Rajpal Yadav, the beloved Bollywood comedian famous for his hilarious roles in films like Hungama, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Chup Chup Ke, has brought endless laughter to millions. But behind his cheerful on-screen persona lies a deeply emotional personal story—one marked by early loss, family strength, and eventual healing. Many fans search for details about Rajpal Yadav first wife, curious about the tragedy that shaped his early years. In this post, we dive into the facts, straight from the actor’s own heartfelt interviews and reliable sources, to give you a clear picture of this poignant part of his life.
Table of Contents
Early Marriage and the Sudden Loss
Rajpal Yadav’s first marriage happened when he was just 20 years old, back in the early 1990s. At that time, he was working a steady job at a clothing factory, and like many young men in traditional families, his father arranged the wedding once he had some financial stability. His first wife was named Karuna.
The marriage was short-lived and ended in profound tragedy. In 1991, Karuna gave birth to their daughter, Jyoti. Tragically, she passed away due to complications during or right after childbirth. Rajpal has shared this painful memory in interviews, recalling how he was supposed to visit his wife and newborn the next day—but instead, he found himself carrying her body on his shoulders. It was a devastating blow for a young man just starting his adult life.
Despite the heartbreak, Rajpal often emphasizes the support from his family. His mother and sister-in-law stepped in to help raise baby Jyoti with immense love, ensuring she never felt the absence of a mother figure growing up.
Key Details at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of the important facts surrounding Rajpal Yadav’s first marriage and family:
- First Wife’s Name: Karuna
- Marriage Year: Around 1990-1992 (when Rajpal was 20)
- Child from First Marriage: Daughter Jyoti (born 1991)
- Cause of Death: Complications during/after childbirth in 1991
- Current Status of Daughter Jyoti: Happily married and settled in Lucknow (as shared by Rajpal in recent interviews)
This table captures the timeline and essentials for easy reference.
Rebuilding Life and Finding Love Again
After losing Karuna, Rajpal focused on his career and raising his daughter with family help. He trained at the National School of Drama and slowly made his mark in Bollywood, starting with small roles before becoming a comedy icon.
About 12 years later, in 2001, fate brought a new chapter during the shooting of the film The Hero: Love Story of a Spy in Canada. There, he met Radha, who was living in Canada at the time and is nine years younger than him. They connected, dated for a couple of years, and tied the knot in an intimate ceremony on May 10, 2003.
Radha embraced Rajpal’s world fully—she learned his language, adapted to village traditions during festivals like Holi and Diwali, and most importantly, raised Jyoti as her own daughter. Rajpal has publicly praised her, saying after his guru and parents, Radha has been his biggest supporter—100%. Together, they have two more daughters: Harshita and Rehanshi.
- Strong family bond: Radha’s role in blending the family seamlessly.
- Jyoti’s upbringing: Grew up surrounded by love from her grandmother, aunts, and stepmother.
- Rajpal’s gratitude: He credits his entire family for helping Jyoti thrive—she’s now happily married and living independently.
This second marriage shows how love and support can heal even the deepest wounds.
Conclusion: A Story of Resilience and Family Love
Rajpal Yadav’s life reminds us that even the funniest people carry silent sorrows. The loss of his first wife, Karuna, at such a young age was heartbreaking, but it didn’t define him forever. With his family’s unwavering support and Radha’s incredible strength, he built a loving home with three daughters who mean the world to him.
In a world obsessed with celebrity glamour, stories like this highlight the human side—resilience, gratitude, and the power of second chances. Rajpal often says he was just a “medium” for everything good that came his way, and his family did the real work. It’s a touching reminder to cherish loved ones and keep moving forward, no matter the pain.
What do you think about Rajpal Yadav’s journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from fellow fans!