Sushant Singh Rajput
{{short description|Indian actor (1986–2020)}}
{{distinguish|Sushant Singh}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Sushant Singh Rajput
| image = Sushant Singh Rajput.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Rajput at an event in 2013
| birth_date = {{birth date|1986|01|21|df=y}}
| birth_place = Patna, Bihar, India
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=y|2020|06|14|1986|01|21}}
| death_place = Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| death_cause = Suicide by hanging
| occupation = Actor
| years_active = 2008–2020
| alma_mater =
| signature = Sushant Singh Rajput Signature.svg
}}
Sushant Singh Rajput{{efn|{{Indic Transl|hi|Sushānt Siṃh Rājpūt|suːˈʃɑːnt sɪŋ(h) ˈrɑːdʒpuːt|}}}} (21 January 1986 – 14 June 2020) was an Indian actor best known for his work in Hindi cinema. He earned acclaim for his performances in several notable films, including Kai Po Che! (2013), Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015), M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016), Kedarnath (2018), Sonchiriya (2019), and Chhichhore (2019). Rajput received a Screen Award and was nominated for the Filmfare Awards on three occasions. He was featured twice on Forbes Indias Celebrity 100 list, and was regarded as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation.{{efn|{{Cite web|date=21 January 2022|title=Sushant Singh Rajput was many things but flashy 'star'. His brand lives on through SSRians|url=https://theprint.in/theprint-profile/sushant-singh-rajput-was-many-things-but-flashy-star-his-brand-lives-on-through-ssrians/808323/|access-date=21 January 2022|website=ThePrint|language=en-US|archive-date=21 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121033554/https://theprint.in/theprint-profile/sushant-singh-rajput-was-many-things-but-flashy-star-his-brand-lives-on-through-ssrians/808323/|url-status=live}}}}
Rajput began his acting career after dropping out of his engineering course at the Delhi College of Engineering and entering the theatre industry in Mumbai. He moved on to feature in Hindi television serials, his debut show was the romantic drama Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil (2008), followed by the lead role in the soap opera Pavitra Rishta (2009–2011). He made his film debut with the film adaptation Kai Po Che! (2013) which became a critical and commercial success. He followed up with his starring roles as a tourist guide in the romantic comedy Shuddh Desi Romance (2013) and the titular detective in the mystery film Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015). Rajput's highest-grossing releases came with a supporting role in the satire PK (2014), and from the title role in the sports biopic of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. For his performance in the latter, he received his first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Rajput died by suicide at his home in Bandra, Mumbai, in June 2020, aged 34.{{Cite web|date=28 July 2020|editor-last=Banerjea|editor-first=Aparna|title=Sushant Singh Rajput's father files FIR against Rhea Chakraborty in Patna|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/sushant-singh-rajput-s-father-files-fir-against-rhea-chakraborty-in-patna-11595943026253.html|access-date=13 October 2020|website=Livemint|language=en|archive-date=21 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121071749/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/sushant-singh-rajput-s-father-files-fir-against-rhea-chakraborty-in-patna-11595943026253.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Shukla|first=Pankhuri|date=15 June 2020|title='Hit-Wicket' & 'Patna Fail' – How Indian Media Failed Sushant|url=https://www.thequint.com/neon/social-buzz/hit-wicket-patna-fail-indian-media-coverage-sushant-singh-rajput-suicide-death|access-date=13 October 2020|website=The Quint|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=29 July 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput's Death: Complete timeline of investigation from June 14 till present day|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/sushant-singh-rajputs-death-complete-timeline-of-investigation-from-june-14-till-present-day|website=The Free Press Journal|language=en|access-date=13 October 2020|archive-date=6 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006234716/https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/sushant-singh-rajputs-death-complete-timeline-of-investigation-from-june-14-till-present-day|url-status=live}} Various controversies surrounded his death. The Narcotics Control Bureau claimed Rajput had been using various people to obtain drugs since 2018 and filed abetment charges against them. Abetment to suicide charges were filed and the case was handed to the Central Bureau of Investigation, who filed a closure report on 22 March 2025 ruling out any foul play.{{cite news |last=Shukla |first=Prateek |date=22 March 2025 |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/cbi-files-closure-reports-in-sushant-singh-rajput-case-rules-out-foulplay-125032200853_1.html |title=CBI files closure reports in Sushant Singh Rajput case, rules out foulplay |work=Business Standard |access-date=22 March 2025}} His last film, Dil Bechara (2020), was released posthumously on the streaming platform Hotstar.
Early life and education
Sushant Singh Rajput was born in Patna in the state of Bihar to Krishna Kumar Singh and Usha Singh.{{Cite news|last=Arora|first=Priya|date=14 June 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput, Bollywood Star, Dies at 34|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/14/world/asia/sushant-singh-rajput-death.html|access-date=5 September 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=24 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624194325/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/14/world/asia/sushant-singh-rajput-death.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Devesh|date=10 July 2020|title=Looking back at late Sushant Singh Rajput's journey in showbiz|url=https://www.filmfare.com/interviews/looking-back-at-late-sushant-singh-rajputs-journey-in-showbiz-42141.html|access-date=5 September 2020|website=Filmfare|publisher=Times Group|language=en|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808182651/https://www.filmfare.com/interviews/looking-back-at-late-sushant-singh-rajputs-journey-in-showbiz-42141.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last1=Rawal Kukreja|first1=Monika|last2=Suri|first2=Rishabh|date=3 August 2020|title=Sushant's death embroiled in a web of theories|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sushant-s-death-embroiled-in-a-web-of-theories/story-TEWZDqHtQRJXoN22jE5cqJ.html|access-date=5 September 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804072138/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sushant-s-death-embroiled-in-a-web-of-theories/story-TEWZDqHtQRJXoN22jE5cqJ.html|url-status=live}} His father is a retired technical officer and worked at Bihar State Handloom Corporation in Patna, and his mother was a homemaker.{{cite web|url=https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/entertainment/bollywood/1295490|title=सुशांत सिंह राजपूत: हैंडलूम कॉरपोरेशन के टेक्निकल अफसर ने बेटे को बनाया बॉलीवुड स्टार|work=Prabhat Khabar|date=16 June 2019|language=hi|access-date=10 December 2020|archive-date=6 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006133706/https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/entertainment/bollywood/1295490|url-status=live}} He was the only son and the youngest of five siblings and had the nickname Gulshan.{{Cite web|last=Ridhi Kale|first=Vidya|date=14 September 2020|title=Phantoms of the mind|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/the-big-story/story/20200914-phantoms-of-the-mind-1718592-2020-09-05|access-date=5 September 2020|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=5 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905185314/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/the-big-story/story/20200914-phantoms-of-the-mind-1718592-2020-09-05|url-status=live}} One of his four sisters Mitu Singh was a state-level cricket player. He attended the St. Karen's High School in Patna.{{Cite news|date=14 June 2020|title=Pall of gloom descends on Sushant Singh Rajput's residence in Patna|agency=United News of India|url=http://www.uniindia.com/pall-of-gloom-descends-on-sushant-singh-rajput-s-residence-in-patna/east/news/2038723.html|access-date=15 October 2020|archive-date=16 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816052346/http://www.uniindia.com/pall-of-gloom-descends-on-sushant-singh-rajput-s-residence-in-patna/east/news/2038723.html|url-status=live}} His family moved to Delhi following his mother's death in 2002 where Rajput completed his schooling for intermediate studies in the Kulachi Hansraj Model School.
