Filmmaker Priyadarshan defends 'poor education' comment: ‘I didn't mean to insult Rajpal Yadav’

With the ongoing exchange of words between Priyadarshan and Rajpal Yadav, Priyadarshan is clearly trying to walk back a comment that landed poorly, framing "education" as "street smarts" and "awareness" rather than a lack of a degree. While Rajpal Yadav has stood his ground regarding his actual academic background, Priyadarshan seems intent on pivoting the conversation back to their professional chemistry ahead of their massive 2026 reunion.

Priyadarshan on Rajpal Yadav's innocence

According to Hindustan Times, the director shared that his remark focused on innocence and industry struggles, not Rajpal’s schooling. “Actually, I didn’t mean that. See, education is something we learn from the street and something we learn from the books too. Now I just meant that (street smartness), maybe because education is also awareness. This is what I meant,” he stated.




Rajpal has endured recent hardships, including a court order to surrender in a cheque bounce case, followed by his release. Responding to Priyadarshan’s comment, Rajpal asserted, “This is completely wrong. Priyanji doesn’t know me. I am a well-educated guy.”

Priyadarshan notes his observation arose from the actor's simplicity and trusting nature. He suggests Rajpal may come from a village where people are so innocent they don’t understand, and should be able to discriminate between right people and wrong people. That is education in a very broad way, he explains. He maintains the remark was never meant to demean the actor. He didn’t mean that and didn’t mean to insult him or anything. He said that because he’s never seen such an innocent person as Rajpal, Rajpal's innocence stems from a lack of broader education.

The director heaped praise on Rajpal, his partner in timeless comedies including ‘Bhagam Bhag’, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, and ‘Malamaal Weekly’, the latter hitting its 20-year milestone on March 10. Priyadarshan has predicted a big return for him. “After Bhooth Bangla releases, I believe Rajpal will spring back as one of the biggest stars of comedy… because he’s done a fantastic job for me in this film.”

About ‘Bhooth Bangla’

‘Bhooth Bangla’ features Akshay Kumar in the lead alongside Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Wamiqa Gabbi, Asrani, and others, produced by Ektaa R Kapoor and Akshay Kumar's banner. It marks Priyadarshan's reunion with Akshay after 14 years and features Rajpal in a pivotal comic role, with filming done in Rajasthan, Jaipur, and Hyderabad. The film is slated for theatrical release on April 10, 2026, following multiple date changes from earlier targets like May 15.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”