Straight

After the resounding success of The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, actor Rajat Bedi has found himself in the midst of a controversy he never saw coming. What began as a triumphant comeback for the actor best known for playing Raj Saxena—the stylish antagonist opposite Hrithik Roshan in Koi Mil Gaya (2003)—has unexpectedly turned into a misunderstanding over an old interview clip that recently went viral.

The actor has now spoken out, clarifying that the entire controversy began after a 2023 interview with veteran actor Mukesh Khanna was edited and circulated online in a misleading way. The manipulated clip, according to Rajat, distorted his statements about filmmaker Rakesh Roshan and implied that he had left India out of disappointment after being “sidelined” during Koi Mil Gaya promotions. “My comments were taken out of context,” Rajat said, adding that his casual conversation about career choices and personal life was twisted into sensational clickbait.

“In that interview, I only mentioned that I moved to Canada after Koi Mil Gaya released,” Rajat explained. “But it was presented as though I left because I was ignored during the film’s promotions. That’s completely untrue. How can someone do that just to get views and engagement? It’s deeply unfair.”

Setting the record straight, Rajat emphasised that his relationship with the Koi Mil Gaya team—especially Rakesh Roshan—has always been one of admiration and gratitude. He described Roshan as a filmmaker who was deeply involved in every aspect of his projects, often performing scenes himself to help his actors grasp the emotion and intent of each moment. “I share a very good bond with Rakesh sir,” Rajat said. “He’s one of the most hardworking and passionate directors I’ve ever worked with. When I saw headlines suggesting that I had issues with him, I was shocked. That’s not who I am, and that’s not what I said.”

Rajat went on to explain that his move to Canada was purely a personal decision, driven by the need for stability rather than any professional fallout. At the time, despite being a familiar face in Bollywood with roles in films like International Khiladi and Koi Mil Gaya, he felt uncertain about his long-term prospects in the industry. “I had work, I had fame, but there was no stability,” he said. “Life in Mumbai was glamorous but unpredictable. I had to think about my family, my future, and what kind of life I could build. So I made the choice to move to Canada and try something new.”

In Vancouver, Rajat switched gears entirely, exploring real estate and business opportunities. While the transition wasn’t easy, he says it gave him a renewed sense of purpose and a chance to reflect on what he truly wanted from life. “Those years away from films taught me a lot,” he admitted. “It wasn’t just about survival; it was about growth. I realised how much I missed the camera, the sets, the entire energy of filmmaking.”

That realisation led him back to India and, eventually, to his recent career revival with The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, which has earned him widespread praise. The series, backed by Netflix and Aryan Khan’s production banner, marks a turning point for Rajat — not only in terms of visibility but also in reclaiming his narrative on his own terms. “I’m finally doing the kind of work I’ve always wanted to do,” he said. “I don’t want people to remember me only as the villain from Koi Mil Gaya. I want them to see that I have evolved, both as an actor and as a person.”

Reflecting on the online storm that reignited attention on his past, Rajat maintained that while the experience was frustrating, it also reminded him of the importance of authenticity in the digital age. “Today, a few seconds of an edited clip can completely change your image,” he said. “But the truth always comes out eventually. I’m grateful that I’ve had the chance to clarify what really happened.”

For now, Rajat is focused on his second innings in the entertainment industry — one built not on controversy, but on craft, patience, and renewed confidence. “After everything that’s happened, I’ve learnt not to let the noise get to me,” he said. “I’m just happy to be back on screen, doing what I love — this time, on my own terms.”