Rajat Bedi on Daughter Vera’s Sudden Fame: “She’s Excited but Scared and a Little Worried About the Pictures Being Generated Online”

Mumbai, Oct 16 — Actor Rajat Bedi, who recently returned to the limelight with Aryan Khan’s much-talked-about directorial debut The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, is now seeing his teenage daughter, Vera Bedi, step into an unexpected spotlight of her own. What started as a simple red-carpet appearance alongside her father has turned into a wave of attention, with fans and social media users quickly taking notice of her striking presence.

For Rajat Bedi, the sudden interest in his daughter’s life has been both heartwarming and concerning. The actor, who has spent decades navigating the unpredictable world of Bollywood, knows better than most that fame is rarely simple — especially for someone so young.

The Accidental Star Moment

Vera made headlines when she accompanied her father to the premiere of The Ba**ds of Bollywood* earlier this month. While the event was meant to celebrate Rajat’s return to mainstream cinema, much of the media chatter that followed centered around Vera. Her photos circulated widely on Instagram and Twitter, with many users calling her a “future star” and praising her poise and elegance.

But behind the viral posts and trending tags, Rajat says his daughter is trying to make sense of this new attention. In an interview with Mid-Day, he shared, “Vera is excited but also scared. She’s never experienced anything like this. She keeps showing me things online and saying, ‘Papa, look what people are writing. Look at these pictures they’re generating.’ She’s thrilled, but at the same time, she’s confused about how quickly it’s all happening.”

According to the actor, Vera’s unease grew when she noticed AI-generated photos of herself being circulated — some of which were inaccurate or manipulated. “She’s not used to being a public figure,” he explained. “Suddenly, people are creating content about her, and it’s hard to process.”

The Perils of Instant Fame in the Digital Age

In the era of social media, celebrity culture has become even more unpredictable. A single appearance or photograph can make someone go viral overnight, often without their consent. Rajat admits that while he’s proud of how gracefully Vera is handling it, he’s also cautious. “I’ve seen the best and worst sides of this industry,” he said. “You can be celebrated one day and trolled the next. I want Vera to understand that fame should never define you.”

He revealed that Vera is still focused on her studies and has no immediate plans to enter films. “She’s curious about the creative world, yes, but right now she’s just a student,” he clarified. “She’s exploring who she is and what she wants to do.”

Rajat also noted that while the attention has been flattering, it’s made Vera more conscious about her privacy. “She’s already learned how unpredictable the internet can be,” he said. “That’s not something any teenager should have to deal with.”

A Proud Father and a Familiar Name

Rajat Bedi is no stranger to fame himself. Known for his performances in films like Koi... Mil Gaya, Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani, and International Khiladi, he carved out a niche for himself in the early 2000s as a dependable supporting actor. After years away from the Indian film industry, Bedi recently returned to acting through Aryan Khan’s directorial debut — a dark, satirical series exploring the underbelly of Bollywood.

In The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, he plays Jaraj Saxena, a faded superstar struggling with relevance in an industry obsessed with youth and image. The role struck a personal chord for Bedi, who has spoken candidly about his own battles with mental health, financial loss, and reinvention after leaving Mumbai for Canada years ago.

His comeback performance was widely praised for its authenticity, and it has now reignited public interest not just in his career, but also in his family.

The Next Generation: Vera and Vivaan

Interestingly, it’s not just Vera who’s connected to Bollywood’s next generation. Rajat’s son, Vivaan Bedi, is reportedly working behind the scenes with Aryan Khan’s team, assisting in production. The parallel isn’t lost on Rajat, who once worked as an assistant himself during his early film days. “It feels like life has come full circle,” he said with a smile. “I once assisted Shah Rukh Khan on a project years ago, and now my son is working with Aryan. It’s a proud moment as a father.”

While Vivaan seems interested in the creative and technical side of filmmaking, Vera’s interests are still evolving. Rajat says he won’t pressure his children to join the industry. “If they choose this life, I’ll support them. But if they don’t, I’ll be just as proud. The entertainment business can be wonderful, but it’s not for everyone.”

Balancing Excitement and Protection

As attention around Vera continues to grow, Rajat’s focus remains on guiding her through it responsibly. He emphasizes the importance of grounding. “I tell her, this is temporary. Don’t let praise or criticism affect you too deeply. The internet can make you a star one minute and a meme the next.”

The actor says he now understands his own parents’ protectiveness from years ago. “When I was young and starting out, they were worried too — about the exposure, the instability, the people you meet. Now I see why.”

Despite the sudden fame, the Bedi family is choosing to stay calm. “We’re treating this as a learning experience,” Rajat said. “Vera’s taking it all in, one step at a time. She’s excited, a little scared, and that’s perfectly okay.”