Pakistani politician Nabil Gabol has recently come into the limelight amid controversy surrounding the release of the “Dhurandhar” film franchise. Gabol, widely believed to be the inspiration behind the character Jameel Jamali, played by Rakesh Bedi, has publicly expressed his reactions to the portrayal.
Gabol initially criticized the first installment of the franchise, stating his intention to create a project titled “Lyari Ka Gabbar” to counter the narrative presented in “Dhurandhar.” Despite the initial disapproval, Gabol conveyed admiration for Rakesh Bedi, the veteran actor who has gained new fans through the films.
In an interview with content creator Navin Giri, Gabol remarked, “Rakesh Bedi is an actor. He is an artist. I want to tell him that our hearts, blood, and faces may look similar. But I don’t want to get personal with him.” He emphasized that while their appearances may resemble each other, he does not wish to engage personally.
The character of Jameel Jamali, portrayed by Bedi, has sparked social media speculation that it was inspired by Gabol. Following the release of “Dhurandhar 2,” which reveals the character’s true identity as an Indian intelligence operative, Gabol faced criticism and trolling from Pakistani media outlets.
Gabol voiced his displeasure over the film’s depiction, particularly criticizing the twist portraying him as part of Indian intelligence. He accused the filmmakers of using the character to defame him and Lyari, a neighborhood known for its resilience. “They used comedian Rakesh Bedi to play my role and depicted him as Nabil Gabol,” he said, adding that the film’s creators couldn’t challenge Pakistan or its military directly.
Rakesh Bedi responded to the controversy by stating that his portrayal was not solely based on Gabol but was meant to represent Pakistani politicians in general. However, Gabol’s political background as the Member of the National Assembly from Lyari in 2007 adds context to his comments.
Gabol expressed his dissatisfaction with the way his character was depicted in the franchise, especially criticizing the portrayal’s lack of accuracy. “My role was supposed to be bold and impactful, but they didn’t show me the way I am,” he concluded.
As the debate continues, the “Dhurandhar” franchise remains a topic of discussion in Pakistani media, highlighting the intersection of politics, entertainment, and public perception.