In a candid conversation with Subhash K Jha, actor Rajpal Yadav addressed the scathing comments made by director Priyadarshan regarding his lack of education being the cause of his legal troubles. Yadav outlines his credentials as an NSD graduate, discusses his relationship with his most trusted collaborators, and shares the profound life lessons he learned during his time in prison.
After being released from jail in a bad check case, veteran actor Rajpal Yadav has expressed his deep hurt over the statements made by one of his most frequent collaborators, director Priyadarshan. In an exclusive interview with an ETimes writer, Yadav addressed the director’s claim that his legal troubles stem from “lack of education”, setting the record straight regarding his academic background.
Rajpal Yadav talks about Priyadarshan’s remark
Responding to the suggestion that he got into trouble due to lack of formal education, Rajpal Yadav quickly clarified his credentials. He revealed that he is not only a university graduate, but also a proud graduate of the National School of Drama (NSD). “I respect Priyanji a lot, but I cannot understand how or why he made this statement,” Yadav said. “I have my certificates to prove my education. When I chose to become an actor, I did not carry my education certificates on set.
This is a profession in which educational qualification does not count. Priyanji and I never discussed my educational qualifications. Why did he say such a thing?”
Rajpal Yadav is indebted to the ‘big three’ directors.
Despite the friction caused by the suspension, Yadav reflected on his long career and the three directors who shaped his journey: Ram Gopal Varma,
David Dhawan
And Priyadarshan. Having worked in nearly 50 films with Dhawan and Priadarshan together, Yadav emphasized the trust he reposed in them, often working without discussing money at all.
Yadav shared, “There are three directors I am indebted to. Ram Gopal Varma who gave me my first break, then David Dhawan and Priyadarshan. I have worked time and again with these two directors. I have done everything they asked of me without a doubt. Together I must have done 40 to 50 films with them. We never discussed money.”When asked why a high profile director like Priyadarshan did not rescue him from his financial crisis, Yadav was protective of the director’s privacy.
“Dekhiye, yeh unka maamla nahin (It’s none of his business),” he pointed out. “This matter concerns only three people: the complainant and me. All three of us are from my hometown, Shahjahanpur. This matter goes back to the time when I was living in Shahjahanpur. I am sure it will be resolved soon.
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Rajpal Yadav talks about lessons from the soil and the cell
Yadav shared a poignant anecdote about his father, a farmer who preferred integrity over easy success. His father had instructed his teachers to pass Rajpal only if he was truly worthy of it, preferring to remain a farmer otherwise.“he [my father] He was an uneducated man, meaning he never went to school or college. He was a farmer and he told my teacher that I should only pass the exams if I deserve it. Otherwise my father said I would be happy being a farmer. He was right. “I am a farmer turned actor,” Yadav said.Yadav added that although he is ready to show his degrees to Priyadarshan, he believes that life is the greatest teacher, saying: “I believe that life is the greatest teacher.
It doesn’t mean I lack formal education. I am ready to show my certificates to Priyanji.”
Rajpal Yadav talks about the future
The actor remains optimistic about settling his debts and overcoming legal hurdles. He credits his time in prison for teaching him the virtue of patience.He said: “The court’s decision is final. I will do what the court asks of me. As for paying off the debt, it will happen sooner rather than later. What prison taught me is to be patient. Don’t take anything, whether it’s joy or sadness, too seriously.” Moving forward, Yadav says he wakes up every day as a student, eager to continue the learning process initiated by formal education.
Rajpal Yadav on the work front
Rajpal Yadav will be seen in Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan along with Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar. He will also be seen in ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ with Akshay Kumar and Disha Patani and in ‘Bhooth Bangla’ with Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan.
