The underworld of Bollywood is in a state of absolute upheaval. In a series of developments that have left industry insiders and fans stunned, filmmaker Farhan Akhtar’s highly anticipated Don 3 is undergoing a massive casting overhaul. The latest name to emerge from the shadows is none other than Rajat Bedi, the seasoned actor who recently reclaimed his throne in the limelight with a powerhouse performance in Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba**ds of Bollywood.
According to reliable trade sources, Farhan Akhtar is actively considering Bedi for a significant role following a vacuum created by the sudden departure of Vikrant Massey.
The road to Don 3 has been anything but smooth. While the franchise was initially set to relaunch with Ranveer Singh taking over the mantle from Shah Rukh Khan, news broke recently that the Dhurandhar star has exited the project. Reportedly, “creative differences” and a misalignment regarding the script’s direction led to Ranveer parting ways with the Excel Entertainment production.
This bombshell was followed by the exit of Vikrant Massey, who was originally roped in for a pivotal, menacing character. Sources suggest Massey stepped away due to concerns over the depth of the role and the extensive physical transformation required. With Kiara Advani also reportedly out of the project, Farhan Akhtar has been forced to return to the drawing board, seeking a “new face” that can match the grit and legacy of the Don universe.
Enter Rajat Bedi. Once known for his iconic villainous roles alongside superstars like Hrithik Roshan and Akshay Kumar, Bedi had largely moved away from the Indian film scene for nearly two decades. However, 2025 marked his spectacular “second innings.”
His portrayal of Jaraj Saxena in the hit web series The Ba**ds of Bollywood didn’t just garner critical acclaim; it went viral. Bedi’s ability to project a restrained yet terrifying intensity caught the eye of the industry’s top brass.
“Farhan has been closely watching Rajat’s resurgence,” an industry insider revealed. “Bedi brings a certain old-school gravitas and a physically imposing presence that the Don franchise desperately needs right now. He isn’t just an actor; he’s a screen presence.”
The buzz around Rajat Bedi’s entry into Don 3 is no longer just a rumour. Sources confirm that Farhan Akhtar and Rajat Bedi have already engaged in initial telephonic discussions and are now planning a high-level meeting.
The meeting is scheduled for mid-January 2026 at Farhan’s office in Khar, Mumbai. This sit-down is expected to be the final step before an official casting announcement. If the deal is inked, Bedi will likely step into the shoes of the antagonist originally designed for Massey—or perhaps an even more central role that could redefine the film’s conflict.
With the lead role currently vacant, rumours are swirling that the script is being heavily reworked. Names like Hrithik Roshan and Aditya Roy Kapur have surfaced in fan theories, but the producers remain tight-lipped. The inclusion of Rajat Bedi suggests that Farhan is leaning toward a darker, more mature tone for the third installment.
For Rajat Bedi, joining Don 3 would be the ultimate validation of his comeback journey, which saw him climb from the fringes of the industry. For Farhan Akhtar, it’s a gamble that could either alienate the younger fanbase or create a cult masterpiece that honours the franchise’s heritage.
