Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi has drawn a fascinating parallel between his Dhurandhar co-star Akshaye Khanna and the legendary Shatrughan Sinha, highlighting the unique appeal of a charismatic antagonist. Bedi, who plays the sly Pakistani politician Jameel Jamali in Aditya Dhar's hit film, opened up about his on-set experience with Khanna and shared exciting details about the much-anticipated sequel, Dhurandhar 2.
The 'Lovable Villain' Phenomenon
In a recent conversation, Rakesh Bedi delved into the massive popularity of Akshaye Khanna's character, Rehman Dakait. He attributed the viral success to a "lethal combination" of flamboyance and charisma, amplified by the popular song 'FA9LA'. Bedi explained that when a villain becomes endearing to the audience, they often eclipse the hero in popularity.
"He was a lovable villain," Bedi said, recalling the peak of Shatrughan Sinha's career. "Despite playing a villain in every film, his entry was marked by cheers and claps in theatres. Akshaye's character has that same quality—he is more loved than the hero." This comparison places Khanna's performance in a revered lineage of iconic Bollywood antagonists who won over audiences with their style and screen presence.
On-Set Dynamics and the Craze for the Sequel
Sharing insights from the filming of Dhurandhar, Bedi described Akshaye Khanna as a quiet and reserved co-star who preferred to sit in a corner, reading or on his phone. However, he noted that their pre-shot interactions were deeply intellectual, often revolving around discussions about theatre and craft. "We rehearsed a lot when it came to the scene," Bedi added, emphasizing their professional synergy.
The actor also shed light on the immense fan anticipation for Dhurandhar 2, which is slated for release on March 19, 2026. He revealed that the engaging, non-formulaic storytelling of the first film is the key driver. "A woman told me that after watching Dhurandhar she wants to sleep and directly wake up on the day when Dhurandhar 2 is releasing," Bedi shared, stating this sentiment is widespread. "We told an amazing story but did not tell its climax. Now everyone wants to know what happens next."
Jameel Jamali's Darker Turn in Dhurandhar 2
While cautious about revealing major plot points, Rakesh Bedi enthusiastically teased the evolution of his own character in the sequel. He promised that Jameel Jamali will be even more cunning and despicable. "I can say that my character will be more 'kamina' (rascal) than what you have seen in the first part," he declared.
Providing a narrative hint, Bedi explained that his character, after orchestrating the killing of Rehman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna), has placed his son-in-law in a position of power. However, this move is not born of altruism. "He has placed his son-in-law on the throne, but that doesn't mean he will let his own throne go away," Bedi hinted, suggesting a complex game of political manipulation and betrayal is in store. The stage is set for Jamali's next, possibly more evil, game.
The interview underscores the powerful impact of well-written villainous roles in Indian cinema and the high expectations riding on Aditya Dhar's sequel. With a proven template of compelling characters and gritty storytelling, Dhurandhar 2 aims to deliver a climax that satisfies the nation's eager wait.
