Rajat Bedi to make Telugu debut with Rana Daggubati’s brother Abhiram

Rana Daggubati’s brother Abhiram will be making his acting debut in the Telugu film Ahimsa. Directed by Teja, the film will see him paired with newcomer Geethika Tiwary.

The film will also mark the Telugu debut of Hindi film actor Rajat Bedi, who will be playing the villain's role.

The film is being produced by P Kiran and D Suresh Babu, who have described the film as a “youth-oriented love story”.

On bagging his first role in a Telugu film, Bedi said in a statement, “Whenever a new actor or star emerges in Telugu films, the villain has always been given due importance and this time it’s me, Rajat Bedi. Bagging the main villain’s role opposite Rana Daggubati’s younger brother Abhiram in Anandi Art Creations (P Kiran) and Sri D Suresh Babu’s film directed by Teja sir is a dream come true. Teja sir believes in working with and is known to launch new talent who are superstars now!”

Bedi is known for his villainous roles in several mainstream Hindi films, especially in the first decade of the 21st century. Some of these are International Khiladi (1999), Indian (2001), Maa Tujhe Salaam (2002), Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani (2002), The Hero: Love Story Of A Spy (2003), Koi... Mil Gaya (2003), Aksar (2006) and Partner (2007).

Speaking about his character, he said, “It’s almost 20 years, but people still remember Rajat Bedi as the villain opposite Hrithik Roshan in Rakesh Roshan’s Koi... Mil Gaya. I cannot reveal much about Abhiram’s dream debut, but I can definitely say that I shall ensure that Abhiram’s fans hate me and yet adore and respect and remember me for being the villain in his debut film. I shall create history in Telugu films with a villain’s role that will stand out as one of the most powerful ever.”

Bedi believes this is the right time to make a comeback into cinema and web-series. “I always felt incomplete staying away from the Indian film and entertainment industry as this is where I belong!" he said. "The timing is perfect now — the emergence of multiple platforms such as OTT, cable and satellite television, DTH and online digital formats are coinciding with new talent who are telling different stories and presenting them in a daringly different manner. Besides acting, I plan to venture into production and will soon set up a production house in Mumbai.”

Bedi was in the news last week after his car hit a labourer who died later of the injuries. The police have registered a case of death by negligence. He has not been arrested.