Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi, currently receiving acclaim for his performance in the blockbuster Dhurandhar: The Revenge, has issued a formal public apology following a controversy over his use of the prohibited term "Harijan." The apology comes after Kailash Jaiswar, the Mumbai State President of the Azad Samaj Party, flagged an older video of the actor and requested a public clarification. Rakesh Bedi’s Viral Clip as ‘Dhurandhar’ from 'Qubool Hai' Resurfaces Amid Box Office Success of Film (Watch Video)

Rakesh Bedi Apologises Over ‘Harijan’ Remark - Watch Video

Kabir Bedi Faces Row Over ‘Harijan’ Comment

The issue surfaced when a clip from a previous interview began circulating on social media. In the video, Bedi was seen discussing the social contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. While praising the Dalit icon’s work for the upliftment of marginalised communities, Bedi used the term "Harijan", a word that is officially prohibited for use by the Government of India and is considered derogatory by many constitutional experts and social activists. Jaiswar reportedly reached out to the actor directly via a phone call, explaining that the term is legally banned in official documentation and socially inappropriate. He urged the actor to address the matter to prevent further hurt to the community. ‘Dhurandhar 2’: Did JioHotstar Give Us the Biggest SPOILER About Rakesh Bedi’s Jameel Jamali in Ranveer Singh Starrer?

Rakesh Bedi Responds to Controversy

In a video message released on April 6, 2026, Bedi clarified that his use of the word was born out of a lack of awareness rather than malice. “Namaskar friends, I am Rakesh Bedi," the actor stated in the video. "A few months ago, I posted a video in which I said that in our country, Bheem Rao Ambedkar ji worked a lot for Dalits, for Harijans, and for people of backward society... I have now come to know that it is prohibited to use the word Harijan in our country. I said it with a good intention." He further added, "If my use of the word Harijan has offended a person or a society, then I apologise for that. I did not say it on purpose. I did not know that it was prohibited."

Why ‘Harijan’ Term Is Controversial?

The term Harijan, though popularised by Mahatma Gandhi, was officially removed from the Indian government's lexicon following several directives. In 2017, the Supreme Court of India upheld that the term is abusive and should not be used, and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment subsequently issued circulars to all states to use the term "Scheduled Caste" in all official dealings instead. ‘Jameel Jamali’ Rakesh Bedi REACTS to Criticism Over ‘Creepy’ Video of Kissing Sara Arjun at ‘Dhurandhar’ Trailer Launch.

Rakesh Bedi Row Amid ‘Dhurandhar’ Buzz

The controversy arrives at a time when Bedi is enjoying a career high. His role in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge has been a talking point as the film nears the INR 1,000 crore mark in India. Industry peers have noted that the actor’s quick response and transparent apology have helped de-escalate the situation, with Jaiswar acknowledging the actor’s willingness to cooperate and correct his mistake.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 06, 2026 10:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).