Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Rajpal Yadav reacts after bail in Rs. 9 crores cheque bounce case: “Your support has been great on social media”

Rajpal Yadav spoke to ANI after being granted bail in the Rs 9 crores cheque bounce case linked to his 2010 production venture. Addressing the media, the actor chose not to delve into legal specifics, directing such queries to his counsel while reflecting on his three-decade journey in the film industry.

“If you want to get any legal information, you can ask our lawyer, Bhaskar Upadhyay. In general, I would like to say that it has been 30 years that I have been in Mumbai, Bollywood. I have been with the children of the whole world, that is why I was able to make 250 films. This story started in 2012-13. In 2026, I have made 250 films. India's every citizen - from children to the youth to the senior citizens everyone has space in my heart, everyone has stood by me and also the whole country. The truth that I had, what was my intention, all those things, whatever the High Court has ordered in the last 10 years, I have been present. I will be present wherever it will be ordered in the future. And I will not be able to tell you the legal words. You can ask Bhaskar. Your support has been great on social media. No, everyone's support. The people who are not on social media, they are also my supporters. Because I know that all the people who are loving me through social media, from childhood to the age of 55. I think there are 150 million people. So, our behavior must have been (good) with 150 million people. And with everyone else, we have a relationship of entertainment, blood circulation. And the way the whole world loved me, my Bollywood gave me love. If there is any accusation on me, then I am 100% available everywhere, at every corner. Please, please reply. Thank you, High Court. You have given me a chance to listen. Thank you so much.”

VIDEO | Cheque bounce case: After being released from Tihar Jail in Delhi, actor Rajpal Yadav (@rajpalofficial) says, "If you want to get any legal information, you can ask my advocate, but I want to say that my 30 years in Bollywood is going to complete in 2027, everyone was… pic.twitter.com/YvCazAQ5nL — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 17, 2026

The case stems from a financial dispute connected to his directorial venture Ata Pata Laapata, for which funds were borrowed in 2010. Over the years, the matter escalated into cheque bounce proceedings, with the outstanding amount reportedly rising due to accumulated interest and penalties.

Earlier this month, the High Court had taken note of delays in settlement before Yadav surrendered and was briefly sent back to jail. Following subsequent hearings, he has now been granted bail.

With the legal proceedings still underway, Yadav has reiterated that he will remain present as directed by the court and comply with future orders.

Also Read: Rajpal Yadav secures bail; lawyer says legal battle over 2010 film deal was “layered and confusing”


Rajpal Yadav secures bail; lawyer says legal battle over 2010 film deal was “layered and confusing”

Actor Rajpal Yadav was granted bail on Monday in connection with an ongoing financial dispute linked to his 2010 production venture. Speaking to Mumbai Mirror shortly after the court’s decision, his lawyer Bhaskar Upadhyay said that obtaining relief was a challenging process.

According to Upadhyay, the case traces back more than a decade and revolves around contractual arrangements tied to a film project produced by Yadav. Over the years, he explained, several agreements were executed, followed by a consent decree and additional legal proceedings, ultimately resulting in what he described as a complicated and multi-layered matter.

Commenting on his client’s understanding of the situation, Upadhyay said, "He is not a lawyer; he doesn't understand technicalities. He is an actor, a family man. Whenever the court asked, he simply said, Whatever I owe, I will pay," he shared, adding, "He himself had a lot at stake in that project. It's not like he walked away unaffected," Upadhyay said.

The lawyer further alleged that the complainant was intent on seeking imprisonment rather than financial recovery. "If it was only about money, they could have taken the security. But there was a malicious intent. The complainant said that 'We don't want this and just kindly execute the decree by sending him in jail'. This was categorically said by the complainants. If it was the issue of a money only then they must have taken the surety. He had given his original property documents. He surrendered it before the court stating the value of my property is more than 40 crores," he said.

Upadhyay also confirmed that part of the outstanding amount has already been arranged. He stated that Rs 2.5 crore has been mobilised towards the total sum under consideration. "He is trying, within his capacity, to honour what he has committed," he said, adding, "For him he was in the impression that that money was 5 crores. He has to pay back 5 crores. He never disputed that amount. But he just wanted the code to clarify. What about that money? Because this 5 crores was invested by the complainant in that movie, not given a personal loan to him for his personal needs."

