Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has come out in support of veteran actor Rajpal Yadav following a controversial moment at the Screen Awards 2026 in Mumbai. During the event on April 5, host Saurabh Dwivedi made a comment referencing Yadav’s past legal and financial issues, which quickly went viral and drew criticism online.
The remark alluded to Yadav’s longstanding ₹9 crore cheque bounce and debt case, a matter that had previously led the actor to surrender to authorities. Social media users debated whether it was appropriate to highlight personal and legal challenges in a light‑hearted awards show setting. Many felt the joke was unfair to Yadav and detracted from his contributions to Indian cinema.
In response, Salman Khan praised Yadav for his nearly 30‑year career, emphasizing his talent and commitment to the craft. Khan assured Yadav of continued support and urged that the focus remain on his professional achievements rather than past setbacks.
Rajpal Yadav also addressed the incident, clarifying that the segment was scripted and intended as part of the show’s planned humour. He asked fans not to criticise Dwivedi or fellow host Zakir Khan, calling them colleagues and friends.
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