Journalist Saurabh Dwivedi Under Fire for Debt Joke on Rajpal Yadav at Screen Awards 2026, Netizens Call It ‘Public Shaming’ (Watch Video)

A lighthearted exchange between veteran actor Rajpal Yadav and journalist Saurabh Dwivedi at a recent awards ceremony has sparked a wave of criticism online. While the interaction at the Mumbai event drew laughter from a high-profile audience, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, netizens have labelled the journalist’s remarks as "insulting" and "insensitive" toward the actor's well-known financial struggles. Rajpal Yadav Case: Delhi High Court Reserves Verdict in Actor’s INR 9 Crore Cheque Bounce Case After Settlement Talks Fail.

Saurabh Dwivedi Makes Joke on Rajpal Yadav's Cheque Bounce Case

The moment unfolded during an on-stage conversation where Rajpal Yadav adopted a philosophical tone to discuss global instability. Reflecting on the state of the world, Yadav remarked, “I was thinking that these days the world seems to be filled with smoke everywhere. There are so many wars going on... The rupee and the dollar keep fluctuating so much that it becomes difficult to understand anything. So I just sit quietly and keep saying ‘peace, peace.’”

Responding to the actor's musings on currency fluctuations, Dwivedi pivoted the conversation toward Yadav's personal legal history. "Rajpal bhai, no matter how much the dollar and rupee fluctuate," Dwivedi joked, "aapko utne hi paise lautane padenge jitne udhaar hain (You will still have to repay exactly the amount of money you owe)."

Saurabh Dwivedi Mocks Rajpal Yadav’s Financial Condition at Screen Awards 2026

 

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The comment triggered immediate laughter throughout the venue, with Fadnavis and several fellow actors seen smiling at the jab. Yadav himself burst into laughter, playfully telling Dwivedi, "At least hear the full masala once."

Netizens Slam Saurabh Dwivedi for ‘Insulting’ Joke on Rajpal Yadav

While the room reacted with amusement, the reception on social media was significantly more critical. Clips of the exchange quickly went viral, with many users arguing that mocking an individual’s debt at a public celebration crosses professional boundaries.

Critics online accused Dwivedi of punching down and humiliating a self-made artiste. A user wrote, "This is public shaming and not at all expected from Saurabh Dwivedi." Another wrote, "Respect kho diya Dwivedi ne." Another comment read, "If you laugh at someone’s tough time, it may cost you later."

Netizens Call Saurabh Dwivedi’s Joke on Rajpal Yadav ‘Shameful’

More About Rajpal Yadav's Cheque Bounce Case

The debt referenced during the event stems from a long-standing legal battle that began in 2010 when Yadav took an INR 5 crore loan to fund his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata. The situation escalated into a major legal crisis when cheques issued to the lender, Murli Projects, bounced, leading to his conviction under the Negotiable Instruments Act. Over the years, the case has seen significant developments, including Yadav serving time in Tihar Jail in 2018 for failing to comply with repayment schedules.

By early 2026, the legal saga reached a critical stage as the actor surrendered again in February following missed deadlines. While he was granted interim relief by the Delhi High Court in March after making a substantial payment of approximately INR 4.25 crore, the court recently reserved its final judgment in April 2026. Rajpal Yadav Reveals Tihar Jail Experience in Farah Khan Vlog; Actor Addresses Sonu Sood’s Support and INR 9 Crore Case.

This came after the bench refused a further 30-day extension for the remaining INR 6 crore settlement, leaving the actor in a precarious legal position despite his ongoing efforts to resolve the dues.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 06, 2026 09:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).