Kamal Ghorui
Actor Rajpal Yadav was released from Delhi’s Tihar Jail on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) after the Delhi High Court granted him interim bail in a cheque bounce case linked to a loan dispute. Stepping out after the difficult period, the actor expressed gratitude to those who supported him and urged the film fraternity to give him meaningful work again. A press conference has also been promised in the coming days.
Rajpal Yadav’s emotional request for roles
Speaking to India Today, Rajpal thanked audiences across generations for their affection toward his work in Indian cinema. “Thank you so much for your support. From children to people across generations, I have received immense love throughout my journey in Indian cinema, and I am deeply thankful to everyone for it.” He then made a heartfelt appeal to industry colleagues, saying, “Jinhone madad ki hai wo ek aur madad kar dein, character meri marzi ka and paisa unki marzi ka. (Those who have supported me earlier, I request them to help me once again with the roles I wish to do. The remuneration can be decided by them.)”
Support from Bollywood
Rajpal acknowledged the encouragement he received both online and offline. Several prominent figures, including Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Varun Dhawan and Sonu Sood, reportedly extended help during his ordeal. His manager Goldie had confirmed to Indian Express that Yadav was grateful not only to supporters but also to critics. “I have grown because of every blessing. I thank those who supported me on social media, and I also thank those who analysed or criticised.”
Press conference to share his side
Yadav stated that he would soon address the media to clarify matters. “All legal matters are before the High Court. As the case is sub judice, I do not wish to comment and I fully respect the court’s decisions. Within the next few days, we will hold a press conference and answer all questions honestly.”During his time in jail, the actor said interactions with fellow inmates changed his perspective. He appealed to authorities to consider rehabilitation for deserving prisoners. “Out of nearly 20,000 inmates in Tihar Jail, after hearing many of their stories, it felt to me that perhaps around 10 percent deserve another chance at life.” He pointed out that many prisoners had made a single mistake but had already spent years behind bars. “Among these 20,000 prisoners, there are some who made a mistake once and have been incarcerated for 10 years… If even 10 percent of them were given another chance at life, it could make a real difference.” Reflecting on his own experience, he added, “It’s a system in jail, I had to live within it and survive with positivity.”
The case linked to ‘Ata Pata Laapata ’
The legal troubles stem from a loan taken to finance Rajpal’s directorial venture ‘Ata Pata Laapata’. After the film underperformed commercially, repayment issues led to a prolonged dispute, eventually escalating the amount due. In 2018, Rajpal and his wife were convicted in cheque bounce cases and sentenced to six months in prison. While the conviction was later suspended to allow settlement discussions, he was required to surrender earlier this month before being granted bail on February 16, 2026.
