Rajpal Yadav gets temporary relief: Delhi High Court grants bail in Rs. 9 crores cheque bounce case to attend family wedding

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Veteran Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has received temporary relief from the Delhi High Court in the long-running Rs. 9 crores cheque bounce case that has resurfaced dramatically in February 2026. The court has suspended his sentence, granting him bail to attend a family wedding on February 19, even as legal proceedings against him continue.

Recent reports suggest that the actor is supposed to attend his niece’s wedding due to which the court reached this decision. While the latest bail order offers temporary relief, it does not amount to a final acquittal. The actor has been directed to remain present—physically or virtually—at the next major hearing scheduled for March 18, 2026.

The case traces its origins back to 2010, when Yadav borrowed Rs. 5 crores from Murali Projects Pvt Ltd, a Delhi-based company, to finance his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata. Released in 2012, the film failed to perform at the box office, leaving the actor unable to repay the loan. The financial dispute soon escalated into multiple cheque-bounce cases. Over the years, accumulated interest and penalties reportedly pushed the total outstanding amount to nearly Rs. 9 crores.

In 2018, Yadav was sentenced to six months in prison and served three months in Tihar Jail before being released on bail pending appeal. However, the matter regained urgency this month after the High Court observed that the actor had breached multiple undertakings to settle the dues.

On February 2, 2026, the court noted that despite more than 25 adjournments granted for mediation and repayment discussions, there was a lack of “sincere and genuine measures” taken to clear the liability. Following the refusal to grant further extensions, Yadav surrendered on February 5 and was sent back to Tihar Jail to serve the remainder of his sentence.

During subsequent hearings on February 12 and 16, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma underscored that restitution for the complainant remains the court’s top priority. The bench rejected a proposal to deposit funds via a Fixed Deposit Receipt (FDR), directing that payments be made through a Demand Draft (DD) to ensure immediate realization of funds.

Amid these developments, members of the film fraternity reportedly stepped forward to extend financial support. As of mid-February, Yadav’s legal team informed the court that approximately Rs. 1.5 crore had been deposited into the respondent’s bank account.

All eyes are now on whether Yadav can make substantial progress in settling the remaining dues before the case reaches its next decisive stage.

Also Read: Rajpal Yadav is still in Tihar jail; wife Radha dismisses release rumours: “We are hopeful that he will be out soon”

Akshaye Khanna or Nawazuddin Siddiqui to play villain in Tumbbad 2? Here’s what we know!

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Few actors in Hindi cinema command the kind of quiet menace and psychological depth that Akshaye Khanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui bring to morally complex roles. Whether it is Khanna’s recent turn as a formidable antagonist in Chhaava and his layered negative performance in Dhurandhar, or Siddiqui’s long-standing reputation for portraying unpredictable, grey-shaded characters, both actors have consistently elevated narratives with their intensity.

It is perhaps no surprise, then, that industry chatter suggests their names are being actively discussed for the primary antagonist in Tumbbad 2. A Villain to Match the Myth According to a report by Mid-Day, the sequel hinges heavily on its negative lead. “A powerful antagonist is central to the narrative of Tumbbad 2. The team is keen on elevating the sequel with a layered and formidable negative lead,” the report quoted a source as saying. “Akshaye Khanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are two names currently being discussed. Their ability to portray morally complex, unpredictable characters makes them compelling choices for the world of Tumbbad.”

The makers are reportedly looking for more than just a conventional villain. The aim is to craft a character who is psychologically dense and morally ambiguous — someone capable of standing toe-to-toe with Sohum Shah’s brooding presence in the expanding mythological universe.

The speculation comes at a time when Tumbbad 2 is gaining significant momentum. After officially joining forces with Pen Studios, led by Jayantilal Gada, the sequel is being positioned as a large-scale cinematic venture. Originally released in 2018, Tumbbad evolved from a sleeper success into a cult phenomenon celebrated globally for its atmospheric storytelling rooted in greed and folklore. Its 2024 re-release further expanded its audience base.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Anand Gandhi opens up on Tumbbad 2: “NONE of the original creators, including me, are involved in the sequel; it’s HARD to see it as a true continuation…I hope it respects the sentiments of the fans”

Dhurandhar 2 shoot lands Aditya Dhar’s banner in trouble, BMC seeks permanent blacklisting: Report

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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated strict action against filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s production banner, B62 Studios, over alleged violations during the Mumbai shoot of Dhurandhar: The Revenge. According to a report by The Indian Express, the civic body has recommended permanent blacklisting of the production house from seeking future filming permissions, citing repeated breaches of conditions.

