Rajpal Yadav has spoken about the financial and legal issues that have followed him for several years, saying his present liabilities are around Rs 25-30 crore. The actor made the comments in an interview with NDTV while discussing the debt figures linked to him, the cases connected to his film Ata Pata Laapata, and his approach to repaying money owed.
His remarks come after renewed attention on the long-running dispute over the financing of Ata Pata Laapata, his directorial venture. In July 2026, the Delhi High Court upheld his conviction in seven cheque-bounce cases connected to the film’s financing. The court reduced his sentence to three months in each case, with the sentences to run concurrently, and also imposed financial penalties.
Dispute linked to Ata Pata Laapata
The case dates back to 2010, when a company invested Rs 5 crore in Ata Pata Laapata. According to the Delhi High Court judgment cited in the source report, an agreement provided for repayment of Rs 8 crore, including the agreed profit. Rajpal Yadav and his wife, Radha Rajpal Yadav, had signed as guarantors.
The repayment dispute later led to cheque-bounce proceedings that continued for years. Rajpal said the legal problems began after the release of the film was stayed by the High Court in 2012. He claimed he has faced 30-35 cases across different places since then.
Speaking about the present amount owed, he said, “Roughly Rs 25-30 crore. At one point, the figure had reached nearly Rs 50 crore over 15-20 years, but repayments, family responsibilities, and court cases reduced it. Since 2012, when my film release was first stayed by the High Court, I’ve faced 30-35 cases across different places. But I’ve always said I’m entangled, not drowned. Agreements, cheques, or verbal commitments – all are honoured with respect.”
Actor disputes larger figures
Rajpal also objected to what he described as misleading figures being circulated about the money he has received. He said that people are assuming amounts without knowing the details, and maintained that the assistance he received was used properly.
“Whoever helped, I’m deeply grateful. But the figures circulating are misleading. Assistance was used properly and will be returned. The confusion is that people assume amounts without knowing the facts,” he said.
The actor described his financial situation as one built over many years, involving both borrowing and lending. He said he had helped others financially while also taking money from several people.
“I’ve given money to about 150 people, borrowed from 150 as well. In life, when you attempt something big, you may face losses of Rs 10-20 crore, and debts of Rs 10, 20, 30 crore pile up. But you also repay them through your earnings,” he shared.
Bank recovery proceedings also in focus
The interview follows another recent development involving Rajpal’s properties. Earlier this month, the Central Bank of India initiated recovery proceedings over reported outstanding dues of Rs 16.61 crore. Notices were issued concerning properties in Shahjahanpur. As per the source report, an online auction has been scheduled for September 9 if the dues are not cleared.
Rajpal also addressed the issue of cheques, which have been central to the earlier legal proceedings against him. He said he sees cheques as proof that agreements and commitments existed, including in cases involving guarantees or security.
“If cheques are in circulation, it means agreements were made. That itself is proof of honesty – whether for guarantee or security. Money doesn’t belong to one kitchen alone; the kitchens of 140 crore people in this country depend on circulating money,” he stated.
The financial controversy around Rajpal Yadav now includes multiple proceedings over different periods, including the cheque-bounce cases connected to Ata Pata Laapata and the Central Bank recovery proceedings. In his latest comments, the actor said he remains committed to honouring financial obligations, while describing the matter as a prolonged entanglement.
Source: Bollywood Hungama.