Rajput was reportedly an avid reader who was deeply interested in astrophysics and won the National Olympiad in Physics.{{Cite news|last1=Deshpande|first1=Alok|last2=Saigal|first2=Sonam|last3=Pandey|first3=Devesh Kumar|date=5 September 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput: Life and death in the spotlight|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sushant-singh-rajput-life-and-death-in-the-spotlight/article32526228.ece|access-date=5 September 2020|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904233030/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sushant-singh-rajput-life-and-death-in-the-spotlight/article32526228.ece|url-status=live}} He secured admission in the Delhi College of Engineering (later renamed Delhi Technological University) to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering degree in mechanical engineering.{{Cite web|last=Thomas|first=K. Sunil|date=28 June 2020|title=Reaching for the stars|url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/leisure/2020/06/18/reaching-for-the-stars.html|access-date=5 September 2020|website=The Week|language=en|archive-date=3 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903195434/https://www.theweek.in/theweek/leisure/2020/06/18/reaching-for-the-stars.html|url-status=live}} According to Rajput, he did not have any interest in engineering but his family gave him no option which left him dissatisfied. He instead wanted to become an astronaut and later an air force pilot but was also interested in Bollywood, being a fan of Shah Rukh Khan.{{Cite web|last=Ghosh|first=Ananya|date=5 August 2017|title=How a background dancer (like me) became a movie star... by Sushant Singh Rajput|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/brunch/how-a-background-dancer-like-me-became-a-movie-star-by-sushant-singh-rajput/story-aSolEwvqToqXW3YzTCqR9K.html|access-date=5 September 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803152641/https://www.hindustantimes.com/brunch/how-a-background-dancer-like-me-became-a-movie-star-by-sushant-singh-rajput/story-aSolEwvqToqXW3YzTCqR9K.html|url-status=live}}
Career
= 2006–2011: Early career and television =
During his course at the Delhi College of Engineering, Rajput enrolled himself in Shiamak Davar's dance classes. Soon afterward, he also began attending acting classes under the theatre director Barry John.{{Cite web|last=Mitter|first=Sohini|date=13 February 2014|title=Sushant Singh Rajput: Shuddh Desi Appeal|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/30-under-30/sushant-singh-rajput-shuddh-desi-appeal/37157/1|access-date=6 September 2020|website=Forbes India|archive-date=18 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618164507/https://www.forbesindia.com/article/30-under-30/sushant-singh-rajput-shuddh-desi-appeal/37157/1|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Sood|first=Samira|date=14 June 2020|title=5 performances by which to remember Sushant Singh Rajput – from Kai Po Che! to Chhichhore|url=https://theprint.in/features/kai-po-che-to-chhichhore-5-performances-by-which-to-remember-sushant-singh-rajput/441484/|website=The Print|language=en-US|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=15 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915205017/https://theprint.in/features/kai-po-che-to-chhichhore-5-performances-by-which-to-remember-sushant-singh-rajput/441484/|url-status=live}} Rajput later stated that he found the experience to be liberating and wanted to continue doing it forever.{{cite web|author=Anuradha Choudhary|date=14 June 2013|title=I want to be on the cover of Filmfare – Sushant Singh Rajput|url=http://www.filmfare.com/interviews/i-want-to-be-on-the-cover-of-filmfare-sushant-singh-rajput-3428.html|access-date=7 July 2016|website=Filmfare|publisher=Times Group|archive-date=10 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410024337/http://www.filmfare.com/interviews/i-want-to-be-on-the-cover-of-filmfare-sushant-singh-rajput-3428.html|url-status=live}} He featured as a background dancer in the Dhoom Again song of Dhoom 2 and in Aishwarya Rai's performance at the closing ceremony of the 2006 Commonwealth Games.{{Cite web|last=Chaubey|first=Pranita|date=19 June 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput Was A Background Dancer For Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in 2006 Performance|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajput-was-a-background-dancer-for-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-in-2006-performance-2248518|access-date=5 September 2020|website=NDTV|archive-date=2 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902122400/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajput-was-a-background-dancer-for-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-in-2006-performance-2248518|url-status=live}} In 2006, he dropped out of his engineering course during his fourth year to begin a career in arts and performance.{{Cite web|last=Shah|first=Jigar|date=28 August 2015|title=Honorary degree for college drop-out Sushant Singh Rajput|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/honorary-degree-for-college-drop-out-sushant-singh-rajput/story-89LK19OrdsewMZT1bmyTnN.html|access-date=5 September 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=21 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621110510/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/honorary-degree-for-college-drop-out-sushant-singh-rajput/story-89LK19OrdsewMZT1bmyTnN.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Unny|first=Divya|date=14 June 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput (1986–2020)|url=https://openthemagazine.com/features/in-memoriam-features/sushant-singh-rajput-1986-2020/|access-date=5 September 2020|website=Open Magazine|language=en-GB|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809014833/https://openthemagazine.com/features/in-memoriam-features/sushant-singh-rajput-1986-2020/|url-status=live}} He moved to Mumbai, took up odd jobs and small roles alongside working in the theatre industry.{{Cite news|date=19 August 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput: Federal probe ordered into Bollywood star's death|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-53831595|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831181628/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-53831595|url-status=live}} Rajput eventually joined Nadira Babbar's theatre group called the Ekjute in which he remained for two and a half years.{{Cite web|last=Nihalani|first=Akash|date=1 February 2018|title=5 young actors who made it big on their own|url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/5-young-actors-who-made-it-big-on-their-own-26370.html|access-date=5 September 2020|website=Filmfare|publisher=Times Group|language=en|archive-date=1 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201165244/https://www.filmfare.com/features/5-young-actors-who-made-it-big-on-their-own-26370.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=14 June 2020|title=RIP Sushant Singh Rajput: The rising star who made a successful transition from TV to films|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rip-sushant-singh-rajput-the-rising-star-who-made-a-successful-transition-from-tv-to-films/story-qp3lY6OXRnDveAP41pQHIK.html|access-date=15 October 2020|work=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829195738/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rip-sushant-singh-rajput-the-rising-star-who-made-a-successful-transition-from-tv-to-films/story-qp3lY6OXRnDveAP41pQHIK.html|url-status=live}}