There has also been speculation within industry circles that members of the film fraternity have extended assistance. While refraining from naming individuals, Upadhyay acknowledged the support. "Many are helping in his odd hours. The specifics are for him to share when the time is right," he said.

Despite the legal challenges, the lawyer maintained that Yadav remains composed. "He is strong. He says he will comply with court directions. His only request is that his side be properly heard," Upadhyay said.

Also Read: Rajpal Yadav gets temporary relief: Delhi High Court grants bail in Rs. 9 crores cheque bounce case to attend family wedding


Monday, February 16, 2026

Ameesha Patel faces non-bailable warrant over alleged breach of contract case; Gadar 2 actress REACTS!

A court in Moradabad has issued a non-bailable warrant against Bollywood actor Ameesha Patel after she allegedly failed to appear despite multiple summons in connection with a 2017 breach of contract case. The order, reportedly, was passed by the court of the Additional Civil Judge (Junior Division), which is hearing a complaint filed by local event organiser Pawan Verma.

According to the complaint, Verma — a resident of Double Phatak and owner of an event management firm — had booked Patel to perform at a wedding ceremony on November 16, 2017. The event was reportedly held for Ayush Agrawal in Moradabad.

Verma claimed that an advance payment of Rs 14.50 lakhs was made to the actor for the appearance. He further stated that accommodation and meal arrangements were made for her at a hotel on Delhi Road in the city.

However, Patel allegedly did not travel from Mumbai to attend the event on the scheduled date. Following the no-show, Verma claimed that the actor assured him the entire amount would be refunded. Payment Dispute and Legal Action In his submission before the court, Verma alleged that Rs 10 lakhs was returned in cash. The remaining Rs 4.50 lakh was issued through a cheque, which later bounced.

After the cheque dishonour, Verma approached the court seeking legal remedy. The court subsequently issued multiple summons to Patel to appear in connection with the case. As she did not appear on the scheduled dates, the court has now issued a non-bailable warrant to secure her presence.

The complainant has also alleged that the actor was attempting to evade legal proceedings. Defence Cites Settlement Responding to the development, Gadar 2 actress took to Instagram Stories, and said that the case is an “old and settled matter”, adding that her lawyers will now initiate criminal proceedings of cheating against Pawan Verma.

“Media reports suggest about certain proceedings at Moradabad by one Pawan Verma. I wish to inform one and all that this is avv old matter which was years back in which the said Pawan Verma had signed a settlement deed and received the entire agreed amount,” Ameesha wrote.

She added, “Despite this it seems he has lodged proceedings making false allegations. My lawyers are initiating appropriate criminal proceedings of cheating against this person to expose his lies while I prefer to focus on my work and ignore people who choose to make a public spectacle for gaining attention on false pretexts.”

Also Read: 20 Years of Dosti: Friends Forever EXCLUSIVE: “Kareena Kapoor told me, ‘How can you and Akshay Kumar be doing a film WITHOUT me?’ I want to be a part of it’; Akshay finished his shoot in JUST 26 days; Ameesha Patel was keen to do the film” – Suneel Darshan


Dhurandhar 2 shoot lands Aditya Dhar’s banner in trouble, BMC seeks permanent blacklisting: Report

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated strict action against filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s production banner, B62 Studios, over alleged violations during the Mumbai shoot of Dhurandhar: The Revenge. According to a report by The Indian Express, the civic body has recommended permanent blacklisting of the production house from seeking future filming permissions, citing repeated breaches of conditions.

According to officials from the BMC’s A ward office, a letter has been sent to the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone 1) proposing that B62 Studios be barred from applying for shooting permissions through the state-run portal managed by the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Limited. Alleged Violations During February Shoot The controversy stems from a shoot conducted between February 7 and 8 in South Mumbai, specifically between Modi Street and Perin Nariman Street in A ward. Permission for the schedule had been granted on January 30 through the state film corporation.

However, authorities allege that the production team violated police conditions that explicitly prohibited the use of crackers and flammable materials on set.

