The veteran actor, whose comeback role as Jaraj Saxena in Aryan Khan’s directorial debut has been widely praised, reveals the success of the series has given his career a major “U-turn.”
Rajat Bedi, the actor known for films like Koi… Mil Gaya and Jaani Dushman, has made a successful return to the screen in Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Bads Of Bollywood***. The Netflix series has earned widespread acclaim for its self-deprecating humor, clever meta jokes, satire of Bollywood clichés, and standout performances, including Bedi’s.
Bedi plays Jaraj Saxena, a forgotten actor who has spent 15 years relentlessly trying to re-enter the world of showbiz. Speaking exclusively to News18 Showsha, Bedi shared that the character closely mirrors his own real-life experience of attempting a Bollywood comeback. Now, he’s shared some exciting news for fans of the show.
Season Two Is Happening
Rajat Bedi revealed that the series, which has resonated deeply with audiences and the film fraternity, is set for a second run.
“Yes, season two is happening. It’s in the works. I’m hopeful that audiences are going to see more of me in the second season,” he disclosed.
Bedi suggested that the first season served as a “teaser” and that there is much more of the character Jaraj Saxena’s story waiting to be told.
An Unbelievable ‘U-Turn’
The actor shared how overwhelmed he is by the sudden outpouring of love since the series premiered, saying his phone “hasn’t stopped ringing.”
“It’s unbelievable! Not just me but my whole family – my son, my daughter, my wife – too feels like god gave us everything together all at once,” he said.
Bedi described his career revival in emotional terms, stating that his life has “taken a U-turn.” He sees his return as a blessing, believing that “The Ba***ds Of Bollywood is the reason why other things didn’t work out for me. God had a plan for me. It feels like the rains are finally over and the sun is out shining bright.”
Aryan Khan’s Confidence in Casting
Rajat Bedi also recounted the story of how he was cast, revealing that Aryan Khan was highly specific about wanting him for the role of Jaraj Saxena.
He recalled receiving a surprise call from a colleague while he was in Canada, alerting him that Aryan was looking for him. Bedi rushed to Mumbai in December 2022.
“Aryan came to receive me. He was very nervous about meeting me… He was planning for days about what he wants to talk to me,” Bedi remarked.
The actor emphasized that he was the only person Aryan met directly for the role, while other actors met with the casting director. Bedi was told that if he hadn’t accepted the part, Aryan wouldn’t have included the character in the show, a fact that “overwhelmed” him.
“I was getting an opportunity with SRK’s son and that too in his first venture. This show is going to go down in history. I wouldn’t care even if it was a small role,” Bedi concluded.