Actor Rajpal Yadav on Wednesday expressed gratitude to the film fraternity and audiences after being released from Tihar Jail in connection with a cheque-bounce case. Speaking to PTI Video from his ancestral village in Shahjahanpur district, he said he received immense love and support during his time in custody.
He suggested that prisons should introduce “designated smoking areas inside jails, similar to facilities at railway stations and airports.” At the same time, he clarified that he was not promoting tobacco use and said he had tried to quit smoking several times.
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The actor also said that prisons should act as reform centres where inmates are given structured opportunities to improve themselves, though he added that the law must remain supreme for those unwilling to reform. “It is often difficult to judge from the outside who is a hardened criminal and who made a one-time mistake,” he said.
Rajpal added that his lawyer, Bhaskar Upadhyay, would respond to legal questions and that he would not speak to the media for two days due to a family wedding. He plans to address queries at a later press conference.
“I want to increase my earnings, not change my currency,” he said, stressing that he had sought time, not sympathy. He also remarked, “Laugh at Rajpal Yadav or laugh because of Rajpal Yadav,” adding that he does not mind if his photos or videos benefit others.
Bail granted after partial payment in a cheque-bounce case
Rajpal Yadav had been sent to jail last week after the high court rejected his plea seeking more time to repay the outstanding amount in the cheque-bounce case, which involves nearly ₹9 crore.
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On Monday, the Delhi High Court suspended his sentence till March 18 and allowed his release. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma granted relief after noting that he had deposited ₹1.5 crore in the bank account of the complainant, M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd.
After he surrendered to Tihar Jail authorities, actors Sonu Sood and Gurmeet Choudhary, along with music composer Rao Inderjit Yadav, offered financial assistance to his family and appealed for support.
