Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 29: Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi has voiced concerns about the dwindling presence of pure comedy films in contemporary Indian cinema. In a recent interview with IANS, he highlighted that while comedy sequences exist in modern films, genuine comedic storytelling—where every character naturally contributes to humor—is increasingly rare.

Citing classic films like Chupke Chupke, Chashme Buddoor, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, and Padosan, Bedi emphasized that these movies were marked by an innate humor woven into each character, a quality he feels is missing in today’s movies.

“I feel that these days, comedy films are not being made. Nobody is making comedy films. I am talking about pure comedy, not just a comedian or a comic scene in a film. For example, Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Chupke Chupke is a cult comedy film with no single comedian in it,” Bedi explained. “Every character has a humorous bend of mind. Similarly, Chashme Buddoor, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, and Padosan had comedy running naturally through all characters. The average of pure comedy films in our country is perhaps one per decade.”

On television, Bedi pointed to two successful long-running sitcoms—Bhabhi Ji Ghar Pe Hain and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah—as examples of how natural humor can be sustained over time. “Humor in both runs at a very natural level, which is why they have been able to sustain such long runs. These shows are experimenting with comedy in ways that few others are doing today,” he added.

Rakesh Bedi, celebrated for his impeccable comic timing, has appeared in numerous hit films including Chashme Buddoor, Sharaabi, Chitchor, Khatta Meetha, and Baton Baton Mein. He also made a mark on television with the iconic show Shrimaan Shrimati, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian comedy.