He was spotted by a casting team of Balaji Telefilms while he was working at the Prithvi Theatre. Rajput was subsequently called for an audition and cast as a second lead in the television series Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil in 2008.{{Cite web|last=Singh|first=Suhani|date=21 June 2020|title=A Star Snuffed Out|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/20200629-a-star-snuffed-out-1690930-2020-06-21|access-date=6 September 2020|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=7 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907150515/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/20200629-a-star-snuffed-out-1690930-2020-06-21|url-status=live}} He had secured the role of Preet Singh Juneja, the stepbrother of the lead named Harshad Chopda and entered the show in its seventh episode.{{Cite web|last=Keshri|first=Shewta|date=23 July 2020|title=Throwback Thursday: How Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil paved way for Sushant Singh Rajput's acting career|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/soaps/story/throwback-thursday-how-kis-desh-mein-hai-meraa-dil-paved-way-for-sushant-singh-rajput-s-acting-career-1703622-2020-07-23|access-date=6 September 2020|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929183149/https://www.indiatoday.in/television/soaps/story/throwback-thursday-how-kis-desh-mein-hai-meraa-dil-paved-way-for-sushant-singh-rajput-s-acting-career-1703622-2020-07-23|url-status=live}} The character was killed early in the show, but due to popularity among viewers was brought back in the series finale as a spirit looking on as his family celebrated coming out of difficult times.{{Cite web|date=21 January 2020|title=5 Things You Didn't Know About Sushant Singh Rajput!|url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/celebrities/sushant-singh-rajput-five-things-you-didnt-know-about-actor|website=The Quint|access-date=14 June 2020|archive-date=14 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614115124/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/celebrities/sushant-singh-rajput-five-things-you-didnt-know-about-actor|url-status=live}} The performance had made an impression on the producer Ekta Kapoor who vouched for him to be cast as the lead in another series Pavitra Rishta, reportedly against the wishes of the hosting channel, Zee TV.{{Cite web|last=Ann|first=Tracy|date=3 June 2020|title=Sushant Has Ekta Kapoor To Thank For His Career; Here's How He Landed His First Big Role|url=https://www.idiva.com/entertainment/tv/ekta-kapoor-convinced-zee-to-cast-sushant-singh-rajput/18010021|access-date=6 September 2020|website=iDiva|publisher=Times Internet|language=en-IN|archive-date=14 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614231259/https://www.idiva.com/entertainment/tv/ekta-kapoor-convinced-zee-to-cast-sushant-singh-rajput/18010021|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Chaubey|first=Pranita|date=2 June 2020|title=Pavitra Rishta Without Sushant Singh Rajput? Ekta Kapoor Reveals Channel Needed Convincing To Cast Him|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/pavitra-rishta-without-sushant-singh-rajput-ekta-kapoor-reveals-channel-needed-convincing-to-cast-him-2239501|access-date=6 September 2020|website=NDTV|archive-date=21 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721233449/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/pavitra-rishta-without-sushant-singh-rajput-ekta-kapoor-reveals-channel-needed-convincing-to-cast-him-2239501|url-status=live}}
In Pavitra Rishta, Rajput was cast as Manav Deshmukh who was an "ideal son and husband" and co-starred along with Ankita Lokhande. The role was reportedly a breakthrough for him and for which he won various television awards,{{Cite web|last=Venkiteshan|first=Jyothi|date=14 June 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput is no more!|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/life-leisure/sushant-singh-rajput-is-no-more--1.4829937|access-date=6 September 2020|website=Mathrubhumi|language=en|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011215520/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/life-leisure/sushant-singh-rajput-is-no-more--1.4829937|url-status=live}} including his first award for best actor in the Indian Television Academy Awards 2010.{{Cite web|last=Keshri|first=Shweta|date=19 June 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput dedicated his first-ever Best Actor award to his mother. Watch video|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/celebrity/story/sushant-singh-rajput-dedicated-his-first-ever-best-actor-award-to-his-mother-watch-video-1690656-2020-06-19|access-date=6 September 2020|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=21 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621113217/https://www.indiatoday.in/television/celebrity/story/sushant-singh-rajput-dedicated-his-first-ever-best-actor-award-to-his-mother-watch-video-1690656-2020-06-19|url-status=live}} He also won three major television awards in the categories of best male actor and most popular actor.{{Cite web|date=14 June 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput went from the small screen to Bollywood— and gave up on life while his career was peaking|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/sushant-singh-rajput-journey-from-the-small-screen-to-bollywood/articleshow/76369638.cms|website=Business Insider|access-date=6 September 2020|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705234452/https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/sushant-singh-rajput-journey-from-the-small-screen-to-bollywood/articleshow/76369638.cms|url-status=live}} In 2010, he joined the dance reality show Zara Nachke Dikha in its second season as part of the Mast Kalandar Boys team. On the Mother's Day special episode, the team dedicated a performance to Rajput's mother who had died.{{cite AV media|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebritymicro/videos/id/37601/type/view/videoid/1213307|title=Mother's Day Special On 'Zara Nachke Dikha' – Abhishek Awasthi|website=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=24 November 2013|archive-date=3 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203054641/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebritymicro/videos/id/37601/type/view/videoid/1213307|url-status=dead}} Later in the same year, he also took part in the fourth season of another dance competition reality show called Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and was paired alongside the choreographer Shampa Sonthalia; they emerged as the runners-up of the season.{{Cite web|last=Keshri|first=Shweta|date=14 June 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput's TV career: Pavitra Rishta to Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/celebrity/story/sushant-singh-rajput-s-tv-career-pavitra-rishta-to-kis-desh-mein-hai-meraa-dil-1688895-2020-06-14|website=India Today|access-date=14 June 2020|archive-date=14 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614115125/https://www.indiatoday.in/television/celebrity/story/sushant-singh-rajput-s-tv-career-pavitra-rishta-to-kis-desh-mein-hai-meraa-dil-1688895-2020-06-14|url-status=live}}
