Kamal Ghorui
The film industry and political figures have stepped forward to support actor-comedian Rajpal Yadav after he surrendered before Tihar jail authorities in connection with multiple cheque-bounce cases linked to the failure of his 2010 directorial debut Ata Pata Laapata.Rajpal was sent to Tihar jail after the Delhi High Court rejected his plea seeking additional time to repay outstanding dues amounting to nearly Rs 9 crore.
Sonu Sood offers film signing amount, urges industry to unite
Sonu Sood announced that he has signed Rajpal Yadav for his next film and will extend the signing amount to help the actor during this difficult phase.In a post on X, Sood 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.”He added, “He will be part of my film, and I believe this is the moment for all of us… producers, directors, colleagues to stand together.”Calling the support an act of dignity rather than charity, Sood said, “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… this is how we show we are more than just an industry.”
Gurmeet Choudhary : ‘Our industry is a family’
Gurmeet Choudhary, best known for portraying Ram on television, expressed heartbreak over Rajpal Yadav’s situation and offered help.Writing on X, he said, “It breaks my heart to see a senior and immensely talented artist like Rajpal Yadav go through such a painful phase.”He added, “He has given us countless smiles, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Today, he needs us. As a fellow actor and as a human being, I am stepping forward to help in whatever way I can.”Appealing to the film fraternity, Choudhary wrote, “Our industry is a family. And family does not abandon its own.”
Rao Inderjeet Singh Yadav extends Rs 1.11 crore support
Music producer Rao Inderjeet Singh Yadav, owner of GemTunes Music, has extended financial assistance of Rs 1.11 crore to Rajpal Yadav.Speaking to IANS, he said, “Rajpal ji has given immeasurable joy to audiences and has been an integral part of Indian cinema. This support is not about money, it is about standing with a fellow human being in his time of need.”He added, “Our industry is a family, and families hold each other when it matters the most.”
KRK offers Rs 10 lakh, calls for collective help
Self-proclaimed film critic Kamaal R Khan (KRK) also offered financial help and urged Bollywood to come together.Posting on X, KRK wrote, “I am ready to give ₹10 lakhs for RajPal Yadav. Let’s all Bollywood people come together to give him ₹5cr! If he does pay back only ₹5cr so he can come out from jail immediately! Let’s all help him.”
Tej Pratap Yadav announces Rs 11 lakh financial aid
Bihar politician Tej Pratap Yadav, elder son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, announced financial assistance of Rs 11 lakh for Rajpal Yadav and his family.Sharing a post on X, Tej Pratap Yadav wrote, “I just received information about the pain of the family of the honorable Rajpal Yadav ji through the post of my elder brother Rao Inderjeet Yadav ji. In this extremely difficult time, I and my entire JJD family stand in complete empathy and solidarity with their grieving family.”He added, “With a spirit of human compassion and support, on behalf of the JJD family, I am providing financial assistance of Rs 11,00,000 (eleven lakh rupees) to their family.”
Legal background of the case
Rajpal Yadav was sent to Tihar jail after the Delhi High Court noted that he was required to pay Rs 1.35 crore in each of the seven cheque-bounce cases filed against him. The court directed that the amount already deposited with the registrar general be released in favour of the complainant.In 2010, Rajpal borrowed Rs 5 crore from M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd for Ata Pata Laapata. The film failed at the box office, triggering a prolonged legal dispute. Before surrendering, Rajpal had told Bollywood Hungama that he had no means to repay the amount and, when asked if he sought help from colleagues, said, “Everyone is on their own” in the industry.
