Actor Rajpal Yadav, known for his comic roles in films likeBhool Bhulaiyaa(2007) andHungama(2003), surrendered at Delhi’s Tihar Jail on Thursday after the Delhi High Court denied his request for additional time to repay a loan in a cheque-bounce case. The actor, 54, revealed to Bollywood Hungama that he had no money or friends to turn to, and surrendering was his only recourse.

The case dates back to 2018, related to a Rs 5 crore loan Yadav took from a Delhi-based businessman in 2010 for his directorial debutAta Pata Laapata. Despite the film’s release in 2012, the actor failed to repay the loan. Yadav had previously been summoned by the court multiple times and was sent to 10 days of judicial custody during earlier proceedings.

The Delhi High Court emphasised the principle of equality before the law, stating that Yadav’s profession in the film industry could not justify special treatment. The bench noted that repeated leniency would weaken judicial authority.

Amid the legal proceedings, Yadav received messages of support from industry peers. Actor Sonu Sood urged fellow filmmakers and colleagues to extend help, calling it an act of dignity rather than charity, and affirmed that Yadav would be part of his upcoming projects.

Rajpal Yadav’s career spans over two decades, with roles in nearly 150 films across Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, Avadhi, Bengali, and English cinema. He will next appear in Priyadarshan’s horror-comedyBhoot Banglaalongside Akshay Kumar, scheduled for release on April 10, and has also completed filming forWelcome to The Jungle.

The case highlights both the actor’s personal financial struggles and the broader issue of accountability, while also sparking solidarity within the film industry.