Who is Nabeel Gabol? The alleged Pakistani politician behind Dhurandhar's character Jameel Jamali

Movies sometimes blur the lines between reel and real life with effortless ease, especially when they hit too close to home. A blockbuster spy thriller can turn a politician's popularity into panic, igniting memes and chatter across borders.

Dhurandhar 2's massive success, with box office collections nearly at Rs 700 crore worldwide in 4 days, has everyone talking - from Ranveer Singh's spy heroics to surprise twists.

One subplot has the audience revisiting Pakistani politician Nabeel Gabol, the personality linked to the film's Jameel Jamali character.

Who is Nabeel Gabol?

Nabeel Gabol, a fiery Karachi-based leader from the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), represents Lyari, a tough neighbourhood he has long championed. His career has seen ups and downs - over 20 years in PPP, a 2013 exit over Lyari neglect, a brief MQM stint, then a PPP return in 2017 with his son.

But Gabol recently grabbed headlines post-Dhurandhar's release, blushing in interviews, making reels on songs, and owning the fame across Pakistani media. But after the release of the second installment, he's reportedly in a state of panic and keeping a low profile, as the character allegedly based on him turns out to be an Indian spy. Netizens haven't held back, taking plenty of jabs at him online.

Gabol gets trolled online

Users roasted him: "He is Nabeel Gabol... basking in its glory... But after Dhurandhar 2... he has suddenly gone into full panic mode," one posted.

Another: "It has started. Gabol has started sidelining himself from the Jamali character." A third user wrote, "After watching #dhurandhar2, I am scared for this man. Iykyk." One quipped, "From flex to panic real quick.. don’t be surprised if Pak Army picks him up."

Rakesh Bedi’s clarification

While speaking to India Today, Bedi said, “I didn’t portray him at all. I don’t understand why he is identifying himself with the character. I simply adopted a particular look for the role. Now, if someone feels that my appearance resembles him, what can I really do about it? It’s not my fault.”


He further added, “Perhaps because of the wig and styling, he might feel there is a slight resemblance. That’s his interpretation. But there isn’t much we can do about that.”

Nabeel Gabol’s reaction

Gabol slammed the film for exaggerating Lyari's gang violence, insisting it's safer now with falling crime stats. He thanked Gulf bans on screenings, sparing global audiences a "skewed" view. In videos, he vented frustration, saying Jamali doesn't reflect him.