Actor Rajpal Yadav recently surrendered at Tihar Jail in connection with a cheque bounce case involving Rs 9 crore. On February 12, the court adjourned the bail hearing to the following week and directed the complainant to file a response.
During the hearing, his senior counsel informed the court that the actor was prepared to deposit Rs 25 lakh immediately and that both parties had informally discussed a repayment schedule for the remaining amount. The court did not grant relief at that stage and stated that he may file a fresh application in accordance with the law after surrendering.
Justice Sharma observed that since the earlier surrender order had not been complied with, the matter would be heard after he turned himself in. Rajpal Yadav surrendered at Tihar Jail on February 5.
The case relates to allegations of non repayment of settlement money. A separate matter dating back to 2018 involves allegations that he and his wife failed to repay a Rs 5 crore loan taken in 2010 for his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata. The court had summoned him multiple times and earlier sent him to judicial custody during proceedings. The legal process in both matters is ongoing.
From Television To Cinema
Rajpal Yadav began his screen career with the DD National television serial Mungeri Ke Bhai Naurangilal, a sequel to Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne.
His film debut came with Shool in 1999, where he played a small role as a coolie.
He later became widely recognised for his comic timing in films such as Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, Hungama, Waqt: The Race Against Time, Chup Chup Ke, Garam Masala, Phir Hera Pheri and Dhol.
Beyond comedy, he also took on character driven and serious roles in films including Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon, Ladies Tailor, Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama, Hello! Hum Lallan Bol Rahe Hain, Kushti, Mirch, Benny and Babloo and Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh.
His performance in Jungle earned him the Screen Best Actor Award in a Negative Role and a nomination for Best Actor. He later received the Yash Bharati Award for Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon and the Janpad Ratna Award.
He made his Telugu debut with Kick 2 in 2015 and appeared in the multilingual film Amma. He also acted opposite Anjali Sharma in the psychological drama Son, directed and produced by Paul Rupesh.
The Bond From The Beginning
During an appearance on The Kapil Sharma Show Season 2, Nawazuddin Siddiqui spoke about his bond with Rajpal Yadav from their struggling days.
He said that among a group of around 20 to 22 actors trying to establish themselves, Rajpal was the first to start getting work. According to him, while others had very little, Rajpal’s earnings often meant that dinner gatherings would take place at his home.
Nawazuddin described how cooking would continue throughout the day, with several actors helping in the kitchen.
Both actors trained at Bharatendu Natya Academy in Lucknow and later at the National School of Drama in New Delhi before beginning their journeys in Mumbai.
Personal Loss And Resilience
Rajpal Yadav trained at the National School of Drama before becoming a recognised name in cinema. In 1992, he married his first wife. Soon after the birth of their daughter, his wife died due to health complications.
In an interview with The Lallantop, he recalled that he had planned to meet her the next day but instead carried her body on his shoulders. He has said that his family ensured his daughter grew up surrounded by care and support.
He also stated that the loss came at an age when he was not emotionally prepared to deal with such grief.
He later spoke about the pride his village felt when he secured employment at an Ordnance Clothing factory at a young age.
After his wife’s death, he pursued acting seriously, studying at NSD and continuing work in television and films. He has said it took him 13 years to feel established, a stability he associates with the release of Jungle in 2000.
Marriage And Family
Rajpal Yadav met Radha during the shoot of The Hero in 2001. They married in 2003 with their families’ consent. They have two daughters together.
In his interview with The Lallantop, he credited Radha for her support, stating that she learned his village language and adapted to its customs. He also said she raised his daughter from his first marriage as her own. His daughter is now married and lives in Lucknow.
He has often said that his daughter grew up with love despite the early loss of her mother.
Where Things Stand
The Delhi High Court directed Rajpal Yadav to surrender in connection with the cheque bounce case. He surrendered on February 5. On February 12, the court adjourned the bail hearing and directed the complainant to respond. The court has stated that he may move a fresh application as per the law.
The legal proceedings are ongoing.
Also Watch: Rajpal Yadav recalled his days behind bars
