After a challenging stint in Tihar Jail, veteran actor Rajpal Yadav has reunited with his family in his hometown of Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The actor, who was granted interim bail on February 16, 2026, headed straight to his niece’s wedding, where he shared an emotional moment with his wife, Radha Yadav.
A Public Tribute to Radha
Amidst the wedding festivities, Rajpal expressed deep gratitude for his wife’s unwavering strength while he was in judicial custody.
“Even if I take birth multiple times, I won’t be able to repay her debt. She has held the entire family together and supported me through everything.”
Radha had previously spoken to the media during his incarceration, thanking the film industry for their solidarity and denying rumors that any single superstar had secured his release, clarifying that the process was strictly legal and based on court compliance.
The Legal Context
The actor’s legal troubles stem from a loan taken in 2010 for his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata.
| Detail | Status |
| Case Type | ₹9 Crore Cheque Bounce (Murli Projects Pvt Ltd) |
| Interim Release | Granted after depositing ₹1.5 crore (totaling ₹2.5 cr with previous payments). |
| Bail Period | Valid until March 18, 2026, primarily to attend his niece’s wedding. |
| Next Steps | Yadav must appear in court on March 18; his passport remains surrendered. |
Reflection on Jail Time
Rajpal described his time in jail as a period of mental discipline. He shared that the hardest part was the separation from his family, but he adapted by focusing on breathing exercises and a strict morning routine to maintain his “mental equilibrium.” He has also called for prison reforms, suggesting that jails should focus more on rehabilitation than just punishment.
Despite the disruption to his professional life, the actor remains hopeful. He is set to appear in major upcoming projects like Priyadarshan’s Bhooth Bangla and Ahmed Khan’s Welcome to the Jungle, with many in the industry reportedly increasing his acting fees to help him clear his remaining dues.