In a surprising turn of events that has captivated social media across the border, veteran actor Rakesh Bedi has addressed the viral comparisons between his character in Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Pakistani politician Nabil Gabol . Bedi, who plays the character Jameel Jamali in the record-breaking espionage thriller, recently sat down for an interview with The Lallantop to clear the air.
His response was both humorous and firm, aimed at de-escalating the tension following Gabol's public disapproval of the film.
A Case of "Coincidental" Resemblance
Bedi laughed off the idea that he was intentionally mimicking the Lyari-based politician. "I would like to say, I love you, Nabil Gabol. I love you very much," the actor quipped. He attributed the striking similarity to a simple coincidence of physical appearance and wardrobe choices.
"It's a coincidence that I resemble you a little bit. Neither your father came to India, nor my father went to Pakistan," Bedi joked, pointing out that their shared "heaviness in the body" and the traditional attire he wore in the film likely fueled the internet's imagination.
While Nabil Gabol has expressed disappointment over the portrayal - even threatening to make his own film, Lyari Ka Gabbar, as a "powerful response" - Bedi clarified that his character is a fictional composite.
"My character is not based on Nabil Gabol. Jameel Jamali is inspired by many such politicians in Pakistan," Bedi explained. He emphasized that the role was crafted to fit the narrative needs of director Aditya Dhar's high-stakes spy drama, rather than as a biographical caricature of a single individual.
The debate intensified after Dhurandhar 2 crossed the ₹1,000 crore mark in India, sparking intense online trolling directed at Gabol. The politician has criticized the film for portraying his fictional counterpart as an intelligence operative, claiming it misrepresented his personality.
Despite the friction, Bedi's lighthearted "I love you" has been praised by fans for handling the geopolitical sensitivity with grace and humor. As Dhurandhar 2 continues its historic run, the "Jameel Jamali vs. Nabil Gabol" saga remains one of the most talked-about pop culture crossovers of 2026.