Rajat Bedi, known for his role as Raj Saxena in the 2003 blockbuster "Koi... Mil Gaya," has recently been the subject of speculation regarding whether his new advertisement subtly references the film. While Bedi hasn't explicitly confirmed or denied this, the ad has sparked considerable discussion among fans and industry insiders, prompting a closer look at his connection to the film and his career since then.

Bedi's portrayal of the antagonist in "Koi... Mil Gaya" was widely recognized, yet, the actor has admitted that the role didn't translate into the opportunities he had hoped for. Despite the film's success, he felt sidelined during promotions, which featured Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, and Rakesh Roshan. Bedi expressed disappointment at being "completely cut out" from the publicity, which he found disheartening.

In a conversation with Mukesh Khanna in 2023, Bedi revealed that many of his scenes with Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta were edited out of the final cut. He also shared a specific incident from the film's shoot that continues to affect him. According to Bedi, director Rakesh Roshan wanted him to perform a scene with Hrithik in a way that his lines would "eat him up". While Roshan approved the shot, he later told Bedi that he didn't fully capitalize on the scene.

After facing limited opportunities in Bollywood, Bedi moved to Vancouver, Canada, where he ventured into real estate. However, he faced financial setbacks in this field as well. Bedi has spoken about feeling "used and abused" in his work, including instances in Canada where he claims business partners "did the numbers" on him.

In recent years, Bedi has experienced a career resurgence, marked by his role in Aryan Khan's web series "The Ba***ds of Bollywood". He has also expressed gratitude to Shah Rukh Khan for reviving his career. Bedi sees OTT platforms as a blessing for actors, providing numerous opportunities for work.

At the Khajuraho International Film Festival (KIFF) in 2025, Bedi reflected on the highs and lows of his life, both in India and abroad. He acknowledged the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned from them. Bedi also mentioned that his sister is a screenwriter who penned "Agneepath" (2012) and is currently writing "Love and War" for Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Whether Rajat Bedi's new ad is indeed a subtle nod to "Koi... Mil Gaya" remains unconfirmed. However, the speculation highlights the enduring impact of the film and Bedi's role in it. Despite the challenges he has faced, Bedi's career resurgence demonstrates his resilience and continued passion for acting.