In a touching display of industry solidarity, actor Sonu Sood has stepped in to support veteran comedian Rajpal Yadav, who was recently ordered to surrender and serve time in Tihar Jail. The move comes after Yadav made a heartbreaking public confession, stating he was “completely alone” and lacked the funds to settle a decade-long debt.
The legal battle stems from a ₹5 crore loan taken in 2010 for his directorial debut Ata Pata Laapata, which has now ballooned to nearly ₹9 crore due to interest and legal complications.
“It’s Dignity, Not Charity”
Shortly after a video of Yadav’s emotional breakdown went viral, Sonu Sood took to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to announce a professional lifeline for the actor.
- The Offer: Sood has officially signed Rajpal Yadav for his upcoming production and provided a signing amount to assist with his immediate financial crisis.
- The Message: Sood clarified that this is a gesture of respect, not pity. “A small signing amount, adjustable against future work, is not charity, it’s dignity,” Sood wrote.
- Call to Action: He urged other producers and directors to stand by the actor, reminding the fraternity that “timing can be brutal” even for the most talented individuals.
The Road to Tihar: A 16-Year Legal Struggle
Rajpal Yadav’s financial woes have been a recurring headline since 2010.
- The Origin: A loan from Delhi-based Murali Projects Pvt Ltd for his 2012 film.
- The Conviction: In 2018, Yadav and his wife were convicted under the Negotiable Instruments Act after seven cheques bounced.
- The Final Verdict: Despite depositing ₹75 lakh in late 2025, the Delhi High Court noted that the bulk of the liability remained unpaid. On February 4, 2026, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma rejected a mercy plea, noting that Rajpal had failed to honor nearly 20 different undertakings in the past.
“We are all on our own”
In a viral interview prior to his surrender, a tearful Yadav expressed disillusionment with the industry. When asked why he didn’t reach out to long-time collaborators like director Priyadarshan, he replied, “Sir, yahan hum sab akele hain (Sir, we are all on our own here). There are no friends.” Sonu Sood’s swift intervention appears to be a direct answer to that cry for help.
Timeline of Rajpal Yadav’s Legal Case
| Year | Event |
| 2010 | Borrowed ₹5 crore for directorial debut Ata Pata Laapata. |
| 2018 | Convicted for cheque bounce; sentenced to 6 months imprisonment. |
| 2024 | Delhi HC granted temporary relief to clear dues; debt rose to ₹9 crore. |
| Oct 2025 | Deposited ₹75 lakh but failed to settle the remaining balance. |
| Feb 2026 | Court orders surrender; Sonu Sood offers professional support. |