New Delhi, February 19, 2026: Actor Rajpal Yadav, recently released temporarily from Tihar Jail, has suggested the introduction of designated smoking zones in prisons, similar to those found at airports and railway stations. Speaking to the Press Trust of India, Yadav said, “I think prisons should work as reform centres, not just punishment cells. People need structured chances to change.”
Yadav emphasized the importance of distinguishing habitual offenders from those who make a one time mistake. He plans to maintain a low media profile for the next two days due to a family wedding and will address further questions at a later press conference. He also reiterated his pride as an Indian citizen and voter, focusing on rebuilding his life rather than seeking sympathy.
Yadav’s legal troubles began in 2010 when he borrowed ₹5 crore to produce a film under his own banner, which later flopped. Over time, unpaid dues and interest expanded his debt to nearly ₹9 crore across seven separate cases. A magistrate court convicted him under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act in 2018, resulting in a six-month sentence in Tihar Jail. Multiple appeals, adjournments, and partial repayments followed, but the full amount remains unsettled.
Even amid the financial and legal turmoil, Yadav received support from colleagues like Sonu Sood, Gurmeet Choudhary, and composer Rao Inderjit Yadav, who assisted his family and encouraged others to contribute.