Ace filmmaker Priyadarshan has broken his silence to support his long-time collaborator, Rajpal Yadav, who is currently serving a six-month jail sentence in a long-standing 9 crore cheque bounce case. In a candid interview on February 14, 2026, Priyadarshan described the actor as a “good soul” who unfortunately fell victim to his own lack of financial literacy and legal understanding.
Rajpal Yadav, an NSD graduate celebrated for his iconic comic timing in films like Hungama and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, surrendered at Tihar Jail on February 5, 2026, after the Delhi High Court rejected his plea for more time to settle his dues. Priyadarshan revealed that he has been aware of Rajpal’s mounting financial troubles for years and has been consistently offering him roles and push for ad films to help him stay afloat.
Key Highlights of the Support:
- Increased Remuneration: Priyadarshan shared that he explicitly requested the producers of his upcoming film (Jubilee Films) to pay Rajpal more than his standard fee to assist with his legal settlements.
- New Avatar: Interestingly, the filmmaker revealed that Rajpal will break away from his comic image to play the main villain in their next project.
- Industry Solidarity: Beyond Priyadarshan, a wave of support has hit Bollywood. Salman Khan, Sonu Sood, Ajay Devgn, and Varun Dhawan have reportedly extended financial aid or film offers to help the actor clear the outstanding amount.
- Next Hearing: While Rajpal remains in judicial custody, his legal team is hopeful for relief. The Delhi High Court is set to hear his bail application on February 16, 2026.
The case dates back to 2010, when Rajpal borrowed ₹5 crore for his directorial debut Ata Pata Laapata. The film’s failure led to a decade-long legal dispute that has now seen the total liability balloon to nearly ₹11 crore due to interest.