Updated: February 12, 2026
Rajpal Yadav has been making audiences laugh for decades with his iconic comic timing in films like Hungama, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Chup Chup Ke. But behind the on-screen humor lies a deeply emotional personal journey, especially when it comes to his family and marriages. Many fans search for details about Rajpal Yadav ex wife, curious about the tragedy that shaped his early life. Let’s dive into the real story—straightforward, respectful, and full of heart.
Table of Contents
The Tragic Loss of His First Wife, Karuna
Rajpal Yadav’s first marriage happened young, as was common back then. At just 20 years old, while working at a clothing factory, his family arranged his wedding to Karuna. It was a simple, traditional union filled with hope for the future.
Tragically, the happiness was short-lived. In 1991, Karuna gave birth to their daughter, Jyoti, but she passed away due to complications during childbirth. Rajpal has shared this painful memory in interviews, saying he was supposed to meet his wife and newborn the next day—instead, he ended up carrying her body on his shoulders. It was a devastating blow for a young man just starting out in life.
- Age at marriage: Around 20
- Year of loss: 1991
- Cause: Complications during childbirth
- Child together: Daughter Jyoti (now happily married and living in Lucknow)
Despite the grief, Rajpal credits his family—especially his mother and sister-in-law—for stepping in to raise Jyoti with so much love that she never felt the absence of her mother.
Finding Love Again: Marriage to Radha
After over a decade of single fatherhood and building his career in acting (he trained at the National School of Drama and broke into Bollywood in the late ’90s), Rajpal found love once more. He met Radha in 2001 while shooting for The Hero: Love Story of a Spy in Canada. Radha, who was living there and is about nine years younger than him, connected with him deeply.
They tied the knot on May 10, 2003, in a beautiful union supported by both families. Radha embraced Rajpal’s world completely—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 often called Radha his biggest support after his parents and guru, praising her strength and selflessness.
The couple has two daughters together:
- Harshita Yadav
- Rehanshi Yadav (also spelled Rihaanshi in some sources)
Radha stays mostly away from the spotlight, focusing on family while Rajpal navigates his career and occasional challenges.
Rajpal Yadav’s Family at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of his marital and family details for easy reference:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| First Wife | Karuna (married around 1990-1991, deceased 1991) |
| Cause of First Wife’s Passing | Complications during childbirth |
| Daughter from First Marriage | Jyoti (now married, settled in Lucknow) |
| Second Wife | Radha (married May 10, 2003; met in Canada 2001) |
| Daughters with Radha | Harshita and Rehanshi |
| Total Children | 3 daughters |
| Current Marital Status | Married to Radha (as of 2026) |
This table sums up the key facts that fans often look for when exploring Rajpal’s personal side.
A Life of Resilience and Family Bonds
Rajpal Yadav’s story isn’t just about loss—it’s about resilience, love, and second chances. Losing Karuna at such a young age could have broken anyone, but with family support and later Radha’s unwavering partnership, he built a loving home. Jyoti grew up surrounded by care, and today she’s happily married. Radha’s role as a stepmother who became a true mother has been something Rajpal always highlights with gratitude.
Even amid recent tough times (like legal matters in 2026), his family remains his anchor. Rajpal often says Radha stands by him 100%, and that’s clear from how they’ve faced life together.
In the end, while the world knows Rajpal for his laughs, his real strength lies in his heart and the quiet family love that keeps him going. It’s a reminder that behind every comedian is often a story of real human emotion.