Following these alleged breaches, a subsequent application was submitted by Komal Pokhriyal seeking permission to shoot on February 13 and 14. Citing earlier violations, officials cancelled the request. Second Incident and Seizure of Torches A fresh application was later filed for filming between 12:30 am and 4:00 am on February 14. This time, conditional approval was granted after the applicants assured authorities that no flammable materials would be used.

Despite this undertaking, police reportedly received complaints around 12:45 am on February 14 regarding the use of flammable torches during filming. A senior BMC official stated that civic officers reached the spot within 15 minutes and seized five lit torches from the location.

After the second alleged violation, the applicants reportedly informed authorities that fire-related visuals would instead be created using visual effects (VFX). Proposed Penalties and Blacklisting In addition to recommending permanent blacklisting, the civic body has proposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh for allegedly shooting on a building terrace and deploying two generator vans without proper authorisation. The Rs 25,000 security deposit submitted by the applicant has also been forfeited.

The A ward office has further sought approval to formally register the seized items and proceed with penalties against the applicants — Komal Pokhriyal, Nashir Khan — along with B62 Studios.

If approved, the action would prevent the production house and named applicants from securing future filming permissions through the state film corporation portal.

Also Read: Raveena Tandon on calling Yami Gautam after watching Dhurandhar:’Sorry, I am the biggest fan of your husband’


Dharma Productions vs Humble Motion Pictures: Bombay HC dispute over Vyaah Kartaare Da ends amicably, reveals a source

A source has confirmed that Dharma Productions' legal dispute with Dubai-based Humble Motion Pictures FZCO over the Punjabi film Vyaah Kartaare Da has been amicably resolved. The development comes days after the production house approached the Bombay High Court alleging wrongful termination of a services agreement.

A source close to the production house said, “Dharma Productions had approached the Bombay High Court against Humble Motion Pictures FZCO after Humble wrongfully and without cause terminated the Services Agreement for the Punjabi film Vyaah Kartaare Da. Dharma sought injunctive relief to restrain Humble from acting upon the termination, along with monetary relief of approximately Rs. 7 crores. The Parties have now amicably resolved the matter. Humble has withdrawn the termination notice and confirmed that it will perform the Services Agreement in full force and effect, without any modification.”

The petition had been filed under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, seeking urgent interim protection pending arbitration proceedings. As per court records, Humble Motion Pictures had sought time to file its reply on February 12, 2026, with the matter scheduled for further hearing on February 18.

According to the plea, a services agreement dated December 10, 2025, was executed between the two companies. Under this arrangement, Dharma was to provide consultancy, marketing and allied services for Vyaah Kartaare Da. The structure of the agreement reportedly allowed Dharma to recover losses of approximately Rs. 7.25 crores allegedly incurred from an earlier joint project between the companies.

Dharma had contended that it bore no obligation toward production costs of the Punjabi film. Instead, it was entitled to specified revenue shares until it recouped a fixed amount of Rs. 7.03 crores under the agreement. The dispute arose after Humble Motion Pictures allegedly issued an email on January 21, 2026, terminating the agreement, stating that it no longer wished to avail Dharma’s services.

In its petition, Dharma argued that the contract did not contain a termination-at-will clause and that no breach had been attributed to the company. It also claimed that Humble had already benefited from Dharma’s brand association before issuing the termination notice.

With the latest source statement confirming withdrawal of the termination and continuation of the agreement without modification, the legal stand-off appears to have concluded for now, clearing the way for the collaboration on Vyaah Kartaare Da to proceed as originally structured.

Also Read: Karan Johar’s Dharma files plea in Bombay HC alleging wrongful termination of Punjabi film deal


Rajpal Yadav gets temporary relief: Delhi High Court grants bail in Rs. 9 crores cheque bounce case to attend family wedding

Veteran Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has received temporary relief from the Delhi High Court in the long-running Rs. 9 crores cheque bounce case that has resurfaced dramatically in February 2026. The court has suspended his sentence, granting him bail to attend a family wedding on February 19, even as legal proceedings against him continue.

Recent reports suggest that the actor is supposed to attend his niece’s wedding due to which the court reached this decision. While the latest bail order offers temporary relief, it does not amount to a final acquittal. The actor has been directed to remain present—physically or virtually—at the next major hearing scheduled for March 18, 2026.

