Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi has revealed that his character Jameel Jamali in Dhurandhar was not entirely fictional, but loosely inspired by a real-life Pakistani politician who continues to play an active role in the country’s political system.
Speaking about his preparation for the role, Bedi said the character was shaped by observing the mannerisms, speech patterns, and public conduct of a senior political figure from Pakistan who, according to him, is still active in the country’s Senate today.
Blending fiction with political reality
Bedi clarified that Jameel Jamali is not a direct portrayal of any one individual, but a composite character drawn from real political personalities. “Cinema cannot replicate reality exactly,” he noted, “but it can reflect familiar traits that audiences instantly recognise.”
The actor explained that he focused on capturing the aura of power, strategic calm, and rhetorical confidence often associated with seasoned politicians in the region.
Attention to detail
To lend authenticity to the role, Bedi worked on:
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Controlled body language
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Measured dialogue delivery
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Subtle expressions rather than dramatic gestures
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A public-facing charm masking political calculation
“These are people who rarely raise their voice, yet command attention,” he said.
Why the character stands out
In Dhurandhar, Jameel Jamali operates in moral grey zones, adding political complexity to an otherwise high-octane narrative. The character’s realism has been widely noted, especially for avoiding caricature or exaggerated villainy.
Bedi believes this grounded portrayal helps elevate the film’s political subtext. “Audiences today are sharp. They can tell when a character feels authentic,” he said.
Staying respectful, staying fictional
The actor also stressed that the inspiration was observational, not biographical. Names, backstories, and actions were fictionalised to avoid direct parallels. “It’s about the essence, not imitation,” he explained.
Cinema reflecting its times
With Dhurandhar touching on geopolitics and power structures, Jameel Jamali serves as a reminder of how cinema often draws from real-world dynamics to create compelling narratives — without crossing into direct representation.
The bigger picture
Bedi’s revelation offers insight into how actors often look beyond scripts to bring depth to their roles. By studying real political figures, performers can create characters that feel lived-in and believable, even in fictional settings.
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