According to officials from the BMC’s A ward office, a letter has been sent to the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone 1) proposing that B62 Studios be barred from applying for shooting permissions through the state-run portal managed by the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Limited. Alleged Violations During February Shoot The controversy stems from a shoot conducted between February 7 and 8 in South Mumbai, specifically between Modi Street and Perin Nariman Street in A ward. Permission for the schedule had been granted on January 30 through the state film corporation.

However, authorities allege that the production team violated police conditions that explicitly prohibited the use of crackers and flammable materials on set.

Following these alleged breaches, a subsequent application was submitted by Komal Pokhriyal seeking permission to shoot on February 13 and 14. Citing earlier violations, officials cancelled the request. Second Incident and Seizure of Torches A fresh application was later filed for filming between 12:30 am and 4:00 am on February 14. This time, conditional approval was granted after the applicants assured authorities that no flammable materials would be used.

Despite this undertaking, police reportedly received complaints around 12:45 am on February 14 regarding the use of flammable torches during filming. A senior BMC official stated that civic officers reached the spot within 15 minutes and seized five lit torches from the location.

After the second alleged violation, the applicants reportedly informed authorities that fire-related visuals would instead be created using visual effects (VFX). Proposed Penalties and Blacklisting In addition to recommending permanent blacklisting, the civic body has proposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh for allegedly shooting on a building terrace and deploying two generator vans without proper authorisation. The Rs 25,000 security deposit submitted by the applicant has also been forfeited.

The A ward office has further sought approval to formally register the seized items and proceed with penalties against the applicants — Komal Pokhriyal, Nashir Khan — along with B62 Studios.

If approved, the action would prevent the production house and named applicants from securing future filming permissions through the state film corporation portal.

Also Read: Raveena Tandon on calling Yami Gautam after watching Dhurandhar:’Sorry, I am the biggest fan of your husband’

SCOOP: Ananya Birla's Birla Studios in talks with Anees Bazmee, Shoojit Sircar, Neeraj Pandey

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Earlier this month, it was announced that Ananya Birla has established a production house called Birla Studios, which will focus on films which are commercial and also high-concept. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the business tycoon is in talks with several prominent filmmakers for films that would be produced under her banner.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Ananya Birla has initiated talks with Anees Bazmee, Shoojit Sircar, Neeraj Pandey etc., among others. Ananya has been an admirer of the films made by these filmmakers and feels that they could be apt to make content for her newly established production company. Anees, Shoojit and Neeraj have also been impressed with her vision, understanding of filmmaking and passion for cinema.”

The source added, “The talks are going on. If all goes well, Anees Bazmee, Shoojit Sircar and Neeraj Pandey will sign on the dotted line soon.”

As per the press release, “Birla Studios is shaping a multi-language slate that spans stories in Hindi, Gujarati, Malayalam, amongst other regional languages and international English language cinema, reflecting its ambition to engage audiences across borders and culture”. The press release also indicates that the studio plans to reveal its upcoming projects soon through an official announcement.

During the launch of Birla Studios, Ananya Birla said, “We are all stories. Cinema is one of the most powerful mediums through which those stories are told. At its most powerful, cinema creates an immediate connection while leaving a lasting resonance. At Birla Studios, our focus is on curating a slate of films that balance cultural significance with strong entertainment value and a conscious stand to nurture new talent, while exploring genres, amplifying fresh voices and diverse perspectives. As we put this slate together, we’ve been deeply encouraged by the kindness and receptiveness of everyone across the industry. It would be a privilege to play even a small part in taking Indian cinema forward.”

Meanwhile, Anees Bazmee is currently busy filming his next with Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Raashii Khanna and others. Shoojit Sircar’s next is a mytho-horror film starring Manoj Bajpayee, Rajkummar Rao, Viineet Kumar Siingh and Saurabh Shukla. Neeraj Pandey’s next, Ghooskhor Pandat, was recently announced at the ‘Next on Netflix’ event. Starring Manoj Bajpayee and directed by Ritesh Shah, the heist movie got into trouble as a section of society has alleged that its title and promotional material are defamatory and communally offensive. The matter became serious, prompting the makers and Netflix to pull down the promotional material.

Also Read: Ananya Birla launches Birla Studios to back culturally relevant, commercial films

Rajpal Yadav is still in Tihar jail; wife Radha dismisses release rumours: “We are hopeful that he will be out soon”

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Actor Rajpal Yadav continues to remain in custody at Tihar Jail amid his ongoing legal battle in a cheque-bounce case, his wife Radha Yadav has confirmed. In a recent interaction with Bombay Times, Radha addressed growing speculation that the actor had been released. The rumours intensified after an old video resurfaced online showing Rajpal thanking Salman Khan, leading some to assume he had secured relief.

