Rajpal Yadav has grabbed attention with his remarks after being released from Tihar Jail. His statements have triggered strong reactions online. While many fans welcomed him warmly, social media quickly filled with criticism over his demand of designated smoking areas inside prisons.
The actor walked out of Tihar Jail on February 17, 2026. He had spent 13 days behind bars in connection with a Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case. Soon after his release, Yadav spoke to the media. He thanked his fans and members of the film industry for standing by him during what he called a difficult period.
Looking back at his nearly 30-year career, Yadav said the love of the “entire country” helped him continue working despite legal troubles that began in 2012. He added that this support allowed him to complete around 200–250 films.
However, it was his comments about prison facilities that drew the most attention.
Rajpal Yadav’s Demand Sparks Online Backlash
One of Yadav’s most discussed appeals was about creating designated smoking zones in jails. He compared prisons to public spaces like airports and railway stations. According to him, inmates struggling with addiction should have access to such areas.
Yadav made it clear that he was not promoting tobacco use. Instead, he explained that he was speaking from personal experience with smoking. Despite the clarification, many social media users strongly disagreed.
A user wrote, “Yeh toh zyaada free hogaya ab … Kal Bolega bar bhi hona chahiye.”
Another commented, “Ye toh raaz kholne laga.”
A third reaction read, “You can’t afford to pay cheques, yet you want changes.”
One more user remarked, “Someone should explain Rajpal Yadav that he is a criminal and was sent there not for leisure activities.”
Rajpal Yadav Advocates Prison Reforms
Beyond the smoking-area request, Yadav also spoke about wider prison reforms. He stressed that jails should act as reform centres rather than just places of punishment.
The Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 actor emphasised the need for “structured opportunities to change.” He suggested that prisoners with good behaviour should receive real chances at rehabilitation.
He added, “There are prisoners who have already been convicted who don’t need to go to court and have been there for 10 years due to a mistake they made. Their behaviour and conduct have been observed over time.”
Yadav also referred to the popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati while explaining his idea. He said, “At least 10% of them, like how we have lifelines on Kaun Banega Crorepati, these prisoners deserve lifelines. If 10% of them are released and rehabilitated, they could be a strength for our country. And if they don’t change, the law spares nobody.”
At the same time, the actor underlined that the law must remain supreme for those who refuse to reform.
When reporters asked about the details of his legal case, Yadav directed questions to his lawyer, Bhaskar Upadhyay. He also said he would address further queries at a formal press conference after attending a family wedding.
Rajpal Yadav will remain out of prison until March 18, the next hearing date. By then, he is expected to repay the remaining dues to avoid serving his sentence.
Despite the controversy, Yadav has received support from the film industry. Several Bollywood personalities publicly backed him in recent days. Among them were Salman Khan, Sonu Sood and Mika Singh, who stood by the actor during his incarceration.
