Mumbai, April 7, 2026: Journalist Saurabh Dwivedi has issued a public apology to veteran actor Rajpal Yadav following backlash over a debt-related joke made during the Chetak Screen Awards 2026.
The controversy erupted when Rajpal Yadav was speaking on stage about peace and his personal journey. Saurabh Dwivedi interrupted with a quip referencing the actor’s ongoing financial troubles and Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case, saying:
Rajpal bhai, dollar-rupya kitna bhi upar-neeche ho, aapko utne hi paise lautane padenge jitne udhaar hain.
The remark drew laughter from the audience, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Rajpal Yadav responded sportingly by saying, “Masla toh sun lo ek baar” (At least listen to my side once). Comedian Zakir Khan also tried to diffuse the moment.
However, once the video went viral, netizens slammed Saurabh Dwivedi, calling the joke “insensitive”, “shameless”, and “disrespectful” for targeting the actor’s personal and legal struggles in a public forum.
Saurabh Dwivedi’s Apology
Later, Saurabh Dwivedi admitted his mistake and apologised. In his statement, he said:
“No matter how great a person is, they make mistakes. I should have controlled my words. I deeply respect a legendary artist like Rajpal Yadav. I personally apologised to him after the show and once again I am admitting my mistake in front of everyone.”
Rajpal Yadav, known for his iconic comic roles in films like Hera Pheri, Phir Hera Pheri, and Hungama, has faced legal issues related to debt in the past, which had briefly led to his detention.
The incident has sparked a wider debate on the boundaries of humour at public events and the need for sensitivity when discussing personal matters of celebrities.
As of now, the matter appears to have been resolved between the two, with Saurabh Dwivedi’s apology helping calm some of the online outrage.
