Rajpal Yadav was recently lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail following a verdict by the Delhi High Court in connection with a ₹9 crore cheque bounce case. Earlier this week, he was granted bail. After his release, the actor spoke about his time in prison, the support he received from the film fraternity, and the remarks he made about introducing a smoking zone inside jail premises. However, he refrained from discussing in detail why he has been unable to repay the loan.
When asked about the loan and the circumstances behind it, Rajpal said he would prefer to respond through his legal team to avoid any misunderstandings. He mentioned that a detailed clarification would be shared after consulting with his lawyers in Noida.
Reflecting on his time in jail, the actor said the experience was emotionally overwhelming. Quoting a Manna Dey song to describe how time felt stretched and heavy, he expressed gratitude to those who stood by him. Rajpal thanked colleagues, well-wishers, and supporters—both those who publicly voiced their support on social media and those who extended help privately—for their encouragement and offers of financial assistance.
Addressing the controversy around his suggestion of a smoking zone in prison, Rajpal clarified that it was a demand raised by inmates and that he was “dazed” when he responded to questions immediately after his release. He emphasized that no one is above the law and acknowledged that inmates are serving sentences for their mistakes. At the same time, he said he believes in second chances, adding that many prisoners, especially those who have served long terms, should be evaluated based on their conduct and given opportunities to rebuild their lives. He maintained that his comments were neither political nor authoritative, but simply a reflection of what he felt after witnessing hope in the eyes of fellow inmates.
When asked whether he would consider writing a book about his experiences, Rajpal said he might, but added that he is still trying to process everything that has happened.
Concluding the conversation, the actor once again thanked everyone who offered him support over the past three decades of his career. He described himself as someone nurtured by the love of the country and expressed heartfelt gratitude to all well-wishers. Admitting that he is exhausted, Rajpal said he now needs time to rest and recover.