The case traces its origins back to 2010, when Yadav borrowed Rs. 5 crores from Murali Projects Pvt Ltd, a Delhi-based company, to finance his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata. Released in 2012, the film failed to perform at the box office, leaving the actor unable to repay the loan. The financial dispute soon escalated into multiple cheque-bounce cases. Over the years, accumulated interest and penalties reportedly pushed the total outstanding amount to nearly Rs. 9 crores.

In 2018, Yadav was sentenced to six months in prison and served three months in Tihar Jail before being released on bail pending appeal. However, the matter regained urgency this month after the High Court observed that the actor had breached multiple undertakings to settle the dues.

On February 2, 2026, the court noted that despite more than 25 adjournments granted for mediation and repayment discussions, there was a lack of “sincere and genuine measures” taken to clear the liability. Following the refusal to grant further extensions, Yadav surrendered on February 5 and was sent back to Tihar Jail to serve the remainder of his sentence.

During subsequent hearings on February 12 and 16, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma underscored that restitution for the complainant remains the court’s top priority. The bench rejected a proposal to deposit funds via a Fixed Deposit Receipt (FDR), directing that payments be made through a Demand Draft (DD) to ensure immediate realization of funds.

Amid these developments, members of the film fraternity reportedly stepped forward to extend financial support. As of mid-February, Yadav’s legal team informed the court that approximately Rs. 1.5 crore had been deposited into the respondent’s bank account.

All eyes are now on whether Yadav can make substantial progress in settling the remaining dues before the case reaches its next decisive stage.

Also Read: Rajpal Yadav is still in Tihar jail; wife Radha dismisses release rumours: “We are hopeful that he will be out soon”


Sunday, February 15, 2026

Deepika Padukone to join The White Lotus Season 4: Report

Deepika Padukone’s long-rumoured association with The White Lotus appears to be back in focus, with fresh reports suggesting she may join the upcoming fourth season of the critically acclaimed series.

According to a report by Deccan Chronicle, Deepika is set to feature in season 4 of the Emmy-winning dark comedy anthology, reportedly alongside actors such as Helena Bonham Carter and Chris Messina, among others. The publication claims that the new season will be filmed in France, with Château de La Messardière in Saint-Tropez reportedly selected as the primary location.

However, it is important to note that there has been no official confirmation from the studio or the makers regarding Deepika’s involvement. Her participation in the project remains speculative at this stage.

This is not the first time Deepika’s name has been linked to the series. In 2024, reports had claimed that she was in talks to join season 3 alongside BLACKPINK’s Lisa. However, she allegedly opted out due to her pregnancy. While those reports were never formally confirmed, they had sparked considerable buzz around a possible Hollywood streaming debut in a high-profile ensemble show.

Now, with season 4 in development, speculation around her casting has resurfaced.

What we know about season 4

Created by Mike White, The White Lotus is known for its satirical take on wealth, privilege and human relationships, set against the backdrop of luxurious resort destinations. Each season introduces a new set of characters while occasionally bringing back familiar faces.

Season 1 was set in Hawaii, season 2 moved to Italy, and season 3 unfolded in Thailand. While HBO has not officially confirmed details about season 4, multiple reports suggest the story will take place at Château de La Messardière in Saint-Tropez, with portions unfolding along the French Riviera and in Paris.

The fourth season is expected to begin production in the spring. Reports indicate that the cast may include Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Coogan, Caleb Jonte Edwards, Marissa Long, Alexander Ludwig, Chris Messina, AJ Michalka and Sandra Bernhard. The release is not anticipated before late 2026 or early 2027. Details about the plot have been kept under wraps.

Deepika’s upcoming projects

On the work front, Deepika will next be seen alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the forthcoming film King, directed by Siddharth Anand. The film is slated for a December 24 release.

Until an official announcement is made, her reported casting in The White Lotus season 4 remains unconfirmed.

Also Read: Ananya Panday says Deepika Padukone’s choices set an example for younger actors


Rajpal Yadav reacts after bail in Rs. 9 crores cheque bounce case: “Your support has been great on social media”

Rajpal Yadav spoke to ANI after being granted bail in the Rs 9 crores cheque bounce case linked to his 2010 production venture. Addressing t...