Rajpal Yadav Describes Feeling 'Born Again' Following Prison Release
Veteran Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has revealed that he feels like he has been given a new life—almost as if he is a child again—after enduring a challenging legal ordeal. The past few weeks proved particularly difficult for the comedian, who was briefly incarcerated in Tihar Jail due to an old cheque-bounce case involving approximately Rs 9 crore.
Overwhelming Industry Support Leads to Swift Bail
The situation triggered an outpouring of support from across the film industry, with numerous colleagues, producers, and well-wishers stepping forward to help Yadav repay a portion of the outstanding amount. This collective effort played a crucial role in facilitating his release on bail within days of his imprisonment.
When asked about his current state of mind after the legal turmoil, Yadav told Hindustan Times, “Raahat hi hai zindagi mein (There is only relief in life),” adding, “You all are here, people from around the country and the world.”
Emotional Debt to Supporters Worldwide
The actor becomes visibly emotional when recalling the overwhelming backing he received during his crisis. “When you are stuck in a situation and at that point, the people for whom you have been working for 20 years stand by you. Whether it is a child or a senior citizen, it does not matter. People prayed for me, others supported me with tan, mann, dhan, whatever they could. That made me a hundred years younger,” he shared.
In his trademark humorous style, Rajpal also spoke about feeling deeply indebted, not financially but emotionally, to those who stood by him. “I feel I am not indebted to so many people from around the world who wished well for me. Yeh jo karz hua hai poori duniya ka mere upar, iss karz mein main doobna chahta hoon (I feel I am in debt to the entire world, and I want to stay in it),” he said with a smile.
A Transformative Experience and Renewed Perspective
Reflecting on how the experience has fundamentally transformed him, Yadav elaborated, “I must have lived 500 lives in the last 40 years, since I started doing theatre at the age of 14. But now I feel like I have been born again. I feel like a child again.”
Despite the significant emotional and physical toll such legal struggles can exact, Rajpal insists he has always maintained resilience. He recalled a formative childhood incident that shaped his enduring outlook: “I have seen death from up close. I almost drowned in the Ganga. At that point, I told myself to keep fighting, to try to surface. You fight the pressure of the water pulling you down. Aapki aadhi jaan nikal jaati hai (You lose half your strength).”
Drawing a direct parallel with his recent ordeal, he added, “I’m a fighter. In my life, I got sympathy and love from my family and so many other families in the world. So much the world and Indian cinema have given me, it keeps me fighting. I want to live every minute of my life in peace now. Raahat ki saans chahiye. Tabhi has paunga or hasa paunga (Only then can I laugh and make others laugh).”
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Film 'Bhooth Bangla'
Yadav is currently promoting his upcoming horror-comedy film 'Bhooth Bangla', shortly after a court declined to have him arrested again in the ongoing case. The movie, directed by Priyadarshan, features an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Tabu, and Wamiqa Gabbi, and is scheduled for theatrical release on April 10.
This period marks a significant chapter of recovery and gratitude for the actor, as he navigates life with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation for the support system that rallied around him during his time of need.
