Salman Khan Defends Rajpal Yadav: “30 Years of Value, Work Will Keep Coming”

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has come out strongly in support of veteran actor Rajpal Yadav after a journalist made a controversial remark about his financial troubles during the Chetak Screen Awards 2026.

The incident occurred when senior journalist Saurabh Dwivedi, while hosting the event, took a dig at Yadav referencing his high-profile cheque bounce case and rupee-dollar fluctuations. Dwivedi reportedly said that no matter how much the dollar or rupee goes up or down, Yadav would still have to return every penny he owes. The comment drew laughter from the audience, including Yadav himself and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, but it sparked widespread criticism online for being insensitive and overly personal.

In a heartfelt post on X, Salman Khan praised Yadav’s three-decade-long contribution to the film industry, emphasizing the talent and value the actor brings to projects. Salman wrote in Hindi:”Rajpal bhai aap 30 yrs se kaam kar rahe ho aur hum sabne aapko repeat kiya hai baar baar kyunki aap apna kaam jante ho aur ek value laate ho, kaam toh aapko bohot milega aur issi dollar rate pe milega aur milte rahega. Hakikat yeh hai.Aur yeh yaad rakhna ke kabhi kabhi flow mai kuch nikal aata hai, dena hi hai toh dimag mai rakho dil se kaam karo, dollar upar ho ya neeche kya farak padta hai dena toh India mai hi hai.

The message has received strong support from fans and netizens, who lauded Salman for standing by a colleague during a difficult time and demonstrating loyalty in the industry. Many viewed it as a timely show of solidarity against public shaming.

Background of the ControversyRajpal Yadav has been facing a prolonged legal battle stemming from a loan taken years ago to fund his directorial venture Ata Pata Laapata. The debt reportedly escalated to nearly Rs.9 crore due to interest and disputes, resulting in multiple cheque bounce cases.

The actor surrendered to Tihar Jail earlier this year in connection with the matter but was later granted interim bail. The Delhi High Court recently reserved its verdict after settlement attempts between the parties failed.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Yadav continues to work and is set to feature in the upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla alongside Akshay Kumar, Tabu, and Paresh Rawal.

Salman’s intervention has ignited positive reactions across social media, with users criticizing the joke while appreciating the veteran star for his supportive stance. The episode has also sparked broader discussions about empathy, the handling of personal financial issues in public forums, and the pressures faced by artistes in the film industry.