Mumbai: Actor Rajpal Yadav surrendered to Tihar Jail on February 5, 2026, to serve a six-month sentence over a ₹9 crore debt and cheque bounce case. The legal troubles trace back to a 2010 loan Rajpal took to fund his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata (2012), which failed at the box office. Despite partial repayments over the years, the actor was unable to clear the majority of the dues, prompting the court to reject his last-minute plea for extension.
Just ahead of his surrender, Rajpal made a heartfelt confession, revealing that he was facing severe financial strain and had no one to turn to for help. “Sir, kya karoon? Mere paas paise nahin hain. Aur koi upaay nahin dikhta,” he said, highlighting the personal and professional pressure he was under.
In a show of solidarity, actor Sonu Sood stepped forward to support Rajpal, offering him a role in an upcoming film along with a signing amount to assist financially. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, Sonu emphasized that the gesture was not charity, but a professional act of respect and support. “Rajpal Yadav is a gifted actor who has given years of unforgettable work to our industry. Sometimes life turns unfair, not because of talent, but because timing can be brutal,” Sonu wrote.
He also appealed to fellow producers, directors, and colleagues to stand by Rajpal, emphasizing the importance of collective support in the film industry. The move was widely appreciated by fans and industry peers, with many praising Sonu’s gesture as a reminder that the Bollywood fraternity can come together during difficult times.
Rajpal’s surrender and Sonu’s timely intervention highlight the pressures faced by actors behind the glitz and glamour, while also showcasing the camaraderie and solidarity that exists within the industry when talent and dignity are at stake.