Rajput continued to act in Pavitra Rishta from its first airing in 2009 till his exit in 2011,{{Cite news|date=13 October 2014|title=Ankita Lokhande Plans Long Break After Shooting Final Episode of Pavitra Rishta|work=NDTV Movies|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|url=https://movies.ndtv.com/television/ankita-lokhande-plans-long-break-after-shooting-final-episode-of-pavitra-rishta-678640|access-date=6 September 2020|archive-date=15 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915231851/http://movies.ndtv.com/television/ankita-lokhande-plans-long-break-after-shooting-final-episode-of-pavitra-rishta-678640|url-status=live}} having played the part of the protagonist of the series for two and a half years at the time of his exit.{{Cite web|date=9 October 2014|title=Shooting last episode of Pavitra Rishta was emotional: Sushant Singh Rajput|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/shooting-last-episode-of-pavitra-rishta-was-emotional-sushant-singh-rajput/story-AvdYb6InesM4dOPANOfsHN.html|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=2 August 2020|archive-date=10 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610121159/https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/shooting-last-episode-of-pavitra-rishta-was-emotional-sushant-singh-rajput/story-AvdYb6InesM4dOPANOfsHN.html|url-status=live}} He had stated that he intended to move to the United States to study filmmaking and had already gained experience behind the scenes in the film Raaz 2,{{Cite web|date=4 September 2013|title=All you need to know about Shuddh Desi Romance star Sushant Singh Rajput|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/all-you-need-to-know-about-shuddh-desi-romance-star-sushant-singh-rajput-1084077.html|website=Firstpost|access-date=23 December 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223191428/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/all-you-need-to-know-about-shuddh-desi-romance-star-sushant-singh-rajput-1084077.html|url-status=live}} where he was an assistant director.{{Cite web|date=21 January 2018|title=Happy Birthday Sushant Singh Rajput: 7 lesser-known facts about the star that will make you go 'Whoa!'|url=https://indianexpress.com/photos/entertainment-gallery/happy-birthday-sushant-singh-rajput-5033349/|website=The Indian Express|language=en|access-date=6 September 2020|archive-date=30 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330085202/https://indianexpress.com/photos/entertainment-gallery/happy-birthday-sushant-singh-rajput-5033349/|url-status=live}} Rajput made a later reappearance in the final episode of Pavitra Rishta in 2014 after gaining critical acclaim in Bollywood.
= 2012–2015: Film debut and Yash Raj Films =
File:Sushant, Raj Kumar, Abhishek and Amit at KAI PO CHE's success bash.jpg, Abhishek Kapoor and Amit Sadh at the promotion of Kai Po Che! in 2013]]
In 2011, Rajput was spotted by Mukesh Chhabra, the casting director of Kai Po Che!, who invited him for an audition.{{Cite web|last=Singh|first=Suhani|date=23 July 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput's swan song|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/sushant-singh-rajput-s-swan-song-1703680-2020-07-23|access-date=7 September 2020|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=8 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908063132/https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/sushant-singh-rajput-s-swan-song-1703680-2020-07-23|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Bhatia|first=Uday|date=20 June 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput: The outsider|url=https://www.livemint.com/mint-lounge/features/sushant-singh-rajput-the-outsider-11592580503526.html|access-date=7 September 2020|website=Livemint|language=en|archive-date=13 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913023459/https://www.livemint.com/mint-lounge/features/sushant-singh-rajput-the-outsider-11592580503526.html|url-status=live}} He was in the process of enrolling for a course in filmmaking at Stanford University but decided to accept the offer. He was subsequently cast in the role of Ishaan Bhatt, a district-level cricketer who was a victim of politics in the selection fraternity and one of the three leads, along with Rajkummar Rao and Amit Sadh.{{Cite web|last=Maru|first=Vibha|date=25 June 2020|title=Throwback Thursday: Remembering Sushant Singh Rajput as the passionate Ishaan of Kai Po Che|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/throwback-thursday-remembering-sushant-singh-rajput-as-the-passionate-ishaan-of-kai-po-che-1692593-2020-06-25|access-date=7 September 2020|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629141255/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/throwback-thursday-remembering-sushant-singh-rajput-as-the-passionate-ishaan-of-kai-po-che-1692593-2020-06-25|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last1=Kanyal|first1=Jyoti|last2=June 14|date=14 June 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput dies at 34: Kai Po Che to Chhichhore, best films of the actor|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/sushant-singh-rajput-dies-at-34-kai-po-che-to-chhichhore-best-films-of-the-actor-1688952-2020-06-14|access-date=14 October 2020|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=14 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014093556/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/sushant-singh-rajput-dies-at-34-kai-po-che-to-chhichhore-best-films-of-the-actor-1688952-2020-06-14|url-status=live}} The film was directed by Abhishek Kapoor and based on the Chetan Bhagat novel called The 3 Mistakes of My Life, which dealt with the life of three friends affected by the 2001 Gujarat earthquake and the 2002 Gujarat riots. It was released in 2013 and became a critical and commercial success.