Rajpal Yadav Net Worth

What is Rajpal Yadav's net worth?

Rajpal Yadav is an Indian actor and comedian who has a net worth of $100 thousand.

Rajpal Yadav is best known for his distinctive comic timing and scene-stealing performances across Hindi cinema. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Yadav became one of Bollywood's most recognizable character actors, frequently cast as the energetic, anxious, or eccentric side figure who elevated ensemble comedies. His work in films such as "Hungama," "Chup Chup Ke," "Bhool Bhulaiyaa," and "Garam Masala" helped define the comedy boom of the 2000s, making him a familiar and reliable presence for mainstream audiences.

Unlike traditional leading men, Yadav built his career through volume, versatility, and memorability. He appeared in hundreds of films, often in supporting roles that left a lasting impression despite limited screen time. Directors frequently relied on his physical expressiveness and rapid-fire dialogue delivery to inject humor into otherwise straightforward narratives. While comedy became his trademark, Yadav also took on dramatic and character-driven roles, demonstrating range beyond slapstick.

Despite professional success and longevity, Yadav's later years were overshadowed by highly publicized financial and legal troubles stemming from a failed film project. Those issues ultimately culminated in a jail sentence, sharply contrasting with the lighthearted image that had defined most of his on-screen career.

Financial and Legal Problems

Rajpal Yadav's legal troubles originated in 2010, when he borrowed ₹5 crore, approximately $600,000 USD, from Delhi-based Murli Projects Pvt Ltd to finance "Ata Pata Laapata." The film underperformed at the box office, leaving Yadav unable to repay the loan as agreed.

To settle the debt, Yadav issued multiple post-dated cheques. Seven of those cheques bounced, triggering criminal proceedings under Section 138 of India's Negotiable Instruments Act, which governs cheque dishonour cases. In April 2018, a magisterial court convicted Yadav and his wife, Radha, sentencing him to six months of simple imprisonment. The conviction was upheld by a Sessions Court in early 2019.

Although Yadav pursued appeals and received temporary relief, interest and penalties caused the original ₹5 crore loan to grow to roughly ₹9 crore, or about $1.08 million USD. Courts repeatedly granted extensions to allow repayment, but records later showed a pattern of missed deadlines and broken undertakings.

By late 2025, Yadav had deposited only ₹75 lakh, roughly $90,000 USD, with the court. Additional promises to pay ₹40 lakh (about $48,000 USD) and later ₹25 lakh (around $30,000 USD) were not fulfilled. Judges noted that Yadav had violated nearly 20 separate commitments to pay over the years.

In February 2026, after rejecting a final plea for more time, the Delhi High Court ordered Yadav to surrender. He was subsequently sent to Tihar Jail to serve his six-month sentence, with deposited funds released to the complainant company. The imprisonment stemmed not from business failure alone, but from repeated non-compliance with court orders.

Early Life

Rajpal Yadav was born on March 16, 1971, in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. He grew up in a modest household and developed an early interest in acting and performance. Determined to pursue the craft seriously, Yadav trained at the National School of Drama in New Delhi, one of India's most prestigious acting institutions.

His formal training distinguished him from many contemporaries who entered the industry without theatrical backgrounds. That foundation helped him approach even broad comedic roles with structure and discipline.

Early Career

Yadav began his film career in the late 1990s, initially appearing in small roles that showcased his expressive face and vocal flexibility. His early work included supporting performances in both mainstream and art-house films, allowing him to gain exposure while refining his screen presence.

Though he did not achieve instant stardom, his reliability and adaptability quickly made him a favorite among casting directors. By the early 2000s, he was regularly appearing in multiple releases per year.

(STRDEL/AFP via Getty Images)

Breakthrough in Comedy

Rajpal Yadav's breakthrough came with a string of successful comedies that cemented his reputation as one of Bollywood's most dependable comic actors. Films like "Hungama," "Chup Chup Ke," "Bhool Bhulaiyaa," and "Garam Masala" showcased his ability to dominate scenes through exaggerated reactions, nervous energy, and precise timing.

Rather than playing interchangeable comic roles, Yadav often created distinct personalities that audiences remembered long after the credits rolled. His performances became a crucial ingredient in ensemble casts, particularly during the height of mid-budget Hindi comedies.

Career Volume and Range

Over the course of his career, Yadav appeared in well over 200 films, making him one of the most prolific actors in Indian cinema. While comedy remained his primary lane, he also took on dramatic roles and supporting parts in thrillers and socially themed films.

In 2012, Yadav attempted to expand his creative control by directing the film "Ata Pata Laapata." The project marked a major turning point in his life, not because of artistic success, but because of the financial fallout that followed.

NARINDER NANU /AFP

Personal Life

Rajpal Yadav is married to Radha Yadav, and the couple has children together. His family was directly impacted by the legal case, as his wife was also named in the original proceedings related to the bounced cheques.

Legacy

Rajpal Yadav's legacy in Indian cinema is complex. On screen, he remains one of the most influential comic actors of his generation, responsible for countless memorable moments across popular Hindi films. Off screen, his financial collapse stands as a cautionary tale about risk, overextension, and the legal consequences of failed repayment obligations.

Despite the controversies that marked his later career, Yadav's contribution to Bollywood comedy remains substantial, and his performances continue to be revisited by audiences long after his peak years in the industry.

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