‘Rajpal Yadav comes from a village, people there are innocent’: Director Priyadarshan clarifies what he meant by ‘poor education’ remark on the actor

When Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav surrendered at Tihar Jail in connection with a Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case, filmmaker Priyadarshan came out in support of the actor. However, one of the director’s remarks during the discussion quickly sparked debate online. His comment about Rajpal’s "poor education" received mixed reactions from fans, and even the actor later responded to it. Now, the filmmaker has clarified his statement, saying it was misunderstood and never intended to insult the actor.

Priyadarshan reacts to the poor education remark on Rajpal Yadav

In a recent conversation with HT City, Priyadarshan explained that the word "education" in his remark was used in a broader sense. According to him, education is not limited to academic degrees or classroom learning. Instead, it also includes awareness, life experience and the ability to understand people and situations. The director said his comment was meant to highlight this wider definition rather than question Rajpal Yadav’s formal education.



“Actually, I didn’t mean that. See, education is something we learn from the street and something we learn from books, too. Now I just meant that (street smartness), maybe because education is also awareness. This is what I meant," he said.

Talking about Rajpal Yadav’s personality, Priyadarshan said the actor is someone who comes across as extremely simple and trusting. The filmmaker added, "Maybe he comes from a village, and the people in the village are so innocent, they don’t understand. You should be able to discriminate between the right people and the wrong people. That is education in a very broad way." In that context, he said, he had used the word education to describe the difference between academic knowledge and real-world awareness.

The director also stressed that he never meant to demean or disrespect the actor. Instead, he said the remark came from observing Rajpal’s genuine and innocent nature over the years. Priyadarshan even described the actor as one of the most innocent individuals he has met in the film industry.

Priyadarshan and Rajpal Yadav share a long professional association. The actor has been part of several popular films directed by Priyadarshan, including Bhagam Bhaag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Malamaal Weekly. Their collaborations have often been praised for their comic timing and memorable performances.

On Rajpal Yadav's personal and professional fronts

Meanwhile, Rajpal Yadav has been in the headlines in recent weeks due to the Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case. The actor surrendered earlier this year and was later released on bail after getting temporary relief from the court. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for March 18, 2026.

Despite the recent controversy and legal troubles, Priyadarshan remains confident about Rajpal Yadav’s future. The filmmaker believes the actor will soon return strongly to the screen. He particularly praised Rajpal’s performance in his upcoming film Bhooth Bangla and expressed confidence that audiences will once again see him as one of the finest comedy actors in the industry.

Rajpal Yadav will also be seen in the upcoming comedy entertainer Welcome to the Jungle, which is expected to bring him back into the spotlight