Priyadarshan Increases Rajpal Yadav’s Fees Amid Rs 9-Crore Debt Case

Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan has come forward to aid longtime collaborator Rajpal Yadav, who remains in Tihar Jail over a prolonged cheque bounce case involving an alleged Rs 9-crore debt. In a show of solidarity, Priyadarshan successfully urged producers to pay the actor above his usual fee for their upcoming film.

The director, known for classics like Malamaal Weekly, Bhagam Bhaag, Chup Chup Ke, and De Dana Dan—all featuring Yadav’s signature comic flair—spoke candidly about their two-decade-plus partnership in an interview . He first spotted Yadav’s talent in the film Jungle and cast him in Malamaal Weekly, after which the actor became a regular in his projects.

For their current untitled comedy, also starring Pankaj Tripathi and backed by Jubilee Films, Priyadarshan insisted on better compensation for Yadav, who plays the villain. “I told the producers to pay Rajpal more than what he charges because of his situation. We want to save him,” he said, confirming the producers agreed. Priyadarshan described Yadav as “a good soul” who committed a serious error due to limited education, adding that he had continued casting him and pushed for advertising gigs despite awareness of the troubles.

Yadav’s recent bail application was unsuccessful, leaving him incarcerated following his surrender earlier this month after the Delhi High Court declined further relief in the long-running matter. The case traces back to his 2012 directorial debut Ata Pata Laapata, which flopped commercially, causing borrowed funds—initially around Rs 5 crore—to balloon with interest and lead to multiple legal actions.

Industry support has grown. Actor Gurmeet Choudhary told Bollywood Hungama it was “heart-breaking” to see a senior performer jailed for such an offence while bigger financial offenders often evade consequences. He vowed personal financial help and appealed to colleagues to rally behind Yadav for his contributions to entertainment.

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Yadav’s associate Padam Singh defended him in comments, calling the actor pure-hearted and capable of repaying every rupee if given time. Having known him since 1997 as family and a close ally, Singh highlighted Yadav’s mental strength and spiritual support amid the crisis. Before entering jail, Yadav reportedly expressed deep isolation in the ordeal.

Reports indicate partial repayments have occurred—around Rs 2.5 crore toward disputed amounts in related proceedings—and offers of aid from figures like Salman Khan and Sonu Sood have surfaced. Yet bail remains elusive as the legal process continues, with the film fraternity extending both moral and material backing to one of its own during this difficult chapter.