Rajpal Yadav Birthday: From Small Roles to Bollywood's Comedy King

Rajpal Naurang Yadav(born March 16, 1971) is an Indian actor and comedian. He gained recognition forhis negative role inRam Gopal Varma 's film Jungle (2000).

He subsequently gained recognition with audiences for his slapstick comedy. He has received numerous award nominations throughout his career, including Filmfare and Screen Awards.

His major films includeEk Aur Ek Gyarah(2003),Mujhse Shaadi Karogi(2004),Waqt: The Race Against Time(2005),Phir Hera Pheri(2006),Partner(2007),Bhool Bhulaiyaa(2007),Bhoothnath(2008),Krazzy 4(2008),Krrish 3(2013), andBhool Bhulaiyaa 2(2022).

Apart from this, hehas also worked inmany films of directorPriyadarshan likeHungama(2003),Garam Masala(2005),Malamaal Weekly(2005),Chup Chup Ke(2006) andBhagam Bhag (2006).

Rajpal Yadav has also played lead and serious roles in several films, includingMain Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon(2003),Main Meri Patni Aur Woh(2005),Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama(2008),Kushti(2010), andArdh(2022).

Career

Rajpal Yadav began his career withthe Doordarshan TV serial"Mungeri Ke Bhai Naurangilal," a sequel to the popular serial"Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne." His first film wasShool(1999), in which he played a small role as a porter.

Although he initially gained recognition for his negative roles, he later focused on comedy. He delivered brilliant comic performances in several films, includingPyaar Tune Kya Kiya, and gradually became a popular comedian in Hindi cinema.

He also played lead roles in some serious films like Ladies Tailor, Hello! Hum Lallan Bol Rahe Hain, Mirch, Benny & Bablu etc. For the film Jungle, he received the Sansui Screen Best Actor (Negative Role) Award and a Screen Best Actor nomination. Apart from this, he was also given the Yash Bharati Award and Janapada Ratna Award for the film "Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon". In the year 2015, he made his debut in Telugu cinema with the filmKick 2.He also worked in the multilingual film "Amma".

Also read:Rajpal Yadav: Priyadarshan Stands by Actor in Tough Phase, Hikes His Fee?

Controversy

In 2013, Rajpal Yadav was sentenced to 10 days in prison for filing a false affidavit in court. He remained in jail from December 3 to December 6, 2013, after which the High Court stayed his sentence. On November 30, 2018, the Delhi High Court sentenced him to three months in civil prison for failing to repay a loan taken for a film he directed in 2010.

In February 2026, the Delhi High Court rejected his plea for additional time ina long-runningcheque bounce case, after which he was sentto Tihar Jail. The case related to a loan taken forhis 2010 directorial film,Ata Pata Laapata, which had grown to nearly ₹9 croredue to interest and penalties.

He surrendered on February 5, 2026, to serve a six-month sentence underthe Negotiable Instruments Act. Before going to jail, he said that he had no money and could see no way out of this problem. This news generated widespread discussion in the film industry and on social media. ActorSonu Soodsupported him, saying he would offer him work in his upcoming film and even pay his signing amount to help him financially. Later in 2026, Rajpal Yadav was granted interim bail in the case after he deposited a portion of the outstanding amount as per the court order. However, he refused to reveal the names of the Bollywood figures who had helped him.

Also read:Rajpal Yadav News: Actor Reacts to Industry Support, Says No Need to Name Anyone

Rajpal Yadav's childhood was spent in financial hardship.

Rajpal Yadav's childhood was spent in dire financial straits. His father raised six children, and he supported them by farming. After leaving school, Rajpal Yadav also worked as a tailor in a clothing factory for two years.

The actor used to get Rs 3300 for doing drama.

Rajpal Yadav wasn't particularly good at his studies. However, he had a passion for acting from an early age. After graduating from Lucknow University in 1994, he enrolled in a drama school in Delhi. There, he received a salary of 3,300 rupees for his plays, giving 2,200 rupees to his seniors. After completing his studies, he received a job offer, which offered him a salary of 20,000 rupees. However, he rejected the offer and moved to Mumbai.

Also read:Rajpal Yadav Starts Fresh After Tihar Release, Launches His Own YouTube Channel

Rajpal got recognition from the film Jungle

Rajpal Yadav began his career with small roles. He gained recognition with Ram Gopal Varma's film Jungle (2000), in which he played a terrorist. However, the film failed to do well at the box office.

Chota Don has gone to Tihar Jail

Rajpal Yadav took out a loan of five crore rupees for a film. However, due to financial constraints, he was unable to repay the loan. He issued a cheque which bounced. For this, he was imprisoned in Tihar Jail for three months in 2018.

Also read:Rajpal Yadav Urges Film Federation to Create an Industry Investment Fund

His first wife died during delivery.

Rajpal married Karuna at the age of 20. However, Karuna died during the delivery of their daughter in 1991. He then married Radha in 2003.

Upcoming movie

Rajpal Yadav has a long list of upcoming films in 2026, which mainly includes the horror-comedy 'Bhoot Bangla' directed by Priyadarshan (releasing April 10, 2026) and the comedy film 'Welcome to the Jungle'.

FAQs

1. Who is Rajpal Yadav?

Rajpal Yadavis a famous Indian actor and comedian, known for his brilliant comic acting in Hindi films.

2. When and where was Rajpal Yadav born?

Rajpal Yadav was born on16 March 1971in Shahjahanpur district of Uttar Pradesh.

3. Which film gave Rajpal Yadav recognition in films?

He gained real recognition with his negative role inJungle(2000), directed byRam Gopal Varma.

4. What are the popular films of Rajpal Yadav?

His popular films includeHungama,Phir Hera Pheri,Bhool Bhulaiyaa,Partner,andBhool Bhulaiyaa 2.

5. Has Rajpal Yadav studied acting?

Yes, he has takenacting training fromNational School of Drama (NSD).