Rajpal Yadav, known for memorable performances in films like ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’, ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’, ‘Waqt’ and ‘Bhoothnath’, has once shared heartfelt memories of working with some of Indian cinema’s biggest stars. In an old interview, the actor reflected on collaborating with
Salman Khan,
Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan.
His bond with Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan
In an interview with Lallantop, Rajpal spoke warmly about his long association with Salman Khan. He described working on ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’ as a “fantastic experience”. According to him, “Salman bhai is good to everyone on set, unka apna attitude hai zindagi jeene ka. Everyone loves him. Once you become his friend, you realise he is very calm, cool, simple and such a pure at heart person.”
KRK Turns ‘Saviour’ for Rajpal Yadav, Calls Out Industry During ₹9 Crore Crisis
He added, “His public appearance is an attitude in itself. I have greatly enjoyed working with him, I must have done 7-8 films with him, and every film was a unique experience. The best part about Salman bhai is that he treats everyone–from spot boys to co-actors– really well. He is good to everyone.”
Speaking about Shah Rukh Khan, Rajpal recalled the joy of shooting ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ in New York. “It was a joy to do the film. I got to spend a wonderful time with Shah Rukh bhai in New York, I was there for almost a week.”
He remembered the famous dinner scene fondly and said rehearsals were filled with laughter. “He has inspired me a lot in my life,” Rajpal shared.
Learning from Amitabh Bachchan
When he spoke about Amitabh Bachchan, his tone turned reverent. Rajpal often calls him “badke bhaiyaa”. He said working with Amitabh Bachchan feels like a life lesson in itself. “For over 50 years, he has done everything in the field of acting. He faced several obstacles, personal, medical, battled everything. The one who wins every battle, makes people smile and smiles himself at the face of everything, he is called Amitabh Bachchan.”
He also praised his humility. “He has such a pure, simple heart, if you sit and talk to him for 30 mins, it would feel like both of you have known each other for decades.”
The legal battle that changed everything
Behind the smiles, Rajpal has been fighting a long legal case. Recently, he surrendered at Delhi’s Tihar Jail in a cheque bounce case linked to his directorial movie Ata Pata Laapata. In 2010, he took a large loan to finance his film Ata Pata Laapata. The film failed at the box office. Financial pressure mounted and cheques bounced. In 2018, a magistrate’s court convicted him and his wife. The pending amount reportedly increased to nearly Rs 9 crore. Although he repaid portions of the dues, including ₹75 lakh in 2025. Despite partial repayments, delays continued. On February 4, 2026, the court rejected his final plea for more time and ordered him to surrender.
“Sir, kya karoon?” – his emotional plea
Just before surrendering, Rajpal broke down. He was quoted by News X saying,, “Sir, kya karoon? Mere paas paise nahin hain. Aur koi upaay nahin dikhta… Sir, yahan hum sab akele hain. There are no friends. I have to deal with this crisis on my own.” His words revealed pain and isolation.
The industry steps in
In this difficult phase, support has poured in. Sonu Sood offered him a role and a signing amount. Rajpal Yadav manager, Goldie said in an interview with HT, A lot of people have reached out to help Rajpal Yadav. Actors like Sonu Sood, Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn have extended their support. I was just on a call with David Dhawan — he too reached out. Ratan Jain, Varun Dhawan… many people are coming forward to help him this time, which Rajpal has deeply appreciated.”
Politician Tej Pratap Yadav pledged financial assistance. Others, including KRK and music producer Rao Inderjeet Singh, offered monetary support.