Rajpal Yadav

Rajpal Yadav
Yadav in 2016
Born
Rajpal Naurang Yadav

(1971-03-16) 16 March 1971
Kundra, Uttar Pradesh, India
EducationNational School of Drama
Occupations
  • Actor
  • comedian
Years active1999–present
Spouses
  • Karuna
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1992, died)​
  • Radha Yadav
    ​
    (m. 2003)​
Children3

Rajpal Naurang Yadav (born 16 March 1971) is an Indian actor and comedian who primarily works in Hindi cinema. His breakthrough came in Ram Gopal Varma's Jungle (2000) with a negative role. Although Yadav gained widespread recognition from his slapstick comic performances over the years and has been nominated for several awards such as Filmfare and Screen Awards.[1]

Some of his most notable works include Ek Aur Ek Gyarah (2003), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005), Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Partner (2007), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Bhoothnath, Krazzy 4 (both 2008), Krrish 3 (2013), Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022) and the Priyadarshan films such as Hungama (2003), Garam Masala , Malamaal Weekly (both 2005), Chup Chup Ke, Bhagam Bhag (both 2006).

He has starred in leading roles and serious characters including Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon (2003), Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh (2005), Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama (2008), Kushti (2010) and Ardh (2022).

Career

Yadav acted in the DD National's television serial Mungeri Ke Bhai Naurangilal. This was the sequel to Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne.[2] His first film was Shool (1999), in which he played the role of a coolie.[3]

Although Yadav found success in negative roles, he preferred comic roles, as in Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, and he went on to become a prolific comic enthusiast in Hindi films. His films include Hungama, Waqt: The Race Against Time, Chup Chup Ke, Garam Masala, Phir Hera Pheri and Dhol.

Yadav has also been the leading character in more serious films including Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon, Ladies Tailor, Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama, Hello! Hum Lallan Bol Rahe Hain, Kushti, Mirch, Benny and Babloo and Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh.[4][5]

For the film Jungle, he won the Sansui Screen Best actor award in a Negative Role along with a nomination for the Screen Best Actor award. He received the Yash Bharati Award for the film Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon. Yadav was also given the Janpad Ratna Award.[6]

He made his Telugu language debut in 2015 with Kick 2, and also played a role in multilingual film Amma.[7]

He had also worked as lead against Anjali Sharma in psychological drama titled 'Son' directed and produced by Paul Rupesh.[8][9]

Personal life

Yadav took acting training from National School of Drama. Yadav married his first wife in 1992. After the birth of their first child, she died due to certain complications. He went on to marry Radha Yadav in 2003 after establishing himself in the industry.[10] He has three daughters.[11][12]

Yadav was given a 10-day imprisonment in 2013 for filing a false affidavit in court. He spent four days in jail from 3 December 2013 until 6 December 2013 after which a division bench of the High Court suspended the sentence on his appeal. He was sentenced to 3 months in civil prison for non repayment of loan which he took in 2010 for his directorial debut by the Delhi High Court on 30 November 2018. He was immediately taken into custody by the Delhi Police.[13] Subsequently, in November 2018, Delhi High Court issued a three-month prison sentence which affected his career.[14]

In February 2026, Yadav was sent to Tihar Jail after the Delhi High Court rejected his plea seeking additional time to repay outstanding dues in a long-running cheque bounce case.[15][16][17] The case originated from a loan taken in 2010 for the production of his directorial debut film, Ata Pata Laapata, and the unpaid amount reportedly increased to nearly ₹9 crore over time due to interest and penalties.[18] The court ordered his surrender after noting repeated failures to comply with earlier undertakings related to repayment.[19][20] He surrendered on 5 February 2026 to serve a six-month sentence under provisions related to dishonour of cheques under the Negotiable Instruments Act.[21][22][23]

Before surrendering, Yadav spoke publicly about his financial difficulties. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, he stated:

"Sir, kya karoon? Mere paas paise nahin hain (sir, what to do? I don’t have the money to pay back). Aur koi upaay nahin dikhta (can’t see another way out)."[24][25]

When asked if he had considered seeking help from colleagues or industry friends such as Priyadarshan, who has frequently collaborated with him, Yadav added:[26][27]

"Sir, yahan hum sab akele hain (sir, we are all on our own over here). There are no friends. I have to deal with this crisis on my own."

