Dhurandhar 2: Pakistani politician Nabil Gabol, who earlier claimed Jameel Jamali is based on him, denies meeting Dawood Ibrahim

Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge continues to snowball at the box office and in the second instalment, Rakesh Bedi really stole the spotlight. It has often been said that his character was inspired by Pakistani politician Nabil Gabol, with Gabol himself making the claim. Now, he is publicly rejecting claims linked to his alleged portrayal in the film.

‘I have never met Dawood Ibrahim’

Gabol has been in the spotlight after the release of the second instalment of Aditya Dhar film. Now, in an interview, Nabil Gabo l was asked if he has actually met Dawood Ibrahim. The host asked, “Humare Mumbai se ek padosi rehte hain Karachi mein, unhe bade sahab bolte hain. Kya aap mile ho unse (Our neighbour from Mumbai lives in Karachi; he is called ‘Bade Sahab’. Have you met him?)”

Reacting to it, Gabol categorically denied ever meeting underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, distancing himself from the narrative that has gained traction post the film’s release.

He said, “Main kabhi nahi mila hun, na mujhe pata hai ke woh Karachi mein mein rehte hain… Media aur Dhurandhar film mein dhikhaya hai ke woh Karachi ke Clifton area mein rehte hain… Woh area mere ghar se 200 metre ki duri pe hai… But na meine unhe dekha hai kahi ya unke baare mein sunna hai (I have never met him, nor do I know if he lives in Karachi… The media and the film Dhurandhar show that he lives in Karachi’s Clifton area… That area is just about 200 metres from my house… But I have neither seen him anywhere nor heard anything about him).”

Questions portrayal in the film

Gabol also raised concerns about how he has allegedly been depicted, questioning the accuracy and intent behind the characterisation. He added, “Dhurandhar mein dhikhaya hai ke woh death bed pe hain aur marne wale hai Jameel ke injection dene ke baad. But mujhe nahi pata ke woh hai ya nahi hai (In Dhurandhar, it is shown that he is on his deathbed and about to die after Jameel gives him an injection. But I don’t know whether it is actually the case or not).”

The speculation began after Gabol himself drew parallel of himself and Rakesh Bedi’s character in the film, with some reports even suggesting real-life inspirations behind the narrative.

However, Gabol’s firm denial now challenges these assumptions, putting the spotlight back on the filmmakers and their creative liberties.