Rajpal Yadav

Yadav acted in the DD National's television serial Mungeri Ke Bhai Naurangilal. This was the sequel to Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne.^[2] His first film was Shool (1999), in which he played the role of a coolie.^[3]

Although Yadav found success in negative roles, he preferred comic roles, as in Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, and he went on to become a prolific comic enthusiast in Hindi films. His films include Hungama, Waqt: The Race Against Time, Chup Chup Ke, Garam Masala, Phir Hera Pheri and Dhol.^{[citation needed]}

Yadav has also been the leading character in more serious films including Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon, Ladies Tailor, Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama, Hello! Hum Lallan Bol Rahe Hain, Kushti, Mirch, Benny and Babloo and Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh.^[4][5]

For the film Jungle, he won the Sansui Screen Best actor award in a Negative Role along with a nomination for the Screen Best Actor award. He received the Yash Bharati Award for the film Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon. Yadav was also given the Janpad Ratna Award.^[6]

He made his Telugu language debut in 2015 with Kick 2, and also played a role in multilingual film Amma.^[7]

He had also worked as lead against Anjali Sharma in psychological drama titled 'Son' directed and produced by Paul Rupesh.^[8][9]

Yadav took acting training from National School of Drama. Yadav married his first wife in 1992. After the birth of their first child, she died due to certain complications. He went on to marry Radha Yadav in 2003 after establishing himself in the industry.^[10] He has three daughters.^[11][12]

Yadav was given a 10-day imprisonment in 2013 for filing a false affidavit in court. He spent four days in jail from 3 December 2013 until 6 December 2013 after which a division bench of the High Court suspended the sentence on his appeal. He was sentenced to 3 months in civil prison for non repayment of loan which he took in 2010 for his directorial debut by the Delhi High Court on 30 November 2018. He was immediately taken into custody by the Delhi Police.^[13] Subsequently, in November 2018, Delhi High Court issued a three-month prison sentence which affected his career.^[14]

In February 2026, Yadav was sent to Tihar Jail after the Delhi High Court rejected his plea seeking additional time to repay outstanding dues in a long-running cheque bounce case.^[15][16][17] The case originated from a loan taken in 2010 for the production of his directorial debut film, Ata Pata Laapata, and the unpaid amount reportedly increased to nearly ₹9 crore over time due to interest and penalties.^[18] The court ordered his surrender after noting repeated failures to comply with earlier undertakings related to repayment.^[19][20] He surrendered on 5 February 2026 to serve a six-month sentence under provisions related to dishonour of cheques under the Negotiable Instruments Act.^[21][22][23]

Before surrendering, Yadav spoke publicly about his financial difficulties. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, he stated:

"Sir, kya karoon? Mere paas paise nahin hain (sir, what to do? I don’t have the money to pay back). Aur koi upaay nahin dikhta (can’t see another way out)."^[24][25]

When asked if he had considered seeking help from colleagues or industry friends such as Priyadarshan, who has frequently collaborated with him, Yadav added:^[26][27]

"Sir, yahan hum sab akele hain (sir, we are all on our own over here). There are no friends. I have to deal with this crisis on my own."

His statements drew widespread attention and sympathy within the film industry and on social media.^[28] Actor Sonu Sood expressed support for Yadav, announcing that he would cast him in an upcoming film and offer a signing amount adjustable against future work.^[29][28] 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.^[30][31]

In 2026, Rajpal Yadav secured interim bail in a ₹9 crore cheque bounce case tied to a 2010 film loan. After briefly surrendering, he paid part of the dues as ordered and declined to name Bollywood figures who reportedly assisted him, saying he did not want sympathy.^[32]