Bachchan's Decade-Old Words on Rajpal Yadav Echo as Actor Enters Jail

A decade-old moment resurfaced recently as veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan publicly acknowledged Rajpal Yadav’s struggles during the music launch of Yadav’s film Ata Pata Laapata in 2012. Speaking at the event, Bachchan said, “I feel very honoured that Rajpal has invited me here today, and I have had the good fortune of working with him in the past.” He also praised Yadav’s dedication and resilience in the film industry.

Rajpal Yadav’s legal troubles began in 2010 when he borrowed around Rs 5 crore from M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd to fund his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata. The film’s box office failure caused heavy financial losses, with the outstanding loan amount swelling to nearly Rs 9 crore due to interest and penalties. Attempts to repay through cheques failed, leading to criminal proceedings under the Negotiable Instruments Act.

In April 2018, a magisterial court convicted Yadav and his wife in multiple cheque bounce cases, sentencing him to six months in prison. Despite partial repayments and multiple assurances, he failed to meet court-mandated deadlines. The Delhi High Court, noting repeated breaches of undertakings, directed Yadav to surrender by February 4, 2026.

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan at 83: Work Keeps Detrimental Feelings Away

On February 5, 2026, Yadav surrendered at Tihar Jail to begin his six-month sentence, after offering a fresh repayment plan of Rs 25 lakh, which the court did not accept, emphasising that professional status could not grant special treatment.

Amitabh Bachchan’s words at the 2012 event highlighted the struggles that have followed Yadav over more than a decade, reflecting both admiration for his craft and the long-standing challenges he has faced.

Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan Recalls Painful "3rd World" Insult After Massive Foreign Mob Welcome