New Delhi, February 28, 2026 — Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav held a press conference on Friday to address the ongoing ₹9 crore cheque-bounce dispute connected to his 2012 film Ata Pata Lapata, calling the entire matter a “ghar ka maamla” — meaning a personal matter rooted in trust.
The actor’s comments come amid heightened public attention as he recently secured interim bail from Tihar Jail after surrendering in connection with the legal case. Earlier, he had deposited ₹1.5 crore to secure temporary release until the next court hearing.
Verbal Deal and Trust, Not a Loan
During the press interaction, Yadav insisted that the agreement in question was never intended as a formal loan contract. He described it as a verbal deal based on trust, made without legal documentation or the involvement of lawyers at the time. The actor claimed he had promised to repay ₹8 crore after the film’s release — but now feels that the complainant’s approach has become hostile.
“He wants me to fall at his feet in exchange for ₹5 crore,” Yadav said, asserting that the dispute is not about money but ego and perception between the parties involved.
Yadav explained that he signed the original agreement without reading it carefully, trusting the other party involved. “When this deal took place, I never imagined it would end up in court,” he said, referring to the verbal nature of the understanding.
Background of the Case
The matter traces back to a loan or investment of approximately ₹5 crore provided to Yadav for his directorial venture Ata Pata Lapata. According to the complainant, Madhav Gopal Agarwal, this amount was a loan that has not been repaid, with interest pushing the total close to ₹9 crore.
Yadav, however, maintains it was an investment, not a traditional loan, and has challenged this interpretation in court while presenting his side to the media.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The legal dispute is ongoing, with further hearings expected as the court continues to examine evidence and arguments from both sides. Meanwhile, Yadav’s recent press appearance seeks to clarify his perspective and appeal directly to the public amid strong media interest in the case.