Sorab Bedi on being replaced in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi: I wasn't informed until the last scene

Time of India

12-05-2025

Sorab Bedi
Sorab Bedi
, who originally played the male lead in
Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi
, launched in March, has been replaced. Actor
Jay Soni
has now stepped into the role of Kartik. The switch happened overnight — Sorab shot his last scene around 2:30 pm, and Jay began shooting the same evening.
Still trying to process the abrupt development, Sorab says, 'I had a gut feeling something was going on, especially given the blast scene I was shooting. I started asking the production team if I was being replaced, but they kept assuring me everything was fine. I'm not the kind of person who would stop showing up for shoots even if they had taken that decision. All I expected was some transparency, but they kept me in the dark.
'
The official confirmation of his replacement came only after he wrapped his scene on Sunday afternoon. 'After I finished the shot at 2.30 pm, they told me I wouldn't be required anymore. Kal se nahi aana hai — that's what they said. There was no prior notice, no formal communication. The way I was removed was highly unethical. I began shooting for the show on February 28, and now, after everything, they haven't even cleared my dues of around ₹5 lakh,' he claims.
Trying to understand the reason behind the decision, Sorab contacted the casting director. 'I was told my performance was weak and that I was being influenced by others on set. If performance was truly an issue, how did I last on the show for two months? I admit I lacked camera knowledge in the beginning, but I worked hard and improved. Once, someone from the team even mentioned my social media followers weren't increasing.
I suspect that might be a reason, since the actor replacing me has a stronger online presence.'
He also reveals how the demanding schedule affected his health. 'I often shot from 8 am till 4 am, only to be called again at 8.30 the next morning. Except for occasional delays of 30 to 45 minutes, I was mostly on time. I didn't mind putting in those hours because I was deeply attached to the show; it was my first lead role. I just asked once for an eight-hour break between shifts to recover, but no one responded.
I believe even that simple request may have gone against me.
'
Sorab adds that despite repeated requests; he was never provided with a copy of his contract. 'If they're going to replace me overnight, the least they could do is settle my payment immediately. This is my hard-earned money, and I deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness,' he says.