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Actor Rajpal Yadav’s Old Praise for Salman Khan Resurfaces Amid Legal Troubles
A video circulating on social media purportedly showing actor Rajpal Yadav thanking Bollywood star Salman Khan after his release from jail has been identified as misleading. The clip, which has gained significant traction online, is actually from 2018 and is unrelated to Yadav’s current legal situation.
Yadav, 54, surrendered at Delhi’s Tihar Jail on February 5 in connection with a cheque-bounce case. The actor reportedly took a loan of Rs 5 crore to finance his 2010 directorial debut, “Ata Pata Laapata.” Over the years, this debt allegedly grew to Rs 9 crore, which Yadav failed to repay despite the film’s release in 2012.
The viral video shows Yadav speaking highly of Salman Khan, calling him “a brother” and praising him as one of the few people in the industry who helps others. An Instagram account sharing the clip claimed it showed Yadav expressing gratitude to Khan after being recently released from jail.
However, a fact-check conducted by India Today revealed that the video actually captures Yadav’s comments after Khan was granted bail in the Black Buck poaching case in April 2018. In the original footage, Yadav was specifically responding to questions about Khan’s legal situation, not discussing his own.
Contrary to what the viral post suggests, Yadav has not yet been released from jail in the current case. According to reports from February 13, the Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear Yadav’s bail plea on February 16. An earlier attempt to secure bail on February 12 was unsuccessful, with the court directing the complainant to file a response to the application and asking Yadav’s counsel to clarify how the actor intends to make the payment.
While some reports suggest that fellow actors including Salman Khan, Sonu Sood, and Ajay Devgn have extended financial support to Yadav during his current legal troubles, there are no verified reports or recent videos of Yadav acknowledging such assistance.
This incident highlights the growing issue of decontextualized media being shared online. The original four-year-old video was repurposed to create a false narrative connecting it to Yadav’s current legal situation, potentially misleading thousands of social media users about the status of his case and his relationship with other Bollywood figures.
Yadav’s current legal troubles stem from financial difficulties that began over a decade ago. His directorial venture “Ata Pata Laapata” reportedly faced commercial challenges, leaving the actor unable to repay the substantial loan he had secured for the project. The case underscores the financial pressures faced by even established film industry professionals when venturing into production and direction.
The incident also reflects a common pattern in the Indian entertainment industry, where actors often support colleagues facing personal or legal difficulties. Such support systems become particularly important for character actors like Yadav, who despite enjoying popularity and critical acclaim, may not command the same financial security as leading stars.
As the Delhi High Court prepares to hear Yadav’s bail application, fans and industry colleagues continue to monitor the situation closely. Known for his distinctive comedic roles in numerous Hindi films, Yadav has built a dedicated following over his decades-long career, making his current legal troubles a matter of significant public interest in India’s entertainment circles.
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9 Comments
This is a good reminder to always approach viral videos and social media claims with a critical eye. It’s far too easy for old or unrelated content to be repurposed and spread as something new.
This fact check highlights the importance of responsible journalism in an age of rampant misinformation. Kudos to the team for taking the time to properly verify the origins and context of this viral video.
It’s unfortunate to hear about Yadav’s ongoing legal troubles. The entertainment industry can certainly be a challenging environment, and it’s admirable when actors lend support to each other during difficult times.
I’m curious to learn more about the details of Yadav’s financial situation and the alleged debt that led to his recent legal troubles. It’s an unfortunate situation, but transparency can help provide important context.
I wonder if Yadav’s positive comments about Salman Khan from a few years ago still reflect his current sentiments, or if their relationship has changed over time. It would be interesting to hear an updated perspective from him.
Fact-checking is so important these days to combat the spread of misinformation. Kudos to the team at India Today for taking the time to properly verify the origins of this video.
Legal troubles can be such a burden for public figures. I hope Yadav is able to resolve his issues and move forward in a positive way, whether or not his relationship with Salman Khan plays a role.
Interesting to see this old video of Rajpal Yadav praising Salman Khan resurfacing. It’s a good reminder to always verify the context and date of viral clips before spreading them further.
Rajpal Yadav seems to have a long history in the industry and has worked with many big names. It would be fascinating to learn more about his experiences navigating the ups and downs of a career in Bollywood.