His statements drew widespread attention and sympathy within the film industry and on social media.[28] Actor Sonu Sood expressed support for Yadav, announcing that he would cast him in an upcoming film and offer a signing amount adjustable against future work.[29][28] Sood described the gesture as professional support rather than charity and urged members of the film industry to stand together during difficult times faced by fellow artists.[30][31]

In 2026, Rajpal Yadav secured interim bail in a ₹9 crore cheque bounce case tied to a 2010 film loan. After briefly surrendering, he paid part of the dues as ordered and declined to name Bollywood figures who reportedly assisted him, saying he did not want sympathy.[32]

Filmography

Key
† Denotes films that have not yet been released

Films

Hindi films

Year Film Role Notes
1999Dil Kya KareSchool's Watchman
MastPeon
ShoolCoolie
2000JungleSippa
2001Pyaar Tune Kya KiyaRampal Yadav / Chhota Vakeel
Chandni BarIqbal Chamdi
Yeh Zindagi Ka SafarDada
2002Koi Mere Dil Se PoochheRaj Naidu
Tumko Na Bhool PaayengeLallan
CompanyJoseph
Lal SalaamDhattu
Hum Kisise Kum NahinThief At The Parking Lot
Maine Dil Tujhko DiyaMunna
Chor Machaaye ShorJohnny
RoadBhanwar Singh
Maseeha
2003Ek Aur Ek GyarahChhotu
The Hero: Love Story of a SpyDorji
HaasilChhutku
Darna Mana HaiApple VendorStory segment: Apples
HungamaRaja
Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti HoonRajeshwar Singh (Raja)
Kal Ho Naa HoGuru
2004Dil Bechara Pyaar Ka MaaraTunda Bhai
Love in NepalBunty Guide
Insaaf: The JusticeKailu
Aan: Men at WorkApte
Garv: Pride and HonourInformer 555Cameo appearance
Mujhse Shaadi KarogiRaj Purohit / Paul
Taarzan: The Wonder CarHavaldar Sitaram
Shart: The ChallengeBhootnath
Vaastu ShastraRaajpal
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten HeroBhagat Ram Talwar
2005Waqt: The Race Against TimeLaxman
Kyaa Kool Hai HumUma Shankar Tripathi
DDance Artist
PaheliBhoja
Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?Thapa
Bye Bye Miss GoodnightRajesh
JamesTony
Main, Meri Patni Aur WohMithilesh Shukla
Garam MasalaBabban
Shaadi No. 1Mr.Y
2006Apna Sapna Money MoneyMatha Prasad
Love in JapanChakra D. Dhari
Malamaal WeeklyBajbahadur a.k.a. Bajey
Shaadi Se Pehle'Shayar' Kanpuri
Darna Zaroori HaiInsurance Agent Prabhakar PanditStory segment: Accidents are Never Predicted
Phir Hera PheriPappu (Anjali's brother)
Chup Chup KeBandya
Ladies TailorChander
BaabulBalraj's Chauffeur
Bhagam BhagGulab Singh 'Gullu' Lakhan Singh Haryanewale
2007AnwarGopinath
UndertrialSagar Hussain[33]
PartnerChhota Don
Ram Gopal Varma Ki AagRambha Bhai
DholMarthand 'Maru' Dhamdere
GoJagtap Tiwari
Bhool BhulaiyaaChhote Pandit / Lal Hanuman
2008Kahaani Gudiya Ki True Story of a WomanFeroz
BhoothnathAnthony
Rama Rama Kya Hai DramaSantosh
Krazzy 4Gangadhar
Hastey HasteySunny Malhotra, Raj and Jai
Mere Baap Pehle AapManu
Yeh Mera IndiaBhola Paswan
God Tussi Great HoRangeela – Lottery Stall Owner
C KkompanyLambodhar Jha
ChamkuHussain
JumboDildaarAnimated film
Voice only
2009Daddy CoolAndrew
Chal Chala ChalSunder
BilluJhallan Kumar
Ek Se Bure DoTony
Kal Kissne DekhaJailor
Do Knot DisturbMangu
De Dana DanDagdu Yadav
Bolo RaamAatmaa Raam
2010Hello! Hum Lallan Bol Rahe HainLallan
RannAnand Prakash Trivedi
KushtiChander Singh
Khatta MeethaRangila
MirchKashi
Benny and BablooBabloo Charan Lathi
Action ReplayyBhikhu
ToofanRaju
Tumse MilkarKutty
2011Masti ExpressRaju
Satrangee ParachuteParimal Babu
Bin Bulaye BaraatiMurari
Be CarefulSachidanand Brijmohan Pandit
2012Ata Pata LapataManav Chaturvedi
Kamaal Dhamaal MalamaalNarratorVoice role
2013Zindagi 50-50Lele
Janta V/S Janardan – Bechara Aam Aadmi
PolicegiriTutu
Rangrezz
D-DayHimselfIn song "Duma Dum"
Krrish 3Sharma
2014Main Tera HeroPeter
Bhopal: A Prayer for RainDilip
Thoda Lutf Thoda IshqGhungroo
2015Baankey Ki Crazy BaraatBaankey
AmmaRadhe Krishna YadavUnreleased
Hai Golmaal in White HouseDon
Dirty PoliticsBanna Ram
Bumper DrawFarooq
Welcome BackThe TailorCameo appearance
2016Fire Fighter
PirateDirector: Priyadarshan
2017Judwaa 2Nandu
Babuji Ek Ticket BambaiFarhan Rehman Khan / Akki
2018Shraap 3D
Tishnagi
Love TrainingBhikhari
Shaadi Teri Bajayenge Hum Band[34]Selfie Don
2020Coolie No. 1 Mama Released on Amazon Prime Video
2021Hello Charlie Forest Ranger
Hungama 2 Popat Jamal / Raja Dhatingarh Dhingra Released on Disney+ Hotstar
Time to Dance Sada
Bhoot Police Goggal Baba Released on Disney+ Hotstar
2022 Cinemaa Zindabad Shyam Kapoor MX Player film
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 Chhote Pandit Sequel of Bhool Bhulaiyaa
Ladki: Dragon Girl Swami
Ardh Shiva ZEE5 Film
Match of Life
Khalli Balli
Thai Massage Jugnu Bhaiya
Dangerous
2023 Gunchakkar Baba Fanse Short film on Amazon miniTV
Hume Toh Loot Liya Ram MX Player film
Shehzada Inspector Satish Yadav
Bad Boy
Kathal Patrakar Anuj Netflix film
Satyaprem Ki Katha Doodhiya
Non Stop Dhamaal Raju Bhangarwala
Dream Girl 2 Shoukiya
Hum Tumhe Chahte Hai
Apurva Jugnu Released on Disney+ Hotstar
2024 Welcome Wedding
Kaam Chalu Hai Manoj Patil ZEE5 Film
Luv Ki Arrange Marriage Pyare [35]
Chandu Champion Topaz [36]
Pad Gaye Pange Captain Jahaaz Singh
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Chhote Pandit
Naam Kunj Bihari Released after 20 years
Vanvaas Pappu
Baby John Ram Sevak / Jackie [37]
2025 Interrogation Bansilal ZEE5 film
Agent Ching Attacksshort film
2026 Bhooth Bangla Sunder "Balli" Bajwa
Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai PT Master Mishra
Welcome to the Jungle Das Completed
Haiwaan
2027 SVC 63 † Filming[38]

