Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 10: Actor Sonu Sood has come out in strong support of fellow actor Rajpal Yadav, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail after surrendering in a cheque-bounce case. Expressing solidarity, Sonu urged the film fraternity to stand by Rajpal during what he described as one of the actor’s toughest phases, and announced that he would cast him in his next film.

Sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram, Sonu described Rajpal Yadav as a “gifted actor” who has given years of memorable performances to the Hindi film industry. He said life can be unfair at times, not because of a lack of talent, but because circumstances and timing can be cruel.

Calling for unity within the film industry, Sonu wrote that this was the moment for producers, directors and colleagues to come together and support Rajpal. Announcing his decision to cast Rajpal in his upcoming film, he said that offering a small signing amount should not be seen as charity but as dignity. “A small signing amount, adjustable against future work, is not charity, it’s dignity,” he wrote.

Sonu added that when someone from the industry is struggling, they should be reminded that they are not alone. He said such gestures reflect that the film fraternity is more than just an industry, a message that resonated widely for its simplicity and sincerity.

Rajpal Yadav’s legal troubles date back to 2010, when he took a loan of Rs 5 crore from a Delhi-based company to produce his directorial venture Ata Pata Laapata. The film failed to perform well, leaving him unable to repay the loan in full. Cheques issued by Rajpal and his wife subsequently bounced, leading the lender to approach the court. Over the years, the outstanding amount reportedly rose to nearly Rs 9 crore. Despite making partial payments, Rajpal was unable to clear the dues, following which the court ordered him to surrender. He complied and was sent to Tihar Jail.

Before surrendering, Rajpal made an emotional statement in court, saying he had no money left and saw no solution to the crisis. When asked whether he had sought help from friends in the industry, he replied, “Yahan hum sab akele hain. There are no friends. I have to deal with this crisis on my own.”

Despite the setback, Rajpal Yadav has several films lined up, including Bhooth Bangla and Welcome to the Jungle. He was last seen on screen in Baby John.