An awkward greeting at a film event quickly turned into a heated controversy online. The actor defended his intentions, but his refusal to acknowledge concerns only intensified criticism.
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The cameras were rolling, the smiles were wide, and the mood looked cheerful, until one small moment turned into a full-blown controversy. And now, veteran actor Rakesh Bedi is trying hard to explain himself after his viral interaction with co-star Sara Arjun sparked backlash during the trailer launch of ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’.
Bedi insists gesture was innocent, not everyone seems convinced. The debate has shifted from simple greeting to larger question: should senior actors be more mindful in public spaces?
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The controversy began when a clip from the trailer launch of the Ranveer Singh-led film spread quickly online. In the video, Bedi was seen greeting Sara Arjun and kissing her on the shoulder. Within minutes, viewers began accusing him of making the young actress uncomfortable. Social media users debated the body language, replayed the clip, and formed opinions.
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Soon, criticism poured in. Many felt that regardless of intention, the gesture looked awkward and unnecessary in public event. Others questioned whether such actions should be avoided altogether, especially when there is noticeable age gap between co-stars.
Instead of ignoring the uproar, Bedi decided to respond. He clarified that the moment was being misunderstood and said the gesture came naturally from the bond they built while working together. However, critics argue that in today’s environment, “natural” gestures are not always acceptable.
Defending himself, Bedi said that Sara Arjun is “like a daughter” to him. He explained that they worked together for 25 days and shared a friendly equation. According to him, they greeted each other warmly throughout the shoot, often hugging when meeting in the morning.
He stressed that he did nothing new at the event and simply behaved the same way he had during filming. Bedi also added that people were judging the situation without knowing the context of their relationship.
However, this explanation has also drawn criticism. Many observers believe that calling someone “like a daughter” does not automatically make physical gestures appropriate especially in professional settings. They argue that senior actors should set boundaries, rather than rely on personal comfort levels.
Bedi further commented that some people attend events only to find negativity. He said he cannot be cautious all the time and does not want to change who he is. He also insisted that he has no dishonesty in his heart and never intends to disrespect anyone.
Bedi concluded by saying that people can accept him as he is or leave him. He maintained that he will continue to behave naturally and will not overthink every gesture.
This stubborn stance has actually intensified the criticism. Instead of acknowledging that the moment might have been uncomfortable or poorly timed, he appeared defensive.
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