{{Cite web|last=Shekhar|first=Mimasa|date=20 September 2019|title=Besides The Zoya Factor, a list of best book adaptations in Bollywood|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/best-book-adaptations-films-stories-the-zoya-factor-5982042/|access-date=8 September 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=24 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924235452/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/best-book-adaptations-films-stories-the-zoya-factor-5982042/|url-status=live}} Rajput received a nomination for the Filmfare Awards in the category of best debut actor for his performance in the film.{{Cite web|last=Bharati|first=Yash|date=15 June 2020|title=5 Sushant Singh Rajput movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar as we remember the young superstar|url=https://www.gqindia.com/binge-watch/collection/5-sushant-singh-rajput-movies-on-netflix-amazon-prime-video-disney-hotstar-watch-remember-young-superstar/|access-date=7 September 2020|website=GQ India|language=en-IN|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809100439/https://www.gqindia.com/binge-watch/collection/5-sushant-singh-rajput-movies-on-netflix-amazon-prime-video-disney-hotstar-watch-remember-young-superstar/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Arora|first=Priya|date=19 June 2020|title=4 Great Sushant Singh Rajput Roles to Stream|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/19/movies/sushant-singh-rajput-performances.html|access-date=7 September 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=13 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813060923/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/19/movies/sushant-singh-rajput-performances.html|url-status=live}}
Before the release of his debut film Kai Po Che!, Rajput was signed in by Rajkumar Hirani for a role in the Aamir Khan-starrer satirical drama called PK.{{Cite web|last=Singh|first=Prashant|date=16 November 2012|title=Rajkumar Hirani confirms Sushant Singh Rajput for P.K.|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rajkumar-hirani-confirms-sushant-singh-rajput-for-p-k/story-cDAeCaVy8jBmY451Dm0hzK.html|access-date=8 September 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011215521/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rajkumar-hirani-confirms-sushant-singh-rajput-for-p-k/story-cDAeCaVy8jBmY451Dm0hzK.html|url-status=live}} In the film, he was cast as the boyfriend to Anushka Sharma's character of a journalist.{{Cite web|date=17 September 2014|title=Aamir Khan's PK poster number 3: Behold the zombie policeman|url=https://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/aamir-khans-pk-poster-number-3-behold-the-zombie-policeman-1715009.html|website=Firstpost|access-date=8 September 2020|archive-date=17 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217211033/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/aamir-khans-pk-poster-number-3-behold-the-zombie-policeman-1715009.html|url-status=live}} He also entered into a deal with Yash Raj Films beginning with the starring role in the film Shuddh Desi Romance. The film was a romantic comedy, where Rajput played the character of Raghu Ram Sitaram, a tour guide who fell in love with a woman on the way to his own marriage, it featured Parineeti Chopra and Vaani Kapoor.{{Cite web|last=Pal|first=Deepanjana|date=8 September 2013|title=Shuddh Desi Romance review: Twenty seven kisses and a happy ending|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/shuddh-desi-romance-review-twenty-seven-kisses-and-a-happy-ending-1090041.html|access-date=8 September 2020|website=Firstpost|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831170220/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/shuddh-desi-romance-review-twenty-seven-kisses-and-a-happy-ending-1090041.html|url-status=live}} Shuddh Desi Romance was released in 2013 and became a sleeper hit.{{Cite web|last=Mukherjee|first=Nairita|date=7 September 2020|title=Monday Masala: How Sushant Singh Rajput's Shuddh Desi Romance was the millennial live-in definer|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/monday-masala-how-sushant-singh-rajput-s-shuddh-desi-romance-was-the-millennial-live-in-definer-1719461-2020-09-07|access-date=8 September 2020|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=7 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907225724/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/monday-masala-how-sushant-singh-rajput-s-shuddh-desi-romance-was-the-millennial-live-in-definer-1719461-2020-09-07|url-status=live}} Following the release of his first two films, Rajput was described by the veteran director Shekhar Kapur as "one of the most inspiring young actors to emerge out of India" and was occasionally referred to as the "next SRK". The film PK was later released in 2014 and became the highest grossing Indian film.{{Cite web|last=Cain|first=Rob|date=27 September 2015|title=India's 'PK' Crosses 300 Crore Overseas in Bid To Retain Global Box Office Crown|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/09/27/9-months-on-pk-still-fighting-to-retain-global-box-office-crown/|access-date=8 September 2020|website=Forbes|language=en|archive-date=2 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102180759/https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/09/27/9-months-on-pk-still-fighting-to-retain-global-box-office-crown/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=3 January 2015|title='PK' highest grossing film in India, earns Rs 285.37 crore|work=Business Standard|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/pk-highest-grossing-film-in-india-earns-rs-285-37-crore-115010300455_1.html|access-date=9 September 2020|archive-date=29 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129053743/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/pk-highest-grossing-film-in-india-earns-rs-285-37-crore-115010300455_1.html|url-status=live}}
In June 2013, Yash Raj Films and Dibakar Banerjee Productions announced the joint production of Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! with Sushant Singh Rajput in the starring role.{{Cite web|date=28 June 2013|title=Sushant Singh Rajput to play Detective Byomkesh Bakshi|url=https://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-to-play-detective-byomkesh-bakshi-612556|website=NDTV Movies|language=en|access-date=9 September 2020|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330091206/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-to-play-detective-byomkesh-bakshi-612556|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=28 June 2013|title=Dibakar Banerjee to reboot "Byomkesh Bakshy" for YRF|work=Deccan Herald|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/341498/dibakar-banerjee-reboot-byomkesh-bakshy.html|access-date=9 September 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011215524/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/341498/dibakar-banerjee-reboot-byomkesh-bakshy.html|url-status=live}} Rajput began working on the new project following the release of his second film Shuddh Desi Romance.