Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav, known for his comedic roles, has recently surrendered to Tihar Jail in Delhi, marking a critical turn in a long-standing legal battle. The actor's imprisonment stems from a cheque bounce case linked to a loan he took in 2010 to finance his directorial debut, "Ata Pata Laapata". Here's a breakdown of the situation:

The Case:

The legal trouble began when Yadav borrowed ₹5 crore (approximately $600,000 USD at the time) from Delhi-based Murli Projects Pvt Ltd to fund his film. Unfortunately, the film failed at the box office, leaving Yadav unable to repay the loan. To settle the debt, Yadav issued multiple post-dated cheques, seven of which bounced, triggering criminal proceedings under Section 138 of India's Negotiable Instruments Act, which deals with cheque dishonor.

In April 2018, a Magistrate's Court convicted Yadav and his wife under Section 138 of the Act and sentenced them to six months in prison. Yadav challenged the verdict through multiple appeals, but the case dragged on for years. Over time, due to interest and penalties, the outstanding amount reportedly rose to nearly ₹9 crore (approximately $1.08 million USD).

The Delhi High Court, in its recent judgment, stated that Yadav was required to pay ₹1.35 crore in each of the seven cases against him. The court directed that the amount already deposited with the Registrar General be released to the complainant. By late 2025, Yadav had only deposited ₹75 lakh (roughly $90,000 USD) with the court.

On February 2, 2026, the Delhi High Court directed Rajpal Yadav to surrender by 4 PM on February 4. When Yadav failed to surrender on time, his counsel sought a last-minute extension, which the court rejected. On February 5, 2026, Yadav surrendered at Tihar Jail.

The Money:

The amount Rajpal Yadav owes is approximately ₹9 crore. This includes the initial loan amount, along with accrued interest and penalties over the years. The court has ordered that the ₹75 lakh already deposited with the Registrar General be released to the complainant.

Despite his legal troubles, reports estimate Rajpal Yadav's net worth to be between ₹50 crore to ₹85 crore. This includes earnings from films, brand endorsements, property investments, and other ventures. He reportedly charges ₹1-2 crore per film, with his fee going up to ₹3 crore for high-profile projects. He also earns significantly through brand endorsements, charging up to ₹1 crore per project.

Celebrity Support:

Following Yadav's surrender, several members of the film industry have offered their support. Actor Sonu Sood publicly extended support to Yadav, announcing that he would cast him in an upcoming film and offer a signing amount adjustable against future work. Sood described the gesture as professional support rather than charity and urged members of the film industry to stand together during difficult times faced by fellow artists. Gurmeet Choudhary also expressed his support and offered help. Music producer Rao Inderjeet Singh Yadav has extended financial assistance of ₹1.11 crore to Rajpal Yadav. Even Kamaal R Khan has offered ₹10 lakh to help Rajpal Yadav. Tej Pratap Yadav has also announced ₹11 lakh in assistance for the actor.

The Broader Picture:

Rajpal Yadav's case highlights the financial struggles that can plague individuals in the film industry. Before surrendering, Yadav spoke publicly about his financial difficulties, stating that he had no money and no friends to help him. His statements drew widespread attention and sympathy within the film industry and on social media. The Delhi High Court, while ordering his surrender, emphasized that a person's professional background cannot be a reason for special treatment.