On February 6, actor Rajpal Yadav turned himself in to the Tihar Jail authorities in Delhi after the Delhi High Court denied him any relief in his cheque-bounce cases. Just before his surrender, Yadav made an emotional statement, revealing he was experiencing significant financial difficulties and had not received any assistance. In a show of support, actor Gurmeet Choudhary has called on the film community to aid Yadav during this challenging time.
The statement made by Gurmeet
On Tuesday, February 10, Gurmeet expressed on his X account, "It saddens me deeply to witness a seasoned and highly skilled artist like Rajpal Yadav ji experiencing such a difficult time. He has brought us numerous smiles, laughter, and memorable moments. Now, he requires our support."
He continued by saying, "As both an actor and a person, I am stepping up to assist in any way possible. I earnestly urge all producers, directors, and members of our film community to unite with empathy and kindness to find a resolution. Our industry is like a family, and family does not forsake its members."
Gurmeet's call for action comes soon after Sonu expressed his readiness to offer Rajpal a part in a movie, along with a signing fee to help him financially. 'Rajpal Yadav is a skilled actor who has given many years of unforgettable performances to our industry. Sometimes, life can be tough, not because of a lack of talent, but because timing can be unforgiving. He will be part of my film, and I think now is the moment for all of us—producers, directors, and colleagues—to come together. A small signing fee, which can be offset against future work, is not charity; it is a matter of dignity,' he remarked.
What are the allegations against Rajpal Yadav?
The case pertains to a complaint lodged by M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd. against the actor and his spouse concerning multiple bounced cheques and their failure to repay the owed amount. In 2018, a Delhi magisterial court found Rajpal Yadav and his wife guilty in cheque-bounce cases, sentencing the actor to six months in jail. This conviction was affirmed by a sessions court in 2019. The Yadavs appealed to the Delhi High Court. In June 2024, the conviction was temporarily halted after the high court encouraged the actor to take 'sincere and genuine measures' to explore the possibility of reaching a friendly settlement with the other party.
Nevertheless, on February 2, the high court ordered Rajpal to turn himself in, noting that the actor had consistently violated his promises to the court to reimburse the complainant. On February 4, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma dismissed Yadav's last request for an additional week to gather the necessary funds. The court emphasized that continuous leniency could not be granted, irrespective of a person's public status, and instructed the actor to surrender immediately.
