Rajat Bedi calls Aryan Khan his ‘angel’: ‘He didn’t just relaunch me, he gave my family a new beginning’ |
Rajat Bedi has become an overnight sensation after his powerful performance in Aryan Khan’s much-talked-about directorial debut, The Ba***ds of Bollywood. In the show, he portrayed an actor who has been out of work for over 15 years — trapped in a sinister contract that prevents him from taking on new projects. Ironically, Rajat’s real life wasn’t very different.After nearly two decades away from the film industry — not by choice but due to a lack of opportunities — Rajat moved to Canada with his family, leaving behind the world he once knew.Now, back in Mumbai, he opened up to Farah Khan on her YouTube vlog about how Shah Rukh Khan and Aryan Khan became “angels” in his life.
‘I met Shah Rukh Khan and broke down’
“Once, I met Shah Rukh Khan and broke down,” Rajat recalled emotionally. “I asked myself, ‘What am I even doing in Canada?’”Talking about his decision to leave India, Rajat said, “I did about 50 films — played the lead in around 20 of them. But things just didn’t click. I had two choices — either switch to television or settle in Canada. I chose the latter. It was actually an overnight decision; I didn’t have friends or family there. I just packed my bags and left.”Even the massive success of Koi… Mil Gaya — one of the biggest blockbusters of its time — didn’t open new doors. “Despite the film’s success, it didn’t change much for me. I felt lost. I wanted to grow, to do more. That’s when I moved to Canada and started doing construction work.”He laughed while recalling how people there recognized him but never remembered his name. “Everyone would say, ‘I think I’ve seen you somewhere,’ but they never knew my name. Now, thankfully, they do.”
‘Aryan’s show was truly God-sent for me’
Everything changed when Aryan Khan reached out. “Aryan’s show was truly God-sent for me,” Rajat said with gratitude.He fondly remembered how it began: “In December 2022, I got a call from Bonnie Jain, who’s part of Aryan Khan’s team. He said, ‘Aryan wants to see you.’ I thought it was a prank! I laughed and said, ‘What? Shah Rukh Khan’s son wants to meet me? Why?’ Then Bonnie told me Aryan was directing a project and wanted me for a role. I couldn’t believe it. I literally pinched myself.”Without hesitation, Rajat flew to Mumbai. “Aryan personally came to receive me at his office. He’s such a sweet boy — so respectful. You instantly fall in love with him,” he said.Farah Khan, who hosts the YouTube series, added, “Yes, he’s such a well-mannered young man. I even asked Aryan why he thought of casting Rajat Bedi. He said, ‘I have been obsessed with him since childhood. I used to watch his films and remember all his characters!’ I was so happy to see how filmy my boy turned out to be.”
‘Aryan didn’t just relaunch me; he gave my family a new beginning’
For Rajat, this wasn’t just a comeback — it was a rebirth. “Aryan didn’t just relaunch me; he gave my entire family a new beginning. My kids, Vera and Vivaan, became overnight sensations. He came into my life like an angel and changed everything.”Calling his second innings destiny, Rajat said, “Maybe it’s the prayers of my parents and family that finally worked. Honestly, I never wanted to leave Bollywood. I just didn’t get the right roles. The Ba**ds of Bollywood* came out of nowhere — like a miracle.”Interestingly, Rajat’s son is now training under Aryan Khan. “My son was assisting Aryan during the shoot. It’s surreal because I also started my career alongside Shah Rukh Khan in Ramesh Sippy’s Zamaana Deewana. I worked with him for two and a half years — and somehow, he’s always been connected to my life in some way.”
‘Shah Rukh has always been connected to my life’
Rajat also recalled a touching memory from his years in Canada. “Once, we threw a party where Shah Rukh Khan was present. He called me to his private room, and the moment I saw him, I broke down. He was shocked and asked what happened. I told him, ‘I just couldn’t handle it. It hit me — what am I doing in Canada?’ Even though I was producing Punjabi films, my heart ached for Bollywood. I used to tell people, ‘Sir, if there’s anything suitable for me, please let me know. I want to make a comeback.’”Now, back in Mumbai and riding high on praise, Rajat is ready for his second inning. “I’m here, and I’m ready. I just want to act again,” he said with conviction.
