Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi is riding a renewed wave of success with Dhurandhar The Revenge, and life, he says, has taken a dramatic turn. “Sleep has reduced, but I find my peace. Otherwise, you won’t survive. Interviews, podcasts, brand shoots, endorsements, plays and reels are taking up a lot of my time — and I’m enjoying it,” he tells us.

The 71-year-old says while he has seen several successful phases in his career, this one feels distinctly different. “I’ve had wonderful phases before — Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981), Chashme Buddoor, Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi (1984), Shrimaan Shrimati (1994) — but this is something else. We didn’t have social media then. Today, success multiplies instantly, and even negativity can be managed just as quickly,” he says.

Bedi points to the impact of digital platforms on his popularity: “Before Dhurandhar, I had around 2 lakh followers, which have now tripled. I used to wonder how influencers get millions of followers, what do they even do? Today, a reel can achieve overnight what once took years. I’m still trying to process it, but I’m going with the tide.”

With offers pouring in, the actor says he is trying to strike a balance. “I’m getting a lot of work and trying to manage as much as I can, keeping my age and physical limitations in mind. I am also saying no to some things,” he admits.

At the same time, Bedi is aware that such success is rare. “Matching the expectations now will be tough, not just for me, but for everyone involved... These are once-in-a-lifetime moments, and not everyone gets them,” says the actor.

Up next, he will be seen in David Dhawan’s Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai and the OTT series Raakh. “There are other projects too, but it’s too early to talk about them,” the actor signs off.

Addressing comparisons with Pakistani politician Nabil Gabol, Bedi, who plays Jameel Jamali in the film, a character inspired by the real-life politician, says, “We may resemble each other, but that doesn’t mean I’ve impersonated him. I haven’t copied him at all. Initially, after the first part, he was a bit upset and even considered legal action. But after the sequel, he’s grown fond of me.”