Rajat Bedi, who made a smashing comeback in the industry with Aryan Khan’s debut directorial, Ba***ds of Bollywood, recently expressed his gratitude towards the Khan family.
Working from the heart
In conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Rajat said, “Today what’s happening with me is again magic! In Ba***ds of Bollywood, maine apne dil se kaam kiya hai. I feel universe ne kuch magical kar diya hai iss baar (I’ve worked from my heart. I feel the universe has done something magical this time).” I am completely indebted to Khan parivaar, for Aryan to pick me, get me for this thing. And also the public reaction that has happened today, its crazy! Mereko itna pyaar mil raha hai (I’ve got so much love). My family is getting so much love from outside and also people from the film industry, and suddenly from the media. I am overwhelmed. I don’t know what to say!”
Early struggles and loss of his father
Talking about receiving limited success in his career, Bedi shared, ““I was just nine when I lost my father. He was 45. I distinctly remember that no one from the industry reached out to us, except for director Prakash Mehra and his family. For about six months to a year after my father’s death, Prakash-ji sent financial support to our home, reassuring my mother, ‘Bhabhi, don’t worry.’ My mother has dedicated her life to being a housewife, raising three children on her own. Aside from Prakash-ji, no one else offered help. It’s a very harsh industry.”
Starting his career in the industry
He added, “After that, we were out of the industry until I decided to pursue work. One day, my mom asked me what I wanted to do. I felt lost. She suggested I assist Ramesh Sippy. She reached out to him, and he agreed right away. I was 18 when I joined him and worked on the Shah Rukh Khan film Zamaana Deewana. I was quite close with SRK during that time, and we collaborated for about two and a half years. He used to call me ‘Tiger’ because of my assertive nature, and also because there were two Rajats on set.”
