New Delhi: Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav found himself at the centre of an unusual exchange in the Supreme Court on Wednesday, October 7, when the Chief Justice suggested that he make a good movie and entertain audiences again to rebuild his image.
The remark came during a hearing linked to Yadav’s long-running cheque-bounce cases, where the actor has been directed to deposit Rs 2 crore as part payment towards the dues.
What Did The Supreme Court Tell Rajpal Yadav?
During the hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant asked Yadav whether he had a new movie coming up and encouraged him to return to entertaining audiences. The court suggested that making a good film could help rebuild his image. The CJI even joked that some lawyers in the court could make good actors and suggested that Yadav could feature them in a film.
The light-hearted exchange came after the court dealt with the more serious issue of Yadav’s pending financial obligations.
Why Was Rajpal Yadav In The Supreme Court?
Yadav appeared personally before the Supreme Court in connection with a series of cheque-bounce cases stemming from a financial agreement linked to his 2012 film Ata Pata Laapata. The dispute relates to Rs 5 crore that Yadav had received from M/s Murli Projects Pvt Ltd to finance the film. The complainant later alleged that cheques issued towards repayment were dishonoured.
The legal battle has continued for years, with Yadav challenging his conviction and sentence. The Delhi High Court had upheld his conviction in multiple cheque-bounce cases and sentenced him to three months in prison.
How Much Money Has Rajpal Yadav Deposited?
During Wednesday’s hearing, Yadav submitted demand drafts totalling Rs 1.15 crore in compliance with the Supreme Court’s earlier direction.
His counsel also told the court that a prospective buyer had been found for his property and was willing to deposit another Rs 85 lakh with the court registry.
The court has directed that the Rs 2 crore payment be completed by October 13.
What Did Rajpal Yadav Say About His Financial Losses?
Yadav told the court that he had worked in around 200 to 250 films and claimed that he had suffered losses of Rs 200–250 crore over the past 13 years.
He specifically referred to Ata Pata Laapata, saying the film caused substantial financial losses and did not ultimately receive the theatrical release he had expected.
According to Yadav’s submission, the film was planned for release in around 1,200 theatres but did not release in even one.
What Is The Status Of Rajpal Yadav’s Case?
The Supreme Court has given Yadav additional time to arrange the required payment, while making it clear that it was not satisfied with his previous conduct in the matter.
The case is now listed for further hearing next week.
For now, the courtroom exchange has also put the spotlight back on Yadav’s film career, with the Supreme Court’s unusual suggestion that a good movie could help the actor reconnect with audiences and rebuild his image.
