Tag: Saurabh Dwivedi

Rajpal Yadav Urges Fans Not to Criticise Saurabh Dwivedi and Zakir Khan Over Award Show Dig: “They Are Like Brothers to Me”

In a graceful and mature response, Rajpal Yadav urges fans not to criticise comedian-journalist Saurabh Dwivedi and stand-up artist Zakir Khan following the backlash from a light-hearted moment at the Chetak Screen Awards 2026 in Mumbai.

The incident, which quickly went viral, occurred when hosts Saurabh Dwivedi and Zakir Khan made a playful dig at Rajpal Yadav referencing his recent financial troubles and cheque-bounce case involving around ₹9 crore. The joke, delivered during a segment on currency fluctuations and economic issues, left many in the audience silent and sparked widespread criticism online.

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Rajpal Yadav’s Heartfelt Appeal

Instead of staying silent or letting the negativity grow, Rajpal Yadav urges fans not to criticise the two hosts. In a video message shared on social media, the veteran actor clarified that the entire exchange was part of a pre-planned scripted skit and should not be taken out of context.

“Saurabh and Zakir are like my younger brothers,” said Rajpal Yadav. “They have always given me respect. They are very close to my heart. As artistes, we are all connected.”

He further appealed directly to his fans:

“Please do not criticise Saurabh. Please do not hurt Saurabh’s feelings. Hurting Saurabh’s feelings means hurting my feelings. I love Saurabh, I love Zakir.”

Rajpal Yadav also thanked Saurabh Dwivedi for making the entire auditorium stand up and applaud his contribution to cinema that night, highlighting the mutual respect between them.

Rajpal Yadav Urges Fans Not to Criticise Saurabh Dwivedi and Zakir Khan

What Sparked the Controversy?

During the Chetak Screen Awards 2026, while discussing “dollar upar ho ya neeche”, Saurabh Dwivedi jokingly reminded Rajpal Yadav about repaying his debts. The moment, though intended as banter, was perceived by many as insensitive, especially given Rajpal’s ongoing legal issues related to the cheque-bounce case. Netizens heavily trolled both hosts, leading to calls for an apology.

Saurabh Dwivedi later issued a public apology, admitting he should have been more careful with his words and expressing deep respect for Rajpal Yadav as a legendary artist.

Salman Khan’s Support for Rajpal Yadav

Rajpal Yadav Urges Fans Not to Criticise : Bollywood superstar Salman Khan also extended strong support to Rajpal Yadav, emphasizing the actor’s 30+ years of hard work in the industry and stating that financial ups and downs should not define an artist’s value.

Rajpal Yadav Urges Fans Not to Criticise Saurabh Dwivedi and Zakir Khan

A Lesson in Grace and Industry Camaraderie

Rajpal Yadav urges fans not to criticise Saurabh Dwivedi and Zakir Khan shows the maturity of a senior artist who chooses positivity over pettiness. By calling the moment “cinema” and defending his “younger brothers”, Rajpal has turned a potential controversy into an example of brotherhood and understanding in the entertainment industry.

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This incident also reminds us how quickly award show banter can be misunderstood when it goes viral, especially when it touches on personal matters

April 7, 2026
Saurabh Dwivedi Resign : Saurabh Dwivedi left Lallantop, The Voice of Modern Hindi Journalism

Saurabh Dwivedi Resign : Saurabh Dwivedi left Lallantop, one of India’s most recognizable Hindi journalists, has long been synonymous with The Lallantop, the popular digital news platform known for its witty, accessible, and bold political coverage. Born on April 22, 1983, in the small village of Chamari in Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh, Saurabh turned 42 in 2025. His journey from a camera-shy child in rural UP to a leading media figure is a story of passion, perseverance, and a deep-rooted love for storytelling.

Family Background: Roots in Education and Politics

Saurabh hails from a traditional Brahmin family with influences in education and local politics. His father, Ravikant Dwivedi, is a retired professor (and in some accounts, associated with political activities, including past affiliations with parties like BJP or Congress). His paternal grandfather, Mataprasad Dwivedi (also known as Mata Prasad Chamari), was a prominent member of the Indian National Congress and held significant influence in the surrounding villages.

Saurabh has an elder brother, Abhay Dwivedi, who works as a director at Infopark in Jalaun. Family members affectionately call him “Shibbu.” Growing up in a modest, value-driven household, Saurabh was deeply influenced by Hindi literature and social issues from a young age. Interestingly, as a child, he was extremely camera-shy—so much so that he would cry if anyone tried to photograph him—a stark contrast to his confident on-screen presence today.

Saurabh Dwivedi Resign : Saurabh Dwivedi left Lallantop

In 2010, Saurabh married his long-time partner, Gunjan Dwivedi, whom he often describes as his best friend, harshest critic, and strongest support system. The couple has two children: a daughter named Gaura and a son (whose name is kept private). Saurabh maintains a low profile about his personal life, occasionally sharing glimpses on social media, but prioritizes keeping his family away from the public spotlight.

Saurabh Dwivedi : Education and Early Influences

Saurabh’s early schooling took place in Orai and Kanpur, including institutions like Saraswati Shishu Mandir and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Sanatan Dharma Vidyalaya (a boarding school). He graduated in Mathematics from Dayanand Vedic College (DVC), Orai—under some family pressure—before following his heart to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi. There, he pursued an MA in Hindi Literature (and later an MPhil on the 1857 uprising). A professor at JNU, impressed by his writing, encouraged him to enter journalism, sparking his career shift.

Current Update: A New Chapter Begins

As of early January 2026, Saurabh Dwivedi has stepped down from his roles at the India Today Group after nearly 12 years. He resigned as the founding editor of The Lallantop and editor of India Today Hindi on January 5, 2026, marking the end of an era for the platform he built from the ground up in 2016. Under his leadership, The Lallantop grew into a youth favorite, boasting millions of subscribers and views with shows like The Lallantop Show, Netanagari, and long-format interviews with political heavyweights.

Saurabh Dwivedi Resign : Saurabh Dwivedi left Lallantop

In his farewell post on social media, Saurabh expressed gratitude to The Lallantop for giving him “identity, lessons, and courage,” and hinted at a brief “leisure break” before embarking on a “new journey.” He has indicated interest in exploring creative opportunities outside the India Today Group, possibly a new platform focused on Hindi journalism. Editorial leadership at The Lallantop has transitioned to Kuldeep Mishra, a long-time team member.

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Throughout 2025, Saurabh remained active, moderating high-profile debates (including one on the existence of God between Javed Akhtar and Shamail Nadwi), appearing on shows like The Great Indian Kapil Show, and receiving awards for his contributions to journalism.

Saurabh Dwivedi‘s departure has sparked widespread discussion in media circles, with many viewing it as the start of an exciting independent phase for one of Hindi digital media’s most influential voices. Whatever comes next, his legacy in making news engaging and relatable for millions of Hindi-speaking audiences is undeniable. We wish him the best in his new beginnings!

January 6, 2026