Industry Unites as Rajpal Yadav Battles Mounting Debt and Legal Setback
Actor-comedian Rajpal Yadav continues to grapple with serious legal and financial challenges arising from a ₹9 crore cheque bounce case.
Hopes of his release were dashed after he failed to secure bail during Thursday’s hearing, despite substantial monetary backing reportedly extended by colleagues, including Salman Khan and Sonu Sood.
As uncertainty looms, several prominent figures from the film fraternity have publicly stepped forward to show solidarity.
The latest to voice support is filmmaker Priyadarshan, who has shared a long professional association with Rajpal spanning over two decades. The duo collaborated on projects such as Malamaal Weekly, Bhagam Bhaag, Chup Chup Ke, and De Dana Dan, among others.
Speaking to Mid-Day, Priyadarshan revealed that he has instructed the producers of his upcoming film—currently being made with Pankaj Tripathi—to enhance Rajpal’s remuneration in light of his circumstances.
“I’ve known him for over 20 years. I first noticed him in Jungle and was impressed by his talent. Since Malamaal Weekly, he has been part of most of my projects. Given what he’s going through, I told the producers to pay him more than his usual fee.
We want to support him in every way possible. He plays a negative role in this film,” the director said.
Priyadarshan further mentioned that he was aware of Rajpal’s prolonged legal struggles, which he believes were partly influenced by his limited formal education.
“I’ve known about his difficulties for years. That’s one reason I continued casting him and even recommended him for advertisements.
He made certain mistakes, perhaps out ofa lack of proper guidance. But he is a kind-hearted man,” he added.
Actor Gurmeet Choudhary has also pledged financial help. In a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, he expressed dismay at the situation, stating that it is distressing to see a veteran performer imprisoned over financial liabilities while larger economic offenders often evade consequences.
He urged members of the entertainment industry to rally behind Rajpal, emphasizing the actor’s contributions to Indian cinema.
Rajpal’s long-time associate Padam Singh also defended him, describing him as sincere and well-intentioned.
According to Singh, if given adequate time, Rajpal is capable of repaying every outstanding amount. He reiterated that the actor’s intentions were never dishonest and that he has always extended help to others.
The controversy primarily traces back to Rajpal’s directorial venture Ata Pata Laapata, for which he reportedly borrowed ₹5 crore from businessman Madhav Gopal Agarwal.
Following the film’s poor commercial performance, accumulated interest is said to have pushed the liability close to ₹9 crore, a sum he has struggled to clear.
Singh noted that the film was conceived with strong ideals and dedication, but financial pressures mounted over time.
Before surrendering to Tihar Jail authorities last week, Rajpal reportedly made an emotional statement expressing a sense of helplessness.
According to reports, he said he had no funds left and felt isolated while confronting the crisis, suggesting that he must endure the ordeal largely on his own.
His words have since sparked an outpouring of encouragement from within the industry. Manager Goldie Jain informed SCREEN that numerous personalities—including Ajay Devgn, David Dhawan, Varun Dhawan, and others—have reached out with offers of assistance.
Rajpal, Jain added, has been deeply moved by the solidarity shown during this difficult chapter.
As the legal battle continues, the actor’s colleagues appear determined to stand by him, underscoring the industry’s collective effort to help one of its most recognizable comic performers navigate his toughest phase.
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