Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi reflects on his early career, revealing he was not paid for his role in the film ‘Saath Saath’ during a conversation with filmmaker Farah Khan.
MUMBAI—Rakesh Bedi, a veteran actor currently celebrating the success of the ‘Dhurandhar’ franchise, recently welcomed filmmaker Farah Khan to his home for an interview on her YouTube channel. Their discussion delved into their early days in the film industry, touching on the challenges faced by actors at the start of their careers.
During the conversation, Farah Khan inquired about Bedi’s experiences with payment for his work. Reflecting on the past, she remarked, “Rakesh, do you get paid now? I guess you do. When they all started their careers, nobody used to pay them.”
In response, Bedi acknowledged the significant changes in the industry over the years, stating, “The times were different.”
Farah Khan then specifically asked Bedi about his compensation for his role in the film ‘Saath Saath,’ which starred actors Deepti Naval and Farooq Sheikh. Bedi candidly revealed that this particular film was the only one for which he did not receive any payment.
“I did not even get paid for the conveyance. In fact, many times, we used to take food from our home,” he shared, highlighting the financial struggles faced by many actors during that era.
‘Saath Saath’ was directed by Raman Kumar and produced by actor-producer Dilip Dhawan. The film is remembered for its poignant storytelling and strong performances.
Throughout their visit, Farah Khan reminisced about her long-standing friendship with Bedi, noting that they had not seen each other in recent years. She recalled her youth, mentioning that she was just 15 when Bedi was studying at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). “They used to come every day from FTII to Javed uncle and Honey aunty’s house for free food and free drinks, and that’s where we would meet all of them,” she reminisced.
This conversation not only sheds light on Bedi’s early career struggles but also serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of the Indian film industry.
According to IANS, Bedi’s experiences reflect the broader challenges faced by many actors during the formative years of their careers.