the forehead — like a daughter,” he said. Earlier, he had pointed out that Sara’s parents were present at the event, questioning the way the moment was interpreted. Explaining his intent, Bedi added that it was a senior actor’s responsibility to make younger co-stars feel at ease. “I would just say, ‘Come on, don’t worry, we’ll do a great scene together.’ But at the trailer launch, when I greeted her the same way, people started writing all kinds of things. I was like, ‘I’ve always treated her like this.’”“Thankfully, some people also defended me. But honestly, people just need a reason to talk. Kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna,” he said.Reacting to the success of Dhurandhar and its sequel Dhurandhar: The Revenge, Bedi described it as a “pleasant surprise” but insisted it hasn’t altered his outlook.“This success is definitely a pleasant surprise. A hit like this doesn’t come often in anyone’s life—be it an actor, writer, or director. Many people don’t experience such success at all,” he said.However, the seasoned actor was quick to add that he remains grounded. “For me, it’s more of a coincidence that I’m part of it. But as far as my life changing is concerned—no, nothing like that. I haven’t lost my balance or perspective. I’ve seen success many times in my career. I consider it very normal—it’s part of the game.” Talking about his role in the film, Bedi credited director Aditya Dhar for conceptualising the character.“I performed the role, but most of the credit goes to Aditya Dhar. He conceived and designed it. As an actor, you are given a canvas—you add your colours to it,” he shared.