Rajat Bedi Opens Up About Struggles: Lost $200 Million Business After Quitting Bollywood
Actor shares his journey from anxiety and insomnia in Bollywood to financial setbacks and personal growth in Canada before making a cinematic comeback.
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.
He explained that the constant uncertainty of finding steady work in Bollywood took a toll on him. While fans only saw the glamour on screen, the actor spent many sleepless nights wondering if he would ever achieve the stability he longed for. Behind every role, there was a story of sacrifice, rejection, and quiet perseverance that most people never witnessed.
Bedi’s openness about his mental health marks a rare and powerful moment in an industry that often shies away from vulnerability. His courage to speak about anxiety and emotional exhaustion has resonated deeply with audiences, especially aspiring actors who relate to the silent battles behind fame.
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.
The setback, though devastating, became a turning point. Rajat recalled that it was the moment he realized true resilience doesn’t come from success—it comes from the ability to rebuild after loss. He described those years as both humbling and transformative, forcing him to rediscover who he was outside the film industry.
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.
He also credited his family for being his anchor during the hardest periods. His wife and children stood by him, offering unwavering support while he started from scratch in a completely new country. It wasn’t easy, but those years, he says, taught him patience, gratitude, and the strength to face life’s unpredictability.
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.
The project has reignited his passion for acting and storytelling. For Bedi, returning to the screen under Aryan Khan’s direction feels symbolic—a full-circle moment that merges his past experiences with a renewed purpose. He believes this film will remind audiences that comebacks aren’t about erasing failure but about embracing every chapter that led there.
Fans and industry colleagues have praised Bedi for his honesty and perseverance. His journey—from a struggling actor to an international businessman, and now back to the big screen—embodies resilience. As he steps into this new phase, Bedi hopes his story inspires others to stay grounded, keep learning, and never let setbacks define them.
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Dena Falken Esq
Dena Falken Esq is renowned in the legal community as the Founder and CEO of Legal-Ease International, where she has made significant contributions to enhancing legal communication and proficiency worldwide.
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