Rajpal Yadav released on interim bail, says he wants work, not sympathy

NEW DELHI: Bollywood commedian Rajpal Yadav was released from Tihar Jail on interim bail on Thursday after the Delhi High Court granted him temporary relief in a long-running cheque bounce and loan dispute worth about INR9 crore ($1.1 million), his lawyer and local media reported.

The court ordered that Yadav remain out of custody until March 18, 2026, or until the final hearing of the case, provided he complies with conditions including surrendering his passport and appearing in court in person or via video link, according to local news reports.

Yadav, 55, surrendered to the jail in December 2025 after failing to pay money owed in connection with loans taken to finance the 2010 film Aata Pata Lapata, a case that eventually ballooned to roughly INR9 crore with interest and penalties. He had been imprisoned while the legal battle continued.

Upon his release, Yadav thanked the court and his supporters but declined to name specific celebrities who had offered help during his legal troubles, saying he did not want sympathy but opportunities to work.

He told reporters he was seeking film roles and looked forward to returning to his craft.

“The country and Bollywood have supported me through my career of nearly 30 years and I have been able to act in about 200 to 250 films. If I face any accusations, I will answer them and appear in court,” Yadav said.

Several colleagues, including actor Sonu Sood, publicly expressed solidarity and offered assistance to Yadav during his legal ordeal, according to reports.

The case has drawn attention to India’s cheque bounce law, which allows criminal prosecution when businesses or individuals fail to honour financial instruments, and highlights challenges faced by entertainers dealing with legal and financial disputes.