Mumbai: A lighthearted moment at the Screen Awards 2026 turned into a trending topic online after actor Rajpal Yadav was seemingly mocked during a live segment, prompting a heartfelt response from Salman Khan in support of the comedian.
The incident occurred while journalist Saurabh Dwivedi hosted a segment, making a remark about Rajpal’s reported financial case: “Rajpal bhai, dollar kitna bhi upar-neeche ho jaye, aapko utne hi paise lautane padenge, jitne udhar hai.” The comment appeared to catch Yadav off guard, though he handled it with grace, responding, “Masla toh sun lo ek baar. Main toh masla hi sunana chahta hoon.”
The clip quickly went viral, sparking discussions online. While some viewers considered the remark insensitive, others debated the humor and intent behind the exchange.
Amid the growing chatter, Salman Khan publicly came to Yadav’s defense. In a message that has since circulated widely, Salman lauded Rajpal’s 30-year-long contribution to Indian cinema, emphasizing his professionalism and talent. “Rajpal bhai, aap 30 saal se kaam kar rahe ho aur hum sabne aapko baar-baar repeat kiya hai kyunki aap apna kaam jaante ho aur ek value laate ho,” Salman said.
He further reassured the actor that his work would continue to come, regardless of circumstances, adding, “Kaam toh aapko bohot milega dollar upar ho ya neeche kya farak padta hai, dena toh India mein hi hai.” The veteran actor encouraged Rajpal to remain focused and keep working with dedication.
The exchange has become one of the most talked-about moments of the evening, with fans praising Salman Khan for standing up for his colleague and highlighting the camaraderie within the film industry.
