NEW DELHI: Actor and comedian Rajpal Yadav surrendered before the authorities at Tihar jail in Delhi in connection with multiple cheque-bounce cases after the Delhi high court rejected his plea seeking more time to repay the outstanding amount.Rajpal Yadav, an NSD graduate known for his roles in films such as Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Waqt, Phir Hera Pheri, Partner, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Hungama and Chup Chup Ke, is facing seven cheque-bounce cases and is required to pay nearly Rs 9 crore.The Delhi high court had earlier directed Rajpal Yadav to make payments of Rs 1.35 crore in each of the seven cases. The court also ordered that the amount already deposited with the registrar general of the high court be released in favour of the complainant. However, after Yadav failed to comply with the payment schedule, the court declined to grant him additional time, following which he surrendered to jail authorities.The cases stem from a loan of Rs 5 crore that Yadav had taken in 2010 from M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd for his directorial debut film ‘Ata Pata Laapata’. The film failed at the box office, and the loan amount remained unpaid, leading to the cheque-bounce litigation.Before surrendering, Yadav told Bollywood Hungama that he had no financial means to clear the dues. When asked whether he had sought help from colleagues in the film industry, he said, “Everyone is on their own” in the industry.Meanwhile, actor Sonu Sood announced support for Yadav following his surrender. In a social media post, Sood said Yadav would be part of his upcoming film and would receive a signing amount.“Rajpal Yadav is a gifted actor who has given years of unforgettable work to our industry. Sometimes life turns unfair, not because of talent, but because timing can be brutal. He will be part of my film, and I believe this is the moment for all of us… Producers, directors, colleagues to stand together,” Sood wrote.He added that the industry should “remind him he’s not alone”, stating that “A small signing amount, adjustable against future work, is not charity, it’s dignity.”(With agency inputs)
