Veteran actor Kabir Bedi recently revisited the memories of his career-defining role in Rakesh Roshan's 1988 film Khoon Bhari Maang, a thriller that starred Rekha in the lead. In a conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Bedi revealed the unusual circumstances under which he was approached for the role and how Rekha’s involvement played a pivotal part in his decision to accept the offer.
A Role That Defined His Career
Kabir Bedi admitted that Khoon Bhari Maang remains one of the most recognizable films in his entire filmography. He recalled that during the time he was shooting in Hawaii for the American television series Magnum P.I., he received a phone call from director Rakesh Roshan. Roshan, according to Bedi, offered him a unique role — one that begins as a conventional hero but dramatically transforms into an antagonist as the story progresses. The director explained that no mainstream actor was willing to take on such a dual-natured character because of its dark arc. Roshan emphasized that the audience would only be truly shocked if someone traditionally viewed as a hero turned villain, and he believed Bedi was the ideal choice to deliver that surprise.
Rekha’s Presence Sealed the Deal
According to Bedi, the moment he learned that Rekha was cast as the female lead, his decision was instant. He described her as a powerhouse of talent who had recently garnered critical acclaim for her performance in Umrao Jaan. The chance to collaborate with her was a prestigious opportunity, one he didn’t want to let pass. Without hesitation, he rearranged his schedule in Hawaii and committed himself to the film. Bedi credited Rekha as the driving force behind the movie’s emotional and dramatic core, acknowledging that she was the essence of Khoon Bhari Maang and central to its success.
Professional Bond Marked by Mutual Regard
Delving into their off-screen rapport, Bedi emphasized that while he and Rekha shared a deep professional admiration, their relationship never extended into personal social interactions. He portrayed Rekha as someone highly private, someone who guarded her emotions carefully to avoid emotional distress.
"She is a private person; she guards her privacy. She is a very sensitive girl who is afraid of being hurt, so she protects herself, and I respect that. Even today, we meet very nicely. I embrace her and like her, but it was never like we sat down together and had lots of evenings talking about life...." he admitted.
Despite not socializing outside work, Bedi said that they always had warm, respectful interactions on set. Even years later, he noted, their occasional meetings remain cordial and affectionate.
This retrospective highlights how a single role—and the presence of a legendary co-star—became a landmark in Kabir Bedi’s cinematic journey.
A Role That Defined His Career
Kabir Bedi admitted that Khoon Bhari Maang remains one of the most recognizable films in his entire filmography. He recalled that during the time he was shooting in Hawaii for the American television series Magnum P.I., he received a phone call from director Rakesh Roshan. Roshan, according to Bedi, offered him a unique role — one that begins as a conventional hero but dramatically transforms into an antagonist as the story progresses. The director explained that no mainstream actor was willing to take on such a dual-natured character because of its dark arc. Roshan emphasized that the audience would only be truly shocked if someone traditionally viewed as a hero turned villain, and he believed Bedi was the ideal choice to deliver that surprise.
Rekha’s Presence Sealed the Deal
According to Bedi, the moment he learned that Rekha was cast as the female lead, his decision was instant. He described her as a powerhouse of talent who had recently garnered critical acclaim for her performance in Umrao Jaan. The chance to collaborate with her was a prestigious opportunity, one he didn’t want to let pass. Without hesitation, he rearranged his schedule in Hawaii and committed himself to the film. Bedi credited Rekha as the driving force behind the movie’s emotional and dramatic core, acknowledging that she was the essence of Khoon Bhari Maang and central to its success.
Professional Bond Marked by Mutual Regard
Delving into their off-screen rapport, Bedi emphasized that while he and Rekha shared a deep professional admiration, their relationship never extended into personal social interactions. He portrayed Rekha as someone highly private, someone who guarded her emotions carefully to avoid emotional distress.
"She is a private person; she guards her privacy. She is a very sensitive girl who is afraid of being hurt, so she protects herself, and I respect that. Even today, we meet very nicely. I embrace her and like her, but it was never like we sat down together and had lots of evenings talking about life...." he admitted.
Despite not socializing outside work, Bedi said that they always had warm, respectful interactions on set. Even years later, he noted, their occasional meetings remain cordial and affectionate.
This retrospective highlights how a single role—and the presence of a legendary co-star—became a landmark in Kabir Bedi’s cinematic journey.
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