'We want to save him': Priyadarshan hikes Rajpal Yadav's fee amid cheque bounce case

Rajpal Yadav is currently in Tihar jail. The Bollywood actor is serving a jail term in connection to a cheque bounce case relating to his 2012 film, Ata Pata Laapata, which tanked at the box office. The actor took a Rs 5 crore loan from the bank; however, he was unable to return the amount. Multiple cheque bounces resulted in a conviction under the Negotiable Instruments Act, and the actor was asked to surrender. Over time, interest, penalties, and late payments, the total dues reached nearly Rs 9 crore. Ahead of the next hearing scheduled for Monday, February 16, filmmaker Priyadarshan, who has worked with Rajpal in many of his films, has announced that he has increased the actor's fee amid his mounting financial struggles.

Filmmaker Priyadarshan, who has worked with Rajpal Yadav in movies such as Malamaal Weekly, Bhagam



Bhaag, Chup Chup Ke, De Dana Dan, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, has also extended his support as the latter serves a jail term in a cheque bounce case. Talking about his long-stand association with Rajpal, the filmmaker told Mid-Day, "I have known him for more than 20 years. I saw him for the first time in Jungle and was surprised by his performance. My first film with him was Malamaal Weekly, and after that, he has starred in most of my films. I told the producers (Jubilee Films) of my next film to pay Rajpal more than what he charges because of his situation. We want to save him. The producers have agreed. Rajpal plays the villain in my movie."

"I knew about his problem. That's why I kept signing Rajpal for every film. I pushed him in ad films too. The poor guy made a blunder because of his poor education. Rajpal is a good soul," he also said.