{{Cite news|date=3 September 2013|title=Sushant to take preparatory leave for '... Byomkesh Bakshi'|work=Business Standard|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/sushant-to-take-preparatory-leave-for-byomkesh-bakshi-113090300558_1.html|access-date=9 September 2020|archive-date=21 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321233258/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/sushant-to-take-preparatory-leave-for-byomkesh-bakshi-113090300558_1.html|url-status=live}} The film was a mystery action-thriller featuring Byomkesh Bakshi, a fictional detective originally created by the Bengali writer Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay.{{Cite news|last=Saltz|first=Rachel|date=5 April 2015|title=Review: 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!,' a Calcutta Whodunit|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/06/movies/review-detective-byomkesh-bakshy-a-calcutta-whodunit.html|access-date=9 September 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=9 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909121519/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/06/movies/review-detective-byomkesh-bakshy-a-calcutta-whodunit.html|url-status=live}} Dibakar Banerjee, the director of the film and the IP rights holder of Byomkesh Bakshi stories had signed him in to play the part of the protagonist. Before the release, Rajput made a special appearance in the police crime drama CID in the character of Byomkesh Bakshy.{{Cite web|last=Roy|first=Gitanjali|date=31 March 2015|title=21st Century Byomkesh? Sushant Singh Rajput, Dibakar Banerjee on the Possibilities of Time Travel|url=https://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/21st-century-byomkesh-sushant-singh-rajput-dibakar-banerjee-on-the-possibilities-of-time-travel-751021|access-date=17 September 2020|website=NDTV Movies|language=en|archive-date=11 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611164017/https://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/21st-century-byomkesh-sushant-singh-rajput-dibakar-banerjee-on-the-possibilities-of-time-travel-751021|url-status=live}} The film was released on 3 April 2015,{{cite news|author=Deepanjana Pal|date=6 April 2015|title=Detective Byomkesh Bakshy review: Stylish, beautiful and yet Dibakar's most underwhelming film so far|work=Firstpost|url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/detective-byomkesh-bakshy-review-stylish-beautiful-and-yet-dibakars-most-underwhelming-film-so-far-2184271.html|access-date=31 May 2015|archive-date=25 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425121923/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/detective-byomkesh-bakshy-review-stylish-beautiful-and-yet-dibakars-most-underwhelming-film-so-far-2184271.html|url-status=live}} and failed to perform well in the box office, but received positive critical reviews.{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Devesh|date=10 July 2020|title=Best of the best! Sushant Singh Rajput's most memorable performances|url=https://www.filmfare.com/interviews/best-of-the-best-sushant-singh-rajputs-most-memorable-performances-42138.html|access-date=9 September 2020|website=Filmfare|publisher=Times Group|language=en|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808183547/https://www.filmfare.com/interviews/best-of-the-best-sushant-singh-rajputs-most-memorable-performances-42138.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Bhaskar|first=Swara|date=5 July 2020|title=The outsider who conquered Bollywood|url=https://www.theweek.in/columns/swara-bhasker/2020/06/25/the-outsider-who-conquered-bollywood.html|access-date=9 September 2020|website=The Week|language=en|archive-date=8 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908210321/https://www.theweek.in/columns/swara-bhasker/2020/06/25/the-outsider-who-conquered-bollywood.html|url-status=live}} In September 2013, Rajput began collaborating with Shekhar Kapur for his upcoming project Paani, a film set in the future that showcased a world where wars where being fought over water.{{Cite news|date=17 September 2013|title=Sushant Singh Rajput bags Shekhar Kapur's Paani|work=The Indian Express|agency=Press Trust of India|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/sushant-singh-rajput-bags-shekhar-kapurs-paani/1170287/|access-date=11 September 2020|archive-date=29 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229133750/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/sushant-singh-rajput-bags-shekhar-kapurs-paani/1170287/|url-status=live}} The film was initially reported to be starred by Hrithik Roshan and then Vivek Oberoi but finally went to Rajput after Yash Raj Films entered in its co-production and opted for his inclusion.{{Cite web|date=5 October 2017|title=Not Sushant Singh Rajput, Ranveer Singh might be lead in Shekhar Kapur's Paani|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bollywood/not-sushant-singh-rajput-ranveer-singh-might-be-lead-in-shekhar-kapurs-paani-4111467.html|access-date=11 September 2020|website=Firstpost|archive-date=28 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828123624/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bollywood/not-sushant-singh-rajput-ranveer-singh-might-be-lead-in-shekhar-kapurs-paani-4111467.html|url-status=live}} He had reportedly attended workshops with Kapur for 10 months before the project was suspended in 2015 when the Yash Raj Films backed out of it.{{Cite web|last=Purandare|first=Kunal|date=2 July 2017|title=Sushant Singh Rajput: The Confident Craftsman|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/recliner/sushant-singh-rajput-the-confident-craftsman/47427/1|access-date=11 September 2020|website=Forbes India|language=en|archive-date=11 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711101926/https://www.forbesindia.com/article/recliner/sushant-singh-rajput-the-confident-craftsman/47427/1|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=15 June 2020|title=Shekhar Kapur Says What Happened to Sushant Singh Rajput is 'Karma of People Who Let Him Down'|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/shekhar-kapur-says-what-happened-to-sushant-singh-rajput-is-karma-of-people-who-let-him-down-2670687.html|website=News18|access-date=15 September 2020|archive-date=24 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824102047/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/shekhar-kapur-says-what-happened-to-sushant-singh-rajput-is-karma-of-people-who-let-him-down-2670687.html|url-status=live}} In the aftermath, Rajput ended his contract with the production house.{{Cite web|date=10 December 2015|title=Sushant Singh Rajput no longer associated with YRF|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151210/entertainment-bollywood/article/sushant-singh-rajput-no-longer-associated-yrf|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|access-date=11 September 2020|archive-date=6 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406194136/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/151210/entertainment-bollywood/article/sushant-singh-rajput-no-longer-associated-yrf|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Shetty|first=Karishma|date=30 May 2017|title=Sushant Singh Rajput on burying the hatchet with Aditya Chopra: That's for him to decide|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/379528/sushant-singh-rajput-his-fallout-aditya-chopra-im-completely-fearless-dont|access-date=11 September 2020|website=Pinkvilla|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011215524/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/379528/sushant-singh-rajput-his-fallout-aditya-chopra-im-completely-fearless-dont|url-status=live}}
