Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav is well-known for his epic comedy characters in many films. Initially, Rajpal found success in negative roles but preferred comic roles, as in Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, and he went on to become a prolific comic enthusiast in Hindi films. His films include Hungama, Waqt: The Race Against Time, Chup Chup Ke, Garam Masala, Phir Hera Pheri and Dhol.
Rajpal has also been the leading character in more serious films including Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon, Ladies Tailor, Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama, Hello! Hum Lallan Bol Rahe Hain, Kushti, Mirch and Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh.
The 47-year-old actor, Rajpal is currently serving jail time in Delhi's Tihar Jail. On 30th November, Rajpal was sentenced to three months' imprisonment for failing to repay a loan of Rs 5 crore which he borrowed to produce a film.
But Rajpal and his imprisonment isn't any news here. Last Friday, Rajpal made his debut on the prison’s stage with a comedy act as part of a Kavi Sammelan (poets’ meet) programme for the inmates, as per Hindustan Times report.
“His act was a laugh riot,” said a jail officer. “There were several poets on the stage but Yadav made sure everyone laughed. Everyone was awestruck to see a celebrity on stage.” According to him, the prison has not had a popular face from the Hindi film industry since long.
“Tihar has had big politicians, cricketers, gangsters and terrorists but this is the first time in decades that the jail has had a popular actor as an inmate. He is keeping everyone in good humour. The inmates were excited to see a popular actor on the dais.”
Tihar jail officers said that Yadav, currently lodged in jail number 7, gave a stand-up comedy performance and narrated a story to fellow inmates during the meet.
A senior jail officer, who did not wish to be named, said that Yadav is often seen talking to inmates and is working on a play for Christmas. “The inmates have asked him to direct it. It will be released for Christmas. They told us that they have planned to start a drama club in jail 7,” the officer said.
Joginder Singh Sehrawat, superintendent of jail number 7, said, “Yadav’s conduct has been good. He has not made any demands or asked to be treated differently. He spends his time in the library. We treat him like any other prisoner.”
While performing on stage is nothing new for a versatile actor like Rajpal but we are sure, that the actor may never have got an audience as captive as this one!
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