Dismissing the claims, Radha said, “As of now, he is not out of Tihar Jail. The bail hearing is scheduled for Monday (February 16).” When asked about his well-being, she shared a brief but reassuring update. “He is okay, from what I understand,” she added. Family Standing Strong Amid the legal turmoil, Radha emphasised that the family has remained united. “Our whole family is together at this time. We are grateful for the support and love he is receiving from his fans and the film fraternity,” she said, expressing gratitude for the concern shown by colleagues and admirers.

There have also been reports suggesting that actors such as Salman Khan, Sonu Sood, and Ajay Devgn stepped in to help clear Rajpal’s financial dues. However, Radha refrained from confirming any specific details.

“I can't take any specific names right now, but I would just want to say many people from the industry have stepped in to support. I'm not able to divulge names and figures at this stage,” she said cautiously. The Legal Case Rajpal’s legal troubles stem from a Rs 5 crores loan he took in 2010 to finance his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata. After the film underperformed at the box office, repayment issues led to a prolonged court battle. Over time, the outstanding amount, including interest, reportedly rose to nearly Rs 9 crores.

While the actor has deposited Rs 75 lakh so far, the court observed that a significant portion remains unpaid, leading to his recent surrender and continued custody. Hope for Resolution Ending on a hopeful note, Radha expressed confidence that the matter would soon be resolved. “We are hopeful that he will be out soon. That's all I can say now. Once Rajpalji is out, he will be able to speak to you and the media and give further clarity on the matter.”

As the bail hearing approaches, the family awaits the court’s decision, while support from fans and industry peers continues to pour in.

Also Read: Priyadarshan arranges higher fee for Rajpal Yadav amid Rs 9 crores cheque bounce case: “Made a blunder because of his poor education”

First poster of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ketan Mehta’s Jai Somnath unveiled on Maha Shivratri

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ketan Mehta, two of Indian cinema’s most influential creative forces, have come together to tell an important tale from India’s spiritual history. Bhansali has announced an upcoming seminal tale of Indian civilization titled Jai Somnath, in collaboration with acclaimed director Ketan Mehta. This marks an interesting partnership between two of the most powerful creative voices in Indian cinema.

Jai Somnath traces back to 1025–1026 CE, when Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and plundered the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, a defining chapter in Indian history. This year marks 1000 years of the Ghazni attack and the destruction of the temple, and its subsequent resurrection.

Somnath symbolizes the indestructible spirit of India and the glory of Indian civilization. Given the deep emotional and cultural significance of this chapter, the film aims to strike a strong chord with audiences as it revisits an important moment from India’s past.

 

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What makes Jai Somnath even more significant is the collaboration between Sanjay Leela Bhansali an iconic storyteller celebrated for grand world-building and larger-than-life cinema, and Ketan Mehta, a director known for bold storytelling, historical narratives, and socially relevant cinema with international appeal. The film brings together historical depth and cinematic scale. With both filmmakers hailing from Gujarat, the project is also expected to bring authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative.

Jai Somnath will be produced under the banners of Bhansali Productions and Maya Movies, with Ketan Mehta serving as writer and director. The film is slated for release in 2027.

Also Read: Sanjay Leela Bhansali on joining hands with Ketan Mehta for Jai Somnath, “Always been a huge fan of Ketan Mehta’s cinema”

Sanjay Leela Bhansali on joining hands with Ketan Mehta for Jai Somnath, "Always been a huge fan of Ketan Mehta's cinema"

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The biggest Bollywood news is the coming together of two epic filmmakers. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ketan Mehta are joining hands for Jai Somnath, a film that cinematizes the legend of the famous temple.

Jai Somnath is described as a “seminal tale of Indian civilisation”. The lavish period drama is slated for release in 2027. Mehta is writing and directing the project, which will be produced by Bhansali Productions and Ketan Mehta’s Maya Movies.

Speaking exclusively on the project to this writer, Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, “I’ve always been a huge huge fan of Ketan Mehta’s cinema. His Mirch Masala is one of my 10 most favourite Indian films of all times. We’ve been toying with the idea of working together. This project seems the best way to collaborate on something special.”

The project was announced on Maha Shivratri as it is the cinematic manifestation of one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites located in Gujarat.

Also Read: Karan Johar calls Sanjay Leela Bhansali an “Aesthetic Voice”, praises his film costumes