A fresh controversy has taken over social media after Rajpal Yadav was mocked during the Chetak Screen Awards 2026. The incident quickly caught public attention and sparked strong reactions across the film industry.
The issue started when journalist and host Saurabh Dwivedi made a remark about Rajpal Yadav’s past financial struggles on stage. While some people at the venue laughed, many viewers online found the comment disrespectful. Soon, the clip went viral and led to a heated debate.
Rajpal Yadav Gets Support, AICWA Slams Mockery
The All India Cine Workers Association strongly criticised the incident and called it unacceptable. The organisation released a statement in Hindi, supporting Rajpal Yadav and highlighting his contribution to the industry.
They said, “Making fun of Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav during the Chetak Screen Awards 2026 is extremely unfortunate and unacceptable. Rajpal Yadav is a respected artist in the Hindi film industry, who has won the hearts of the entire nation with his acting over the years and made significant contributions to the industry.”
The statement further added, “Every artist’s life has its ups and downs. Many big artists, including the superstar of the century Amitabh Bachchan, have also faced tough times, but their respect has never diminished. It is not right to mock anyone like this on a public platform. Making such a comment in front of everyone during an award show — “No matter how much fluctuation there is between dollars and rupees, you still have to repay your debt” — is not humour, but an insult. Every person has their own dignity, and such remarks hurt the unity and respect of the industry.”
AICWA also said that struggles do not last forever. “If their time is not good today, so what — tomorrow it will surely be better. They are going through some difficult circumstances, but it should be remembered that every night is followed by a morning. Struggle is temporary, but talent and hard work always endure. They have made the entire country laugh with their characters, bringing smiles to tear-streaked faces. But if that same artist is in pain today and there’s no one to wipe away their tears — then it’s something for all of us to think about.”
The organisation concluded by saying, “It is also unfortunate that Rajpal Yadav is often made an easy target, just because he remains calm and maintains his dignity. Mistaking his silence for weakness is wrong — that is his true strength.”
What Happened With Bhooth Bangla Actor
The controversy began during a segment at the Screen Awards 2026. Saurabh Dwivedi made a joke referring to Rajpal Yadav’s reported Rs 9 crore cheque-bounce case.
He said, “No matter how much the dollar and rupee fluctuate, you have to return the same amount of money you borrowed.” The comment left Rajpal Yadav silent for a moment. However, he handled the situation calmly and replied with a smile, “Masla toh sun lo ek baar”.
Although the audience at the event laughed, many people online were not happy. Users called the remark “insensitive” and “disrespectful”. Many fans said that personal struggles should not be used as jokes on public platforms.
Amid the backlash, Salman Khan came forward to support Rajpal Yadav. He praised his long career and reminded people of his contribution to the industry. He also said that sometimes things are said casually, but respect should always be maintained.
However, Rajpal Yadav himself asked fans to stay calm. In a video message, he requested people not to troll Saurabh Dwivedi or Zakir Khan.
He explained that the moment was part of a planned skit meant for entertainment. He also called them his “younger brothers” and “jigar”, and said that hurting them would feel like hurting him.
