Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav surrenders in Tihar Jail over a 2010 cheque bounce case. Sonu Sood supports him, urging the film industry to stand together and offer help during tough times.

Bollywood actor Sonu Sood has expressed his strong support for fellow actor Rajpal Yadav, who surrendered at Tihar Jail on Thursday following a long-standing cheque bounce case. Sonu Sood called Rajpal Yadav a “gifted actor” and urged the film industry to stand together during challenging times.

Rajpal Yadav surrendered in Tihar Jail around 4 pm after the Delhi High Court rejected his final plea for more time to arrange funds. The plea was connected to a financial dispute dating back to 2010, involving his directorial venture Ata Pata Laapata. The court’s decision effectively concluded a legal battle spanning over 15 years.

Sonu Sood Appeals to Film Industry for Support

Known for his humanitarian work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sonu Sood took to Instagram to extend his support to Rajpal Yadav. He requested filmmakers and producers to offer small signing amounts for future projects, emphasizing that this gesture is “not charity, it’s dignity.” Sonu wrote:

“Rajpal Yadav is a gifted actor who has given years of unforgettable work to our industry. Sometimes life turns unfair, not because of talent, but because timing can be brutal. He will be part of my film, and I believe this is the moment for all of us – producers, directors, colleagues – to stand together. When one of our own is going through a tough phase, the industry must remind him he’s not alone.”

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Background: The Cheque Bounce Case

The legal dispute traces back to 2010 when Rajpal Yadav borrowed Rs 5 crore from Murali Projects Pvt Ltd to finance Ata Pata Laapata. Unfortunately, the film flopped at the box office, leaving Yadav unable to repay the loan. Several cheques issued for repayment later bounced, prompting the lender to file a case under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.

In April 2018, a Magistrate’s Court convicted Yadav and his wife, sentencing them to six months in jail. Despite multiple appeals over the years, the case remained unresolved, with the outstanding dues reportedly increasing to nearly Rs 9 crore. Partial payments, including Rs 75 lakh in 2025, were made, but delays in settling the amount drew the court’s criticism.

On February 4, 2026, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma rejected Yadav’s final request for an extension, stating that leniency could no longer be granted regardless of his public stature. The court ordered him to surrender immediately.

Rajpal Yadav Surrenders, Legal Chapter Concludes

Following his surrender, the money deposited with the court was released to Murali Projects Pvt Ltd, marking a significant step toward closure in the long-standing case. The actor will now serve a six-month sentence at Tihar Jail.

With Sonu Sood and several others publicly supporting Rajpal Yadav, the Bollywood community is reminded of the importance of solidarity and empathy during difficult times, especially for actors who have contributed immensely to the industry.