Veteran actor Rajat Bedi has made headlines this week after a startling leap in popularity: he climbed from #954 to #9 on IMDb India’s ranking of most-popular Indian celebrities, thanks to his role in Aryan Khan’s debut web series The Bads of Bollywood (streaming on Netflix).
The surge marks a dramatic comeback for Bedi, whose digital debut has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.
From Obscurity to Spotlight: The Big Climb
The IMDb India platform itself acknowledged Bedi’s meteoric rise in a post on X (formerly Twitter), attributing the jump to his portrayal of Jaraj Saxena in The Bads of Bollywood. Actress and filmmaker circles noted the sudden attention as evidence of how OTT platforms can reignite careers in Indian entertainment.
Interestingly, Aryan Khan, who helms the series as director and writer, also benefited: he moved up from rank 87 to 6 in IMDb India’s chart. In his Instagram post celebrating the moment, Bedi shared a behind-the-scenes image with Aryan and captioned it, “When God sends you an angel, this is what he looks like.”
Fans quickly seized on this rise as a vindication of Bedi’s enduring talent, calling it a “second innings” in his career.
The Bads of Bollywood: A Catalyst for Revival
The Bads of Bollywood premiered on Netflix on September 18, 2025, blending satire, comedy-drama, and meta commentary on the film industry’s power dynamics and star machine. The series features a large ensemble cast including Lakshya Lalwani, Sahher Bambba, Raghav Juyal, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Gautami Kapoor, Anya Singh, and cameo appearances by big Bollywood names.
Bedi’s character Jaraj Saxena plays a layered role: an actor navigating the fringes of Bollywood’s glare, with shades of regret, ambition, and survival. In interviews, Bedi says the part resonates deeply with his own journey, he has publicly spoken of being sidelined and overlooked in earlier phases of his career.
Adding to the intrigue, Bedi revealed he had stipulated one condition before signing on to the show, seeking assurance from Aryan Khan (and indirectly through Shah Rukh Khan) that the narrative would treat his character with depth and dignity. His earlier experiences in the industry informed that demand.
In a full-circle moment, Bedi also recalled working behind the scenes early in his career: as a 19-year-old, he assisted on a Shah Rukh Khan film directed by Ramesh Sippy. Now, his son Vivaan reportedly has also worked with Aryan, bridging generational ties in the Bollywood ecosystem.
What This Means for Bedi & the Industry
A Resurgence for Rajat Bedi
This breakthrough offers Bedi a rare “second wind.” Once a familiar face in the 1990s and early 2000s in roles spanning television and supporting film roles, his spotlight had dimmed in recent years. Now, his acting in The Bads of Bollywood has given him renewed legitimacy and audience resonance.
OTT Power & Career Revivals
Bedi’s leap underscores the power of OTT and streaming platforms to reshape actor profiles rapidly. Many careers that seemed dormant or lost have been revived via digital content, where audience reach is broad and algorithms amplify standout performances.
The Stakes for the Show
While The Bads of Bollywood is drawing praise for its bold meta-takes and nostalgic appeal, it is not without controversy. Legal challenges have emerged: former NCB officer Sameer Wankhede has reportedly filed a lawsuit claiming the show depicts him in a defamatory manner. There is also attention on sequences featuring Ranbir Kapoor’s use of an e-cigarette without disclaimers, prompting NHRC notice. How these disputes play out may influence public perception and the trajectory of the series.
Final Word
Rajat Bedi’s sudden climb to IMDb India’s Top 10 is more than a headline, it’s a signal that substance and layered character work still resonate. His collaboration with Aryan Khan has afforded him both artistic relevance and renewed public affection. As The Bads of Bollywood continues to generate buzz and scrutiny in equal measure, Bedi’s resurgence may well be one of the show’s most enduring legacies in Bollywood’s evolving infotainment era.
By – Sonali