= 2016–2017: Dhoni biopic, ''Raabta'' and ''Kedarnath'' =
In 2011, a biopic on the life of the Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was conceived by Dhoni's manager, Arun Pandey.{{Cite web|date=24 July 2020|title=3 Sushant Singh Rajput movies on Disney+ Hotstar & Netflix that grossed over Rs 100 crore|url=https://www.gqindia.com/binge-watch/collection/3-sushant-singh-rajput-on-movies-disney-hotstar-netflix-watch-grossed-rs-100-crore/|website=GQ India|language=en-IN|access-date=10 September 2020|archive-date=10 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810221920/https://www.gqindia.com/binge-watch/collection/3-sushant-singh-rajput-on-movies-disney-hotstar-netflix-watch-grossed-rs-100-crore/|url-status=live}} The project was initially faced with various difficulties including objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Dhoni's demand for a large royalty.{{Cite web|last=Singh|first=Apurva|date=25 September 2014|editor-last=Sharma|editor-first=Sarika|title=First look of MS Dhoni biopic: Sushant Singh Rajput will play the lead|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/unveiled-first-look-of-sushant-singh-rajput-in-and-as-m-s-dhoni/|access-date=10 September 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801164711/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/unveiled-first-look-of-sushant-singh-rajput-in-and-as-m-s-dhoni/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|agency=PTI|date=25 September 2014|title=Actor Rajput set to play Dhoni in biopic|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/actor-rajput-set-to-play-dhoni-in-biopic/article6446266.ece|access-date=10 September 2020|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=26 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926161750/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/actor-rajput-set-to-play-dhoni-in-biopic/article6446266.ece|url-status=live}} On 25 September 2014, Sushant Singh Rajput was announced as the actor who would play the role of Dhoni in the biopic which was titled M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story and directed by Neeraj Pandey.{{Cite web|last=Chakravarty|first=Shubodeep|date=25 September 2014|title=First look of MS Dhoni biopic: Sushant Singh Rajput plays lead|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-and-the-untold-story-movie-1512262|access-date=10 September 2020|website=NDTV Sports|language=en|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011215525/https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-and-the-untold-story-movie-1512262|url-status=live}} The film was centered around the life of the cricketer beginning with his childhood in the city of Ranchi and leading up to the 2011 Cricket World Cup victory for India under his captaincy. Incidentally, Rajput wasn't adept at cricket and had to train regularly in the game for 13 months as well as capture the playing style of Dhoni for his portrayal in the film, he was coached by Kiran More who reportedly trained him in the regimen of a professional sportsperson rather than as an actor.{{cite web|date=18 September 2016|editor-last=Tulsiani|editor-first=Kriti|title=Not Trying To Glorify MS Dhoni: Sushant Singh Rajput Opens Up About His Upcoming Film|url=http://www.news18.com/news/movies/we-are-not-trying-to-glorify-ms-dhoni-sushant-singh-rajput-opens-up-about-his-upcoming-film-1293191.html|access-date=4 October 2016|work=News18|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921110424/http://www.news18.com/news/movies/we-are-not-trying-to-glorify-ms-dhoni-sushant-singh-rajput-opens-up-about-his-upcoming-film-1293191.html|url-status=live}} The film was produced by Arun Pandey with Fox Star Studios and released on 2 October 2016.{{cite web|date=3 October 2016|title=MS Dhoni The Untold Story box office collection day 10: Sushant Singh Rajput-starrer mints Rs 66 cr|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ms-dhoni-the-untold-story-box-office-collection-day-4-sushant-singh-rajput-starrer-mints-rs-66-cr-3063170/|work=The Indian Express|access-date=22 December 2016|archive-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223062147/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ms-dhoni-the-untold-story-box-office-collection-day-4-sushant-singh-rajput-starrer-mints-rs-66-cr-3063170/|url-status=live}} It became the 5th highest grossing Bollywood film of that year.{{Cite web|date=15 June 2020|title=MS Dhoni very morose after Sushant Singh Rajput's passing: Manager Arun Pandey|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/he-s-pretty-morose-manager-arun-pandey-on-ms-dhoni-s-reaction-to-sushant-singh-rajput-s-death/story-jY975f2xI78T9E8fjRkkyN.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=10 September 2020|archive-date=17 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817132141/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/he-s-pretty-morose-manager-arun-pandey-on-ms-dhoni-s-reaction-to-sushant-singh-rajput-s-death/story-jY975f2xI78T9E8fjRkkyN.html|url-status=live}} Rajput received critical acclaim for his performance and nominations to a number of awards, including the Filmfare Awards, the International Indian Film Academy Awards and the winning nomination at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.