When Rajpal Yadav called Priyadarshan ‘like family’: ‘I know how much he trusts me’

Rajpal Yadav, known for his unforgettable comic roles in films like 'Chup Chup Ke', 'Bhagam Bhag', 'Phir Hera Pheri' and 'Hungama', has entertained audiences for over two decades. In an old interview, the veteran actor spoke warmly about director Priyadarshan, calling him “like family.”

What Rajpal Yadav said about Priyadarshan

Speaking about their long association, Rajpal credited Priyadarshan for many of his memorable roles. He described the director as someone who shaped his journey and treated him with deep respect.




“Priyadarshan ji is like family to me. A lot of my movies have happened with him and he has given me so much love and respect in my career. He is one of those directors I still feel nervous before giving a shot because I know how much he trusts me and my ability. It makes me all the more aware to deliver exactly what he wants. I guess we both don’t like to work without each other, and I am glad that together, we have managed to entertain the audience in amazing ways till now.”

His statement reflected both gratitude and the pressure of living up to a mentor’s faith.

The legal battle he is facing now

Rajpal Yadav is currently facing imprisonment in a long-running cheque bounce case connected to a loan taken in 2010. He had borrowed ₹5 crore from a Delhi-based company to finance his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata (2012). The film failed at the box office, leading to heavy financial losses and a dispute over repayment.

In 2018, a magistrate’s court convicted him under the Negotiable Instruments Act for dishonoured cheques and sentenced him to six months in jail. A sessions court upheld the decision in 2019. Over the years, penalties and interest reportedly increased the total liability to nearly ₹9 crore.

After repeated delays and failure to clear the dues, the Delhi High Court declined to grant further relief. Rajpal eventually surrendered at Tihar Jail on February 5.

His emotional words before surrender

Before going to prison, Rajpal reportedly expressed his distress in court. “Sir, kya karoon? Mere paas paise nahin hain. Aur koi upaay nahin dikhta… Sir, yahan hum sab akele hain. There are no friends. I have to deal with this crisis on my own.”

The statement revealed a vulnerable side of the actor, far removed from his comic on-screen persona.

Latest developments in the case

During a recent hearing, the Delhi High Court criticised Rajpal for not fulfilling his repayment commitments. The judge observed that the imprisonment stemmed from his own failure to honour the settlement terms.

“You did not go to jail because the court passed an order. You have gone to jail because you have failed to comply with your own commitments,” the court remarked.

The bench has now sought a response from the complainant regarding Rajpal’s bail application. The matter is scheduled for further hearing soon, leaving the actor’s immediate future uncertain.

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