Chetak Award Show Controversy: Rajpal Yadav Urges Fans Not to Spread Hate Against Saurabh Dwivedi, Salman Khan Extends Support
The Rajpal Yadav–Saurabh Dwivedi controversy from the Chetak Screen Awards 2026 has quickly become one of the biggest Bollywood talking points online. What started as an on-stage joke has now turned into a full-blown social media debate, with fans, celebrities, and internet users divided over whether the remark crossed the line.
In a surprising and mature response, Rajpal Yadav chose calm over confrontation. The veteran actor posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) and appealed to fans not to target Saurabh Dwivedi with abuse or hate, calling him “mere chhote bhai jaise hain” (he is like my younger brother). Meanwhile, Salman Khan also stepped in publicly and backed Rajpal Yadav, adding another major twist to the viral controversy.
Why the Controversy Became So Big
This incident exploded because it touched on something deeper than just a joke at an awards show. Rajpal Yadav has been in the headlines in recent months due to his cheque bounce case and financial issues linked to an old film-related loan. That background made the stage remark feel more personal and harsh to many people watching online.
For a large section of the audience, the debate is not about whether Rajpal Yadav’s legal issues are real—they are. The bigger question is whether a public entertainment stage is the right place to make a comedian out of someone’s financial pain. That is exactly why the controversy has resonated so strongly on X, Instagram, and Reddit.
What Happened at the Chetak Screen Awards 2026?
The controversy began during a segment at the Chetak Screen Awards 2026, where Saurabh Dwivedi was hosting alongside other celebrities. During a stage interaction, Rajpal Yadav made a comment related to global events and the rupee-dollar fluctuation. In response, Saurabh joked that “no matter how much the dollar goes up or down, you will still have to return the money you owe,” referring to Rajpal Yadav’s well-publicized financial and legal troubles.
Rajpal Yadav’s Response Wins Hearts
🙏 @saurabhtop #ZakirKhan pic.twitter.com/jPRWjQL9a6
— Rajpal Naurang Yadav (@rajpalofficial) April 7, 2026
🙏 @saurabhtop #ZakirKhan pic.twitter.com/jPRWjQL9a6
— Rajpal Naurang Yadav (@rajpalofficial) April 7, 2026Instead of escalating the matter, Rajpal Yadav responded with restraint and empathy. In his video statement on X, the actor requested his supporters not to spread negativity or attack Saurabh Dwivedi. According to reports, Rajpal made it clear that there should be no hate campaign, and he emphasized that Saurabh is “like a younger brother” to him.
Salman Khan Supports Rajpal Yadav
Rajpal bhai aap 30 yrs se kaam kar rahe ho aur hum sabne aapko repeat kiya hai baar baar kyunki aap apna kaam jante ho aur ek value laate ho , kaam toh aapko bohot milega aur issi dollar rate pe milega aur milte rahega . Hakikat yeh hai .
Aur yeh yaad rakhna ke kabhi kabhi flow… pic.twitter.com/CzE86CCYXH
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) April 7, 2026
Rajpal bhai aap 30 yrs se kaam kar rahe ho aur hum sabne aapko repeat kiya hai baar baar kyunki aap apna kaam jante ho aur ek value laate ho , kaam toh aapko bohot milega aur issi dollar rate pe milega aur milte rahega . Hakikat yeh hai .
Aur yeh yaad rakhna ke kabhi kabhi flow… pic.twitter.com/CzE86CCYXH
The controversy became even bigger after Salman Khan publicly showed support for Rajpal Yadav on X. Reports say Salman defended Rajpal and praised his long contribution to the entertainment industry, signaling that a person’s financial difficulties should not erase their talent, dignity, or years of hard work