Rakesh Bedi recalls denied payment on film set due to THIS reason despite urgent need: 'This is how it works….

Veteran Bollywood actor Rakesh Bedi, currently enjoying the success of his recent film Dhurandhar: The Revenge, has shed light on the stark realities of hierarchy within the film industry. In a recent interview with Zoom, Bedi recounted a specific incident from a film set where he was denied his rightful payment, while a prominent star on the project received preferential treatment regarding compensation.

Rakesh Bedi discusses the film industry's hierarchy

Rakesh recalled, “Mujhe yaad hai ek baar main shooting kar raha tha aur mujhe paise ki bahut zarurat thi. Aur usmein hero tha ek bada, main naam nahi loonga. Producer set pe aaya to uske haath mein paison ka packet tha. I could see that there is money in it. To maine kaha, 'Sir, meri instalment due hai, mujhe paise chahiye.' Usne kaha, 'Yaar abhi to paise nahi hai.' To mere muh se nikal gaya, maine kaha paise to hai'. He said, 'Yaar, hero ko dene hai yeh'... And I realised that this is how it works (I remember once I was shooting and I was in urgent need of money. There was a big star in the film, I won’t name him. The producer came to the set with a packet of cash in his hand. I could tell there was money in it. So I said, ‘Sir, my instalment is due, I need the payment.’ He replied, ‘I don’t have the money right now.’ It just slipped out of my mouth; I said, ‘But there is money.’ He said, ‘This is for the hero’)."

He further said, "At that time, I convinced myself that this is the norm and you have to live with it. If I or any other actor is getting a hierarchy, it doesn't mean main dusre waale ko kum samjhun yaa neecha samjhun yaa inhuman treat karoon. Main kisi bhi dressman se aapni joote nahi pehanwata, most actors pehanwate hain. Mujhe lagta hai voh demeaning hai (I shouldn’t consider others inferior or treat them as lesser or inhuman. I don’t make any dressman put my shoes on for me; most actors do. I feel that’s demeaning)," he said.

Rakesh Bedi’s acting journey

With a career spanning since 1976, the actor has established a significant presence in the entertainment industry through numerous hit shows and films. His acting journey began in 1976, and he first achieved widespread recognition with the 1981 film Chashme Buddoor. He subsequently starred in successful movies like Ek Duuje Ke Liye, Ram Teri Ganga Maili, Yes Boss, Gharwali Baharwali, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, among others. Furthermore, his comedic performances in television sitcoms such as Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, Shrimaan Shrimati, and F.I.R, have made him a familiar and beloved figure in households.

His latest role in Dhurandhar

In his latest release, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the actor's portrayal of Pakistani politician Jameel Jamali garnered praise from fans, who also appreciated his character's development. The film, which features Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun, has achieved remarkable success, becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films globally with a box office collection exceeding ?1,750 crore.