11 March,2026 11:41 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Priyadarshan and Rajpal Yadav
Actor Rajpal Yadav recently made headlines after being sent to Tihar Jail in connection with a 2012 cheque bounce case. During his judicial custody, several industry peers came out in his support and helped him financially, while others commented on the matter. Among them was director Priyadarshan, who stated that Rajpal's lack of education had landed him in trouble. Yadav did not appreciate the remark and said that the director did not know him.
After being released on bail, Yadav reacted to the comment, saying, "Priyanji doesn't know me. I am a well-educated guy. I have been working from the age of 11 to 55. Even the biggest stalwarts land in trouble at some point, but that has nothing to do with their education. Had I been poorly educated, I wouldn't have survived here for 25-30 years."
Priyadarshan later clarified that he had not intended to insult the actor. Speaking to HT City, he said, "Actually, I didn't mean that. Education is something we learn from the streets as well as from books. What I meant was street smartness, because education is also awareness."
He added that his remark came from his observation of Yadav's humble background. "Maybe he comes from a village, and people there are very innocent. They don't always understand that you should be able to differentiate between the right and wrong people. That, in a broader sense, is also education," he explained.
The filmmaker further said, "I didn't mean to insult him. I only said that because I have rarely seen someone as innocent as Rajpal. Sometimes innocence comes from a lack of education in the broader sense."
Priyadarshan and Rajpal have worked together in popular films such as Bhagam Bhaag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Malamaal Weekly. The director believes Rajpal will bounce back strongly. "After Bhooth Bangla releases, I believe Rajpal will return as one of the biggest stars of comedy because he has done a fantastic job in the film."
Despite disagreeing with Priyadarshan's "lack of education" remark, Yadav praised the filmmaker. "I respect three directors a lot - Ram Gopal Varma, David Dhawan, and Priyadarshan. I look up to them. I have done more than 50 films with just the three of them. I am like Priyanji's son. But Priyanji or anyone from Bollywood doesn't know the whole story, so their judgments don't hold value," Rajpal said.
Yadav had reportedly borrowed Rs 5 crore in 2010 to finance his directorial venture Ata Pata Laapata (2012). After the film failed at the box office, he was unable to repay the loan, and the unpaid dues eventually escalated to nearly Rs 9 crore.
