Rajat Bedi
Indian-Canadian actor and producer
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Rajat Bedi is an Indo-Canadian actor, producer, and former model known primarily for his work in Hindi cinema, with roles in Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films. He is the son of director-producer Narendra Bedi and grandson of Urdu writer-director Rajinder Singh Bedi.[1]
Rajat Bedi | |
|---|---|
Bedi in 2014 | |
| Born | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Citizenship | Canadian |
| Occupations | Actor, producer, former model |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Spouse | Monalisa Bedi |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Bedi family |
Early life
Rajat Bedi was born in Mumbai, India, to filmmaker Narendra Bedi and is the grandson of Rajinder Singh Bedi, an important Urdu writer also known for penning the dialogues of classics like Satyakam (1969). After his father’s death at age 45, when Rajat was 9, the family faced financial hardship. In a 2024 interview, Bedi recalled that only filmmaker Prakash Mehra provided financial support to his mother for several months.[2] Two years later, his grandfather’s death further distanced the family from Bollywood. His mother encouraged him to re-enter the industry at 18 by assisting director Ramesh Sippy. During the filming of Zamaana Deewana (1995), Shah Rukh Khan nicknamed him "Tiger".[2]
Career
Fashion model
Bedi began his career as a fashion model, winning the inaugural Gladrags Manhunt Contest in 1994.[3]
Actor
Bedi debuted as a lead in the 1998 sci-fi film 2001: Do Hazaar Ek, which was a commercial failure.[3] He transitioned to supporting and antagonistic roles, gaining recognition for playing Raj Saxena in the 2003 blockbuster Koi... Mil Gaya, directed by Rakesh Roshan.[4] He has appeared in over 40 films, including Jodi No.1 (2001), Rakht (2004), Khamoshh... Khauff Ki Raat (2005), and Rocky - The Rebel (2006).[5]
His television credits include:
| Year | Series | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993–1996 | Humrahi | ||
| 2002–2008 | Kasautii Zindagii Kay | ||
| 2006–2007 | Aahat |
After facing limited opportunities in Bollywood, Bedi relocated to Vancouver, Canada, where he ventured into real estate but faced financial setbacks.[6] He returned to acting with roles in South Indian films, including the Tamil film Gajendra (2004), Kannada film Jaggu Dada (2016), and Telugu film Ahimsa (2023).[3][7] In 2025, he made a Hindi cinema comeback with a role as Jaraj Saxena in the Netflix series The Ba***ds of Bollywood, directed by Aryan Khan, earning praise and expressing gratitude to Shah Rukh Khan for reviving his career.[4][8][9]
Producer
With his sister Ila Bedi Dutta, Bedi co-produced the 2015 television series Lajwanti, based on his grandfather’s book set during the Partition of India.[5] In 2023, he co-produced and starred in the Punjabi comedy film Gol Gappe, inspired by Hera Pheri.[6][10]
Personal life
Bedi is married to Monalisa Bedi, sister of actress Tulip Joshi,[11] and resided in Vancouver with their two children, Vivaan and Vera Bedi until July 2023, when they returned to Mumbai.[8][1] He has discussed his struggles with industry politics, including a fallout with Salman Khan over a shelved Rs 100 crore film project.[12] He also revealed how his father’s career was impacted by 1970s Bollywood rivalries between Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan, leading to financial ruin and alcoholism.[2][13]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Karan Arjun | N/a | Body double[1] |
| 1998 | 2001: Do Hazaar Ek | Inspector Rajat | |
| 1999 | International Khiladi | Amit | |
| 2001 | Jodi No.1 | Tiger | Guest appearance |
| Indian | Sanjay Singhania | ||
| 2002 | Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa | Vijay Varma | |
| Maa Tujhhe Salaam | Capt. Naseer Khan | Guest appearance | |
| Ab Ke Baras | Rajbir Singhal | ||
| Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani | Rajesh | ||
| Chor Machaaye Shor | Tony | ||
| 2003 | The Hero: Love Story of a Spy | Militant | |
| Border Hindustan Ka | Hari Singh | ||
| Koi... Mil Gaya | Raj Saxena | Breakthrough role | |
| 2004 | Woh Tera Naam Tha | Basharat Ali | |
| Rakht | ACP Ranbir Singh | ||
| Gajendra | Chotta Babu | Tamil | |
| 2005 | Khamoshh... Khauff Ki Raat | Varun | |
| Fun: Can Be Dangerous Sometimes | |||
| Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! | Punky | Special appearance | |
| Bluffmaster! | Special appearance[1] | ||
| 2006 | Aksar | Officer Steve Bakshi | |
| Rocky - The Rebel | Anthony D'Silva | ||
| Hello? Kaun Hai! | Sanjeev | ||
| 2007 | Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee | Rohit Kumar | |
| The Train | Officer Asif Ahmed Khan | Special appearance | |
| Partner | Neil Bakshi | ||
| 2008 | Lakh Pardesi Hoiye | Harry | Punjabi |
| 2012 | Monopoly the Game of Money | ||
| 2016 | Jaggu Dada | Don Subhash Bhai | Kannada |
| 2023 | Gol Gappe | Pali | Punjabi |
| Ahimsa | Dushtanth | Telugu | |
| 2025 | The Ba***ds of Bollywood | Jaraj Saxena | Netflix Hindi series |