Justt days after surrendering to Tihar Jail authorities, veteran actor Rajpal Yadav is back in the spotlight—this time for a celebration. On February 16, 2026, the Delhi High Court granted the Bhool Bhulaiyaa star interim bail in a decade-long ₹9-crore cheque bounce case, allowing him to attend his niece's wedding festivities in his ancestral village of Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
A Viral "Celebration of Freedom"
Social media has been abuzz with a viral video of the 54-year-old actor grooving at his niece’s Mehendi ceremony. Dressed in a beige kurta and dhoti, Yadav was seen dancing enthusiastically to the hit track "Teri Chunnariya" from the 1999 Salman Khan film Hello Brother.
While many fans hailed the clip as a "celebration of freedom," the performance also drew mixed reactions from netizens. Some critics questioned the optics of the actor celebrating so openly while the legal battle over a significant unpaid debt remains unresolved.
The Debt Crisis: A Decade in the Making
The legal troubles date back to 2010, when Yadav borrowed ₹5 crore from a Delhi-based businessman to fund his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata. Following the film's commercial failure, the loan remained unpaid, and with interest, the dues reportedly ballooned to ₹9 crore.
- The Surrender: On February 2, 2026, Yadav surrendered after informing the court he lacked the means to repay.
- The Bail: Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma granted interim bail until March 18, noting that ₹1.5 crore had recently been deposited toward the debt.
Industry Support: The "Silent" Guardians
Perhaps the most talked-about aspect of Yadav's release is the rumored financial backing from Bollywood’s elite. While Yadav’s manager, Goldie, confirmed that A-listers like Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Varun Dhawan have "stood behind him like a rock," the actor himself has remained tight-lipped.
In a recent interview, Rajpal refused to name those who helped him clear the initial deposit required for his bail, stating:
"I respect all the help that has come my way, but I do not want sympathy. Time is a very good judge; it will bring out the full truth."
He further emphasized his commitment to the law, promising a press conference soon to "separate milk from water" and clarify the facts of the case.
What's Next?
The actor is currently enjoying time with his family but must return to the legal fray soon. His interim bail is valid until March 18, 2026, at which point he is required to appear before the court to provide a status update on his repayment plan.
Would you like me to draft a summary of Rajpal Yadav's most iconic comedic roles to include as a sidebar for this article?