In a graceful and mature response, Rajpal Yadav urges fans not to criticise comedian-journalist Saurabh Dwivedi and stand-up artist Zakir Khan following the backlash from a light-hearted moment at the Chetak Screen Awards 2026 in Mumbai.
The incident, which quickly went viral, occurred when hosts Saurabh Dwivedi and Zakir Khan made a playful dig at Rajpal Yadav referencing his recent financial troubles and cheque-bounce case involving around ₹9 crore. The joke, delivered during a segment on currency fluctuations and economic issues, left many in the audience silent and sparked widespread criticism online.
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Rajpal Yadav’s Heartfelt Appeal
Instead of staying silent or letting the negativity grow, Rajpal Yadav urges fans not to criticise the two hosts. In a video message shared on social media, the veteran actor clarified that the entire exchange was part of a pre-planned scripted skit and should not be taken out of context.
“Saurabh and Zakir are like my younger brothers,” said Rajpal Yadav. “They have always given me respect. They are very close to my heart. As artistes, we are all connected.”
He further appealed directly to his fans:
“Please do not criticise Saurabh. Please do not hurt Saurabh’s feelings. Hurting Saurabh’s feelings means hurting my feelings. I love Saurabh, I love Zakir.”
Rajpal Yadav also thanked Saurabh Dwivedi for making the entire auditorium stand up and applaud his contribution to cinema that night, highlighting the mutual respect between them.
What Sparked the Controversy?
During the Chetak Screen Awards 2026, while discussing “dollar upar ho ya neeche”, Saurabh Dwivedi jokingly reminded Rajpal Yadav about repaying his debts. The moment, though intended as banter, was perceived by many as insensitive, especially given Rajpal’s ongoing legal issues related to the cheque-bounce case. Netizens heavily trolled both hosts, leading to calls for an apology.
Saurabh Dwivedi later issued a public apology, admitting he should have been more careful with his words and expressing deep respect for Rajpal Yadav as a legendary artist.
Salman Khan’s Support for Rajpal Yadav
Rajpal Yadav Urges Fans Not to Criticise : Bollywood superstar Salman Khan also extended strong support to Rajpal Yadav, emphasizing the actor’s 30+ years of hard work in the industry and stating that financial ups and downs should not define an artist’s value.
A Lesson in Grace and Industry Camaraderie
Rajpal Yadav urges fans not to criticise Saurabh Dwivedi and Zakir Khan shows the maturity of a senior artist who chooses positivity over pettiness. By calling the moment “cinema” and defending his “younger brothers”, Rajpal has turned a potential controversy into an example of brotherhood and understanding in the entertainment industry.
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This incident also reminds us how quickly award show banter can be misunderstood when it goes viral, especially when it touches on personal matters
