Upendrra Rai, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Express News Network, has extended financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to actor Rajpal Yadav, who has begun serving a prison sentence in a long-running legal case.
The support comes at a critical juncture for the actor, who surrendered earlier this month after the Delhi High Court declined to grant him any further relief in the matter.
CMD Upendrra Rai’s gesture has drawn attention for offering assistance at a time when Yadav told the court he lacked both financial resources and a support system.
Rajpal Yadav gained widespread recognition for his performances in popular Hindi films such as Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Hungama and Welcome, where his comic roles earned him a distinct place in Indian cinema.
However, his recent legal troubles have brought focus to the vulnerabilities artists can face beyond their professional success.
Background of the Legal Case
The case dates back to 2010, when a production company alleged that Rajpal Yadav and his wife, Radha Yadav, had taken a loan of Rs 5 crore for the production of the film Ata Pata Lapata.
The complainant further claimed that the couple assured repayment of an additional Rs 8 crore and filed a formal complaint in 2018.
That year, a magistrate court convicted Rajpal Yadav under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, which deals with cheque bounce offences, and sentenced him to six months’ imprisonment.
Yadav challenged the conviction in higher courts, leading to the suspension of his sentence for several years while appeals were heard.
During this period, the actor made partial repayments but repeatedly failed to comply with court-mandated deadlines.
In February 2026, the Delhi High Court refused to grant any further extension and directed him to surrender immediately, observing that he had displayed a lack of seriousness in complying with earlier orders.
During the hearing, Yadav informed the court of his financial distress, stating that he had no funds and no support to manage the situation. He subsequently surrendered at Tihar Jail and began serving his sentence.
To read more such news, download Bharat Express news apps
