Actor Rajpal Yadav opened up about his financial struggles moments before surrendering at Delhi’s Tihar Jail on Thursday in a cheque-bounce case. The 54-year-old, known for comic roles in films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Hungama (2003) and Dhol (2007), said he had no money and friends, and surrendering was his only option.
Yadav surrendered at Delhi’s Tihar Jail on Thursday after the Delhi High Court rejected his request for more time. The actor had been asked to surrender by February 4 but failed to follow the order, leading the court to deny any further relief. The bench also made it clear that everyone is equal before the law, regardless of their profession.
When asked if he had considered seeking help from colleagues or industry friends such as Priyadarshan, who has frequently collaborated with him, Yadav responded, “Sir, yahan hum sab akele hain (sir, we are all on our own over here). There are no friends. I have to deal with this crisis on my own.”
A report in India Today earlier mentioned that the case was filed in 2018 against the actor and his wife, Radha Yadav, for failing to pay back a loan of Rs 5 crore from a Delhi-based businessman in 2010. The actor had reportedly taken money for his 2010 directorial debut, titled Ata Pata Laapata. The film was released in 2012, but the actor didn’t repay his loan.
Yadav was summoned by the court multiple times in connection with the matter and was earlier sent to 10 days of judicial custody during the proceedings.
Yadav surrendered on Thursday after the Delhi High Court denied his plea for an extension. He had earlier been given time to comply with the court’s order in the cheque-bounce case but failed to meet the deadline as he could not arrange the repayment.
Following this, the court directed him to surrender immediately. Tihar Jail officials later confirmed to the media that the actor appeared before the Jail Superintendent around 4 pm on Thursday, soon after the order was issued.
What did the court say?
The court said in its order: “In these circumstances, this Court finds no merit in the plea of the counsel for the petitioner to recall its order directing the surrender of the petitioner (Rajpal Yadav) before the Jail Superintendent, Tihar. He is directed to surrender to the Jail Superintendent, Tihar, immediately today.”
The High Court criticised the delay and made it clear that a person’s professional background cannot be a reason for special treatment. The bench said, “This Court cannot be expected to show or create special circumstances for any person merely because such a person belongs to a particular background or industry.”
Industry friends extend support
Actor Sonu Sood reacted to the case and expressed his support for Yadav on X. He called on the film industry to stand together during tough times. In a long note on social media, he wrote, “Rajpal Yadav is a gifted actor who has given years of unforgettable work to our industry. Sometimes life turns unfair, not because of talent, but because timing can be brutal (sic).”
“He will be part of my film, and I believe this is the moment for all of us..producers, directors, colleagues to stand together. A small signing amount, adjustable against future work, is not charity, it’s dignity. When one of our own is going through a tough phase, the industry must remind him he’s not alone. This is how we show we are more than just an industry (sic),” he said, urging his fellow industry members to extend financial support to the popular comedian.