{{Cite web|last=Roy|first=Gitanjali|date=10 January 2017|title=Filmfare Awards Nominations Revealed. Akshay Kumar Ignored, Twitter Outraged – NDTV Movies|url=https://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/filmfare-awards-nominations-revealed-akshay-kumar-ignored-twitter-outraged-1647126|access-date=10 September 2020|website=NDTV Movies|language=en|archive-date=18 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118121521/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/filmfare-awards-nominations-revealed-akshay-kumar-ignored-twitter-outraged-1647126|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=12 August 2017|title=Sushant Singh Rajput on Best Actor win at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne|language=en|work=The Indian Express|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-on-best-actor-win-at-the-indian-film-festival-of-melbourne-4793497/|access-date=10 September 2020|archive-date=30 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930194024/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-on-best-actor-win-at-the-indian-film-festival-of-melbourne-4793497/|url-status=live}} He also made a cameo appearance in the comedy film Welcome to New York,{{Cite web|last=Ramnath|first=Nandini|date=23 February 2018|title='Welcome to New York' film review: A Bollywood surgery performed with a butter knife|url=https://scroll.in/article/869712/welcome-to-new-york-film-review-a-bollywood-surgery-performed-with-a-butter-knife|access-date=17 September 2020|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US|archive-date=25 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525145744/https://scroll.in/article/869712/welcome-to-new-york-film-review-a-bollywood-surgery-performed-with-a-butter-knife|url-status=live}} which was released on 23 February 2018 and where the lead characters met Rajput but confused him for Mahendra Singh Dhoni.{{Cite web|date=22 January 2018|title=Welcome To New York trailer: Diljit Dosanjh, Sonakshi Sinha, Karan Johar's confused event of the year|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/welcome-to-new-york-trailer-diljit-dosanjh-sonakshi-sinha-karan-johar-s-confused-event-of-the-year/story-3vMZGtSrDi4khjDplG4icO.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=17 September 2020|archive-date=24 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124033146/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/welcome-to-new-york-trailer-diljit-dosanjh-sonakshi-sinha-karan-johar-s-confused-event-of-the-year/story-3vMZGtSrDi4khjDplG4icO.html|url-status=live}}
File:Sushant Singh Rajput & Kriti Sanon promoting their film RAABTA at Kolkata, by Sourendra Kumar Das, Sou BoyyJPG.jpg at a promotional event for Raabta]]
During the release of M. S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Rajput in an interview had stated that he was signed up to do five more films; namely Raabta, Takadum, Chanda Mama Door Ke, another biopic of an athlete and a film produced by Dharma Productions featuring Jacqueline Fernandez.{{Cite news|date=2 September 2016|title=Sushant Singh Rajput to star in space film|work=The Indian Express|agency=Indo-Asian News Servicee|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-to-star-in-space-film-3009505/|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=11 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911084009/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-to-star-in-space-film-3009505/|url-status=live}} Earlier in 2014, reports had emerged that Rajput was being signed in alongside Alia Bhatt for the starring roles in the largest budget production of the producer–directors Homi Adajania and Dinesh Vijan.{{Cite web|last=Gera|first=Sonal|date=30 November 2014|title=Alia Bhatt, Sushant Singh Rajput to share screen space in Homi Adajania's next|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/alia-bhatt-sushant-singh-rajput-to-share-screen-space-in-homi-adajanias-next/|access-date=12 September 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=13 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113132827/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/alia-bhatt-sushant-singh-rajput-to-share-screen-space-in-homi-adajanias-next/|url-status=live}} In an announcement in February 2015, the film titled Raabta, produced by the Vijan owned Maddock Films and co-directed by Adajania and Vijan was publicised where Rajput and Bhatt were in the lead role.{{Cite web|date=27 February 2015|title=Homi Adajania and Dinesh Vijan's co-directorial venture is titled Raabta|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/screen/homi-adajania-and-dinesh-vijans-co-directorial-venture-is-titled-raabta/|website=The Indian Express|language=en|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=2 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702021413/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/screen/homi-adajania-and-dinesh-vijans-co-directorial-venture-is-titled-raabta/|url-status=live}} Bhatt however decided to opt out of the project in the same year,{{Cite web|date=4 June 2015|title=Alia Bhatt opts out of Homi Adajania's next opposite Sushant Singh Rajput|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/alia-bhatt-bows-out-homi-adajanias-next-opposite-sushant-singh-rajput/|website=The Indian Express|language=en|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=11 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911204730/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/alia-bhatt-bows-out-homi-adajanias-next-opposite-sushant-singh-rajput/|url-status=live}} and the role of the female lead eventually went to Kriti Sanon.{{Cite news|date=7 December 2015|title=Kriti Sanon Says Film With Sushant Singh Rajput is 'Unusual'|work=NDTV Movies|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|url=https://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/kriti-sanon-says-film-with-sushant-singh-rajput-is-unusual-1252089|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=24 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824030721/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/kriti-sanon-says-film-with-sushant-singh-rajput-is-unusual-1252089|url-status=live}} Rajput and Sanon later featured in a 2017 T-Series music video of the song named Paas Aao, composed by the duo Armaan and Amaal Mallik.{{Cite web|last=Jain|first=Arushi|date=7 July 2017|title=Sushant Singh Rajput, Kriti Sanon song 'Paas Aao' brings them closer and we are just not complaining|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-kriti-sanon-song-paas-aao-brings-them-closer-and-we-are-just-not-complaining-see-photos-4739961/|access-date=25 September 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=26 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426113630/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-kriti-sanon-song-paas-aao-brings-them-closer-and-we-are-just-not-complaining-see-photos-4739961/|url-status=live}} In 2017, he was featured for first time in the Forbes India's Top 100 Celebrity list.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2017-celebrity-100/1665/|title=2017 Celebrity 100|magazine=Forbes India|access-date=22 November 2020}}
The second biopic that Rajput was to feature in was tentatively titled as Murli: The Unsung Hero, where he would play the role of the disabled jawan turned Paralympics gold medalist Murlikant Petkar.{{Cite news|date=2 March 2016|title=Sushant's next- biopic on Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar|work=United News of India|url=http://www.uniindia.com/sushant-s-next-biopic-on-paralympic-gold-medallist-murlikant-petkar/entertainment/news/400864.html#:~:text=The%20biopic%2C%20to%20be%20scripted,huge%20fan%20of%20the%20actor.&text=The%20actