Rajpal Yadav Reacts After Nawazuddin Siddiqui about his generosity during their struggling days in Mumbai.
An old interview of Nawazuddin had resurfaced recently, in which he described Rajpal’s home as a “langar” — a communal kitchen — for aspiring actors trying to survive in the industry. Now, Rajpal has reacted with humility to the praise.
‘Voh Unka Badapan Hai’
Speaking to UP Tak, Rajpal said Nawazuddin’s words reflected his greatness.
“Voh unka badapan hai. Hum 10-15 log the har state ke… Mandi House se lekar sabne saath mein kaam kiya. Aage kaam kisko milega yeh matter nahi karta. Khaana ek ka pet bharega toh sabka bharega nahi toh sabko bhookha rehna padega. That was the spirit.”
He emphasised that during their early theatre days, it was never about who would succeed first. Instead, it was about solidarity and shared struggle.
Rajpal further added that countless talented individuals exist in small towns and theatre circles, waiting for the right opportunity.
“Ho sakta hai unki dua ki wajah se main madhyam ban gaya hoon… Lakhon-crore Rajpal galiyon mein mil jaate hain. Agar unhe platform mil jaaye toh asmaan mein jhande gaad den.”
What Nawazuddin Had Said
In a 2024 interview, Nawazuddin revealed that he and Rajpal studied together at the Bharatendu Natya Academy and later at the National School of Drama.
He recalled that when Rajpal started getting film work, he never forgot his fellow strugglers.
“A lot of people would eat at his home… Not just me. When actors were struggling, his house was like a langar. Anybody could come and eat there. He jokes a lot, but he is a very sensitive human being.”
The ₹9 Crore Debt Case
Rajpal Yadav’s legal troubles stem from a 2010 loan of approximately ₹5 crore taken to finance his directorial venture Ata Pata Laapata. After the film failed commercially, repayment issues arose, and with interest and penalties, the amount reportedly escalated to nearly ₹9 crore.
Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court directed him to surrender after repeated repayment defaults. He later deposited around ₹1.5 crore and was granted interim bail until March 18, 2026.
Despite the legal challenges, the resurfaced anecdote about his generosity has highlighted a lesser-known side of the actor — one rooted in gratitude, camaraderie, and shared struggle in the world of theatre and cinema.