I treat Sara Arjun like my daughter: Dhurandhar's Rakesh Bedi on viral 'kiss' clip

Rakesh Bedi addressed the controversy over his interaction with Sara Arjun at the Dhurandhar trailer launch. He called it a misunderstood gesture of affection.

Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi has responded to the controversy surrounding a moment with co-star Sara Arjun at the Dhurandhar trailer launch, after a video of the interaction sparked criticism online. Clarifying his intent, the actor said the gesture came from affection and was taken out of context.

Speaking on a podcast with Red FM, Bedi explained that his bond with Sara has always been warm and fatherly, similar to how he interacted with her during the shoot of the film, where she plays his daughter.

“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 I would just say, ‘Come on, don’t worry, we’ll do a great scene together,’" he said.

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’," added Rakesh while explaining his intent.

The actor also pointed out how quickly the moment escalated into an online debate, noting that reactions were divided, with some people defending him as well.

“Thankfully, some people also defended me. But honestly, people just need a reason to talk. Kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna 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."