Other language films

Year Film Role Language Notes
2007 Chasme BahadurOwner of Beer ShopMarathi
Lage Raho Yadav Bhaiya Bhojpuri [39]
2011 Rada RoxMarathi
2013 Ronde Saare Vyah PichoChunnu Singh DhillonPunjabi
2015Kick 2DunnaTelugu
Dagdabaichi ChalYogesh PaulMarathi
2016 Bhagya Na Jaane KoiMadhavAwadhi
2017 Shrestha BangaliKesto MasterBengali
2019Chandigarh Amritsar Chandigarh Rickshaw Driver Punjabi

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1999 Mungeri Ke Bhai Naurangilal
1992 Svapnavāsavadattam Vidūṣaka (comedian) Sanskrit serial on Doordarshan[40]
2023 Pop Kaun? Sultan Qureshi [41]
2026 Naagin 7 Special appearance; episode 30

Dubbing roles

Film titleActorCharacterDub LanguageOriginal Language Original Year ReleaseDub Year Release Notes
Sivaji: The BossVivek †ArivuHindiTamil 20072010

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Role Film Result Ref.
2006 Filmfare Awards Best Performance in a Comic Role Laxman, Servant Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005) Nominated
2004 IIFA Awards Best Performance in a Comic Role Raja (Tulsidas Khan) Hungama (2003) Nominated
2004 Guru Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) Nominated
2008 Lal Hanuman Natwar a.k.a. Chhote Pandit Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) Nominated
2009 Anthony Bhoothnath (2008) Nominated
2001 Screen Awards Best Actor in a Negative Role Sippa Jungle (2000) Won [42]
2005 Best Comedian Raj Purohit Jyotshi Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) Nominated
2006 Mithilesh 'Chhotey Babu' Shukla Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh (2005) Nominated
2008 Gangadhar Krazzy 4 Nominated
2016 Best Ensemble Cast Tailor Welcome Back (2015) Nominated
2004 Zee Cine Awards Best Actor in a Supporting Role Raja Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon (2003) Nominated
2006 Best Actor in a Comic Role Mithilesh 'Chhotey Babu' Shukla Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh (2005) Nominated
2009 Apsara Awards Anthony Bhoothnath (2008) Nominated
2006 Bollywood Movie Awards Best Comic Actor Mithilesh 'Chhotey Babu' Shukla Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh (2005) Nominated

References

  1. ↑ "Rajpal Yadav Joins Cast Of 'Coolie No. 1' Remake". Times of India. Archived from the original on 23 July 2019. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  2. ↑ "RAJPAL YADAV". Follo.co.in. Archived from the original on 2 August 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
  3. ↑ Yadav, Rajpal (1 July 2020). "Rajpal Yadav revisits Shool". First of Many (Interview). Interviewed by Mimansa Shekhar. New Delhi: The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 31 October 2022. Retrieved 13 June 2023. The first film I signed was Shool where Anurag Kashyap, who was the writer-assistant, recommended me. Ram Gopal Varma was its producer. The film was to be shot in Bihar. They needed 4-5 new actors for small character roles. I went to their office to meet them. I met all of them for the first time during Shool, and I was cast for one of the roles, which was of a coolie.
  4. ↑ "Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama - Movie - Box Office India". www.boxofficeindia.com. Archived from the original on 5 July 2019. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  5. ↑ Bamzai, Kaveree (24 October 2005). "Film review: 'Main Meri Patni Aur Woh' starring Rajpal Yadav, Rituparna Sengupta". India Today. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  6. ↑ "Yash Bharti to 13 personalities". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
  7. ↑ "Why's Raajpal Yadav playing a transgender?". The Times of India. 16 February 2015. Archived from the original on 25 October 2017. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
  8. ↑ "Rajpal Yadav drops the trailer of his next film 'Son'". www.deccanherald.com. 12 August 2023. Archived from the original on 13 February 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  9. ↑ "Rajpal Yadav's Highly Anticipated Film, 'Son,' Unveils Trailer, Featuring a Unique Collaboration with Actress Anjali Sharma, Directed by Paul Rupesh". firstindia.co.in. 29 August 2023. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  10. ↑ "Rajpal Yadav celebrates 21 years of marriage with a heartfelt note for his wife Radha". The Times of India. 10 June 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
  11. ↑ "'My wife's an inch taller than me'". The Times of India. 19 June 2006. Archived from the original on 27 July 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
  12. ↑ "राजपाल यादव: बहुत कम लोगों को पता है कि मैं पढ़ा-लिखा हूं: राजपाल यादव - Interview with Raajpal Yadav". Navbharat Times. 6 August 2015. Archived from the original on 9 April 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
  13. ↑ "Rajpal Yadav to spend 6 days in jail, here's why". DNA India. 3 June 2016. Archived from the original on 14 July 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
  14. ↑ "Rajpal Yadav after his jail term: People misused my trust". India Today. 27 March 2019. Archived from the original on 29 July 2019. Retrieved 13 August 2019.
  15. ↑ "Rajpal Yadav cheque bounce case: Why was the Hera Pheri actor sent to Tihar Jail?". The Economic Times. 7 February 2026. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  16. ↑ "Rajpal Yadav cheque bounce case: Why was the Hera Pheri actor sent to Tihar Jail?". The Economic Times. 7 February 2026. ISSN 0013-0389. Archived from the original on 8 February 2026. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  17. ↑ "All about Rajpal Yadav ₹9 crore cheque bounce case; Here's why the actor is in Tihar Jail". Wion. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  18. ↑ "Rajpal Yadav Case: The Shocking Truth Behind 16 Years of Debt & Tihar Jail Surrender". ADV Today. 13 February 2026. Archived from the original on 14 February 2026. Retrieved 14 February 2026.
