Rs 1 crore bonus for 'Bachcha hai tu mera'?: Dhurandhar makers reward Rakesh Bedi, 71, for his standout performance as Jameel Jamali. Actor clarifies on this claim

In an industry where big paychecks often go to leading stars, it’s rare to see a character actor steal the spotlight and be rewarded for it in such a big way. But that’s exactly what has happened with the Dhurandhar franchise. A performance that began as part of an ensemble has now turned into one of the most talked-about highlights of the films, proving that memorable roles can sometimes outshine even the biggest names on the poster.

The success of Dhurandhar and its sequel has not only strengthened Ranveer Singh’s box office pull and cemented Aditya Dhar’s reputation as a storyteller, but it has also given veteran actor Rakesh Bedi a fresh wave of popularity. His portrayal of Jameel Jamali emerged as one of the most loved elements of the franchise. His performance struck a chord with the audience, blending humour, depth and unpredictability. The character quickly became a fan favourite, with dialogues like "Bachcha hai tu mera" turning into viral catchphrases and memes across social media platforms.

What made the role even more impactful was how it evolved in the sequel. The twist surrounding Jameel Jamali added layers to the character, amplifying his presence and making him central to the narrative’s emotional and dramatic arc.

Rs 1 crore reward

A source disclosed to Bollywood Hungama that the makers were deeply impressed by the effort Bedi put into shaping the character. His performance not only entertained but also left a lasting impression on viewers. Initially, Bedi was paid Rs 50 lakh for his work across both films. However, after the massive success of the sequel, the filmmakers decided to go beyond the agreed compensation.



Aditya Dhar, who directed the films and co-produced them along with his brother Lokesh Dhar, reportedly presented Bedi with a cheque of Rs 1 crore as a bonus. The gesture was seen as a token of appreciation for the actor’s contribution in making Jameel Jamali one of the standout characters of the franchise. The impact of the performance has extended beyond the films themselves. Following the success of Dhurandhar 2, Bedi has reportedly been approached by several brands, signalling a renewed demand for the veteran actor.

Rakesh Bedi's response to the Rs 1 crore reward claim

In a video response to NDTV, Rakesh Bedi brushed off the rumours in his signature comic style. Reacting to claims that he received a Rs 1 crore bonus from the production house after Dhurandhar, the actor playfully questioned where the money actually was and who was holding onto it, saying he had no idea. Keeping the banter going, he joked that if anyone could help track it down, he would happily go collect it himself because his bank account certainly hadn’t reflected any such amount yet.

He continued in the same light-hearted vein that even if it did arrive, he might not necessarily tell anyone, but for now, there was clearly nothing to report. He even cheekily urged people to help him get the money if they could. All things considered, the much-talked-about Rs 1 crore bonus seems to be more fiction than fact, at least for now.

About the Dhurandhar franchise

Dhurandhar, a Hindi-language spy action thriller directed by Aditya Dhar, has emerged as one of the biggest commercial successes in recent times. The film features a strong ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi and Gaurav Gera.

The story follows an undercover Indian intelligence agent navigating dangerous networks involving Karachi’s criminal syndicates and political circles, while seeking justice in the aftermath of the 26/11 attacks and confronting larger threats.