Mumbai, Oct 16: Bollywood may appear glamorous, but the reality behind the scenes can be harsh. Actor Rajat Bedi, now in the spotlight for Aryan Khan’s directorial debut The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, recently opened up about his challenging years in the film industry and beyond.
Bedi plays Jaraj Saxena, a forgotten actor whose character evokes nostalgia among audiences. Speaking to Mid Day, he revealed that despite working on successful projects, he faced financial instability, emotional distress, and lack of recognition in his early career.
Nervous breakdown and health struggles
Rajat candidly shared that manipulation, underpayment, and contractual issues marked his Bollywood journey. “I was constantly thinking about bills, work, and how to manage my life,” he admitted, revealing he sometimes relied on pills to cope with insomnia. The stress eventually affected both his mental and physical health, leading to severe anxiety and emotional strain.
Life after leaving Bollywood
In 2007, after the birth of his daughter, Bedi moved to Canada for a fresh start. While initially anxious and emotionally torn, the Indian community welcomed him, recognizing his contributions to cinema. In 2012, a major business partnership dispute caused a loss of around 200 million Canadian dollars overnight, compounding his struggles.
Despite setbacks, Bedi rebuilt his business with new partners, only to face betrayal and legal battles between 2018 and 2021. Reflecting on these years, he describes the 16-year stint in Canada as a blessing, allowing him to heal, regain focus, and rebuild his life.
A triumphant return
Rajat Bedi’s role in The Ba**ds of Bollywood* marks not just a professional comeback but also a personal victory over years of struggle, mental health battles, and financial losses.