Priyandarshan reacts to actor Rajpal Yadav’s jail term
Over the years, Priyadarshan has collaborated with many actors, and Rajpal Yadav is one of his longtime favourites. The two have worked together in more than a dozen films, including Hungama, Garam Masala, Malamaal Weekly, Chup Chup Ke, Bhagam Bhaag, Dhol, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Mere Baap Pehle Aap, Billu, De Dana Dan and Rangrezz. They are now teaming up once again for Bhooth Bangla. The movie is slated to release on April 10, 2026 and features Akshay Kumar, Tabu and Paresh Rawal in key roles.
Meanwhile, Rajpal Yadav, who is popular for films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Waqt, Phir Hera Pheri, Partner, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Hungama, was recently sent to Tihar Jail after the Delhi High Court rejected his request for more time to clear dues in a cheque bounce case.
Reacting to it, the director told Mid-Day that he has known Rajpal Yadav for over 20 years. Currently busy with the post-production of Bhooth Bangla in Hyderabad, he recalled watching the actor for the first time in Jungle (2000) and being impressed by his performance. He shared that their first collaboration was Malamaal Weekly (2006), after which Rajpal went on to feature in most of his films.
The filmmaker also revealed that he has asked the producers of his upcoming project, Jubilee Films, to pay Rajpal more than his usual fee, considering the actor’s current situation. According to him, the team wants to support Rajpal during this phase, and the producers have agreed to the decision. He further mentioned that Rajpal will be seen playing the villain in the film.
Going forward, Priyadarshan further added that he was already aware of his problem, “That’s why I kept signing Rajpal for every film. I pushed him in ad films too. The poor guy made a blunder because of his poor education. Rajpal is a good soul.”
All you need to know about Rajpal Yadav’s legal case
For the unversed, Rajpal Yadav’s financial and legal troubles reportedly began after his 2012 film Ata Pata Laapata, which also marked his debut as a director, failed at the box office. Following the losses, unpaid dues gradually increased and eventually reached nearly Rs 9 crore, leading to multiple legal cases against him.
On February 2, the Delhi High Court observed that the actor was required to pay Rs 1.35 crore in each of the seven cases filed against him. The court also ordered that the amount already deposited with the Registrar General be released to the complainant. Earlier, in October 2025, two demand drafts worth Rs 75 lakh had been submitted, but the court noted that a total of Rs 9 crore was still pending.
