Rajpal Yadav surrendered in Tihar jail over a bounced check worth Rs 5 crore from ‘Ata Pata Laapata’. He denies fraud, blames investor Madhav Gopal’s bad intentions and maintains order. The film flopped after a day despite Big B releasing plans for the clips on social media.
Rajpal Yadav recently addressed the long legal battle over bounced checks arising from his first film as a producer, ‘Ata Pata Laapata’. He surrendered himself to Tihar Jail in February this year, facing charges from a 2012 incident in which he received Rs 5 crore from producer Madhav Gopal for the project.
Rajpal Yadav denies fraud allegations
During an interaction with SCREEN and the subsequent press conference in Mumbai, Rajpal insisted that the issue was not fraud or loan default. He blamed the investor’s “bad intentions”, claiming that Madhav Gopal kept changing their agreement – changes he accommodated. Rajpal also accused the businessman of obtaining a stay order from the Supreme Court just before the release of the film, which crippled his first production.
Rajpal Yadav’s imprisonment turns emotional after the children send their savings and heartfelt letters
Rajpal Yadav recalls the origins of 2005
The actor detailed how the saga began in 2005 with his friend Mithilesh Kumar who was keen to support the idea of the film.
After the 2008 economic downturn and an extended actors’ strike halted his projects, he shifted gears to produce “Ata Pata Laapata” using theater talent. “In 2010, when I went to my village, Mithilesh mediated between Madhav Gopalji and me. I asked him to come to Mumbai and see everything. He came down and watched 70 percent of the film.
That evening, he offered to invest Rs 5 crore,” Rajpal said.
Rajpal Yadav up for the deal and stay in order
He recalled that they signed an agreement in July 2010: he would make a repayment of Rs 8 lakh crore after the issue for an investment of Rs 5 lakh, followed by two more agreements.
However, he claims Madhav Gopal obtained a stay order before the film’s release, even though payments were not due for several months. The Supreme Court eventually allowed their release, and Rajpal issued post-dated cheques, but tensions escalated when Madhav called a press conference and described Rajpal as a fraud.
Rajpal Yadav reveals his loss at the box office
Rajpal revealed that the scandal prevented the theatrical release of “Ata Pata Laapata”. It got 1,000 to 1,200 screens on PVR, with Amitabh Bachchan at the music launch, but it barely reached 200. “Within 24 hours, the film was out of theatres,” Rajpal said.
“It was destroyed a day before its release. I had invested Rs 10-12 crore, and Rs 20-22 crore went into making the film.” The damage extended to more than 20 investors, some of whom recovered their money, others were supportive, and many were financially harmed. He mortgaged his properties and took out bank loans to finance them. “Rs 5 crore puts Rs 20-22 crore at stake,” he stressed, believing the investor should have allowed the release despite the controversies.
Rajpal Yadav is planning social media clips
Rajpal revealed that the film did not sell satellite rights and did not reach OTT.
He now plans to post short clips on social media to show his ambition and hard work. “We shot for 76 days. There were real performers, not CGI crowds. I want people to see where the money went,” he said.
Rajpal Yadav explains the contract delay
Although Rajpal continues to work steadily in films, he has faced questions about why the case has dragged on for more than a decade. He explained that he is open to settling the dues but feels that the investor was pushed to court. “Why did I ask for help from the industry? I am self-sufficient.
The industry has supported me for 25 years. “It’s like a family,” he said. He emphasized his strong sources of income other than films and dedication to acting. “I’ve been here for 25 to 30 years, and I hope to be around for another 500 years,” he added.
Rajpal Yadav’s career is moving forward
On the professional front, Rajpal Yadav’s career is packed with upcoming projects, including his digital debut. He recently launched a YouTube channel, signaling a bold new phase. Amid the ongoing “Ata Pata Laapata” legal saga, he attributes it to misunderstandings and ulterior motives, not any wrongdoing and is determined to set the record straight publicly.