Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi is enjoying a renewed wave of success following the blockbuster run of Dhurandhar and its sequel Dhurandhar The Revenge, headlined by Ranveer Singh. Known for his effortless comic timing, Bedi’s portrayal of Jameel Jamali has turned into one of the most talked-about elements of the franchise.
According to sources, the actor’s performance struck a strong chord with audiences, with his character gaining immense popularity both on screen and across social media. His dialogues, in particular, have found a second life in meme culture, further cementing his impact.
“As Jameel Jamali, Rakesh Bedi impressed, entertained and completely won over the audience. His dialogues have become immortal in the meme world, while the twist surrounding his character in the sequel further amplified his impact. The producers were deeply touched by the hard work he put into making the character so memorable. As a token of gratitude, they decided to pay him additional remuneration,” those in the know shared.
Initially, Bedi was reportedly paid Rs 50 lakh for both films combined. However, following the massive success of the sequel, filmmaker Aditya Dhar, along with his brother Lokesh Dhar, surprised him with a cheque of Rs 1 crore, effectively doubling his earnings from the franchise.
“Rakesh Bedi was paid Rs 50 lakhs for Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar The Revenge. After the release of the second part and its historic success, Aditya Dhar, along with Lokesh Dhar, handed him a cheque of Rs 1 crore. In short, it was double the fee he had charged for the franchise,” they added.
Industry insiders have described the move as a rare and generous gesture, highlighting Dhar’s reputation not just as a filmmaker but also as a producer who values talent and dedication.
The Dhurandhar franchise, which also stars Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun, revolves around a high-stakes spy narrative set against the backdrop of cross-border intrigue. Amid the ensemble, Bedi’s Jameel Jamali stands out as a layered and memorable character, contributing significantly to the franchise’s success.
