Rakesh Bedi’s Jameel Jamali inspired by Pak leader who asked PM Modi for asylum
Ever since Dhurandhar released last December, one question has followed Rakesh Bedi’s scene-stealing act as Jameel Jamali: who exactly is this character based on? After the first instalment, many believed the character was based on Pakistani politician Nabeel Gabol, and he himself seemed to confirm it in interviews following the release. But now, it appears the inspiration may lie elsewhere. The film’s research consultant Aditya Raj Kaul has now clarified that the character is not rooted in one individual alone. Speaking on Prakhar Gupta’s podcast, he said, “It’s a mix of Altaf Hussain from MQM and Nabeel Gabol, but it’s mostly Altaf Hussain. He is alive and in the UK. His videos are hilarious. His glasses and overall look are similar to Jameel’s character. There were allegations in Pakistan that Altaf Hussain was working for RAW; after that, he left Pakistan and settled in the UK. He also has a daughter.” In Dhurandhar, Jamali’s daughter Yalina Jamali, played by Sara Arjun, is married to Hamza Ali Mazhari (played by Ranveer Singh). In the first film, …