  19. ↑ "Delhi High Court orders Rajpal Yadav to surrender; actor fails to pay Rs 9 crore dues in cheque bounce cases". The Times of India. 3 February 2026. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 4 February 2026. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  20. ↑ "Why is Rajpal Yadav going to Tihar jail? Prison term, case timeline explained". Hindustan Times. 6 February 2026. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  21. ↑ "Rajpal Yadav surrenders at Tihar Jail after Delhi High Court denies relief in cheque-bounce cases". The Times of India. 6 February 2026. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 8 February 2026. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  22. ↑ "Why is 'Phir Hera Pheri' actor Rajpal Yadav in Tihar jail? Here is all you need to know about his cheque bounce case". The Times of India. 10 February 2026. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  23. ↑ Palat, Lakshana N. (10 February 2026). "'I have no money': Rajpal Yadav breaks down as he surrenders to Tihar Jail in cheque bounce case". Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, travel news, Dubai Gold rate, prayer time, cinema. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  24. ↑ Hungama, Bollywood (6 February 2026). "Rajpal Yadav before surrendering to Tihar Jail authorities, "There's no other way out, there are no friends" : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama". Archived from the original on 7 February 2026. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  25. ↑ "राजपाल यादव तिहाड़ जेल जाने से पहले हुए भावुक, कहा- क्या करूं? मेरे पास पैसे नहीं हैं, कोई उपाय नहीं". Navbharat Times (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 9 February 2026. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  26. ↑ "No money, no friends: Rajpal Yadav shares ordeal as he surrenders to court". India Today. 10 February 2026. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  27. ↑ Shukla, Vushank (10 February 2026). "Cheque Bounce Case : Rajpal Yadav Shares Ordeal As He Surrenders To Court". English Bombay Samachar. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  28. 1 2 Yadav, Komal (10 February 2026). "Sonu Sood Offers Support To Rajpal Yadav As Actor Begins Jail Term Over ₹9 Crore Debt". English Bombay Samachar. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  29. ↑ Singh, Simran. "Sonu Sood offers film to Rajpal Yadav, asks film industry to unite in his financial distress: 'It's not charity, but...'". DNA India. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  30. ↑ "'Helping Rajpal Yadav is our responsibility': Sonu Sood on Bhool Bhulaiyaa actor's ₹9 crore debt case | Exclusive". Hindustan Times. 10 February 2026. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  31. ↑ Biswas, Sneha (10 February 2026). "Sonu Sood backs Rajpal Yadav, urges film industry to support him amid ₹2.5 cr cheque bounce case: 'Not charity…'". mint. Retrieved 10 February 2026.
  32. ↑ "Rajpal Yadav refuses to reveal financial help received from Bollywood stars in ₹9 crore debt case: 'Don't want sympathy'". Hindustan Times. 19 February 2026. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
  33. ↑ Yadav, Rajpal (8 February 2007). "'The role gave me goose pimples'" (Interview). Interviewed by Patcy N. Mumbai: Rediff. Archived from the original on 17 June 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
  34. ↑ "Shaadi Teri Bajayenge Hum Band Movie: Showtimes, Review, Trailer, Posters, News & Videos | eTimes". Archived from the original on 22 February 2019. Retrieved 22 February 2019 – via timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
  35. ↑ "Luv Ki Arrange Marriage: Sunny Singh-Avneet Kaur starrer to release on ZEE5". Bollywood Hungama. 1 June 2024. Archived from the original on 1 June 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  36. ↑ "WATCH: Chandu Champion star Kartik Aaryan arrives at Mumbai theater with family to meet excited fans". Pinkvilla. 16 June 2024. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  37. ↑ "Varun Dhawan Resumes Baby John Shoot After Welcoming Baby Girl, Shares BTS Video; Watch". News18. 16 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  38. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: Rajpal Yadav begins shoot for Salman Khan starrer by Dil Raju-Vamshi Paidipally". Bollywood Hungama. 28 April 2026. Retrieved 29 April 2026.
  39. ↑ "Lage Raho Yadav Bhaiya". cbfcindia.gov.in. Retrieved 27 September 2025.
  40. ↑ "Swapna Vasavdattam_a Serial in Sanskrit_Episode 5". 17 November 2017. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 18 November 2017 – via YouTube.
  41. ↑ "Pop Kaun Trailer: Satish Kaushik's comedy once again made us laugh, fans were inconsolable after watching the last trailer". Zee Hindustan. 11 March 2023. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  42. ↑ "The 7th Annual Screen–Videocon Awards Nominations and Winners". Screen. 2001. Archived from the original on 19 February 2004. Retrieved 27 July 2022.