NEW DELHI: Actor-comedian Rajpal Yadav has received support from members of the film fraternity and political leaders after surrendering before Tihar jail authorities in connection with multiple cheque-bounce cases linked to his 2010 directorial debut Ata Pata Laapata. Jan Shakti Janata Dal president Tej Pratap Yadav announced financial assistance of Rs.11 lakh for the jailed actor and his family. In a post on X, the elder son of Lalu Yadav expressed solidarity, stating that he and his party stand in “complete empathy and solidarity” with Rajpal Yadav’s family during this difficult period. “On behalf of the JJD family, I am providing financial assistance of Rs.11,00,000 (eleven lakh rupees) to their family in the spirit of human compassion and support,” he wrote. Actor Sonu Sood also came forward, offering professional support to Yadav. In a social media post, Sood said he would cast the comedian in his upcoming film and provide him with a signing amount as immediate assistance. “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. He will be part of my film. This is the moment for all of us—producers, directors and colleagues—to stand together,” Sood wrote. He added that such gestures should be seen as dignity, not charity. “A small signing amount, adjustable against future work, is not charity—it’s dignity. We must remind him he’s not alone.” Actor Gurmeet Chaudhary described the situation as heartbreaking and urged members of the film fraternity to unite in support. “Our industry is a family, and family does not abandon its own,” he wrote.
Why Rajpal Yadav was jailed
Rajpal Yadav surrendered after the Delhi high court rejected his plea seeking additional time to repay dues in seven cheque-bounce cases. The court had directed him to pay Rs.1.35 crore in each case, amounting to nearly Rs.9 crore in total, and ordered that the amount already deposited be released to the complainant. When he failed to adhere to the payment schedule, the court declined further relief. The cases originate from a Rs.5-crore loan Yadav took in 2010 from M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd to finance Ata Pata Laapata, which failed at the box office. The unpaid loan led to prolonged legal proceedings. Before surrendering, Yadav told Bollywood Hungama that he had no financial means to clear the outstanding dues. When asked whether he sought help from colleagues, he remarked, “Everyone is on their own” in the industry. An NSD graduate, Rajpal Yadav is known for his roles in popular films such as Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Waqt, Phir Hera Pheri, Partner, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Hungama and Chup Chup Ke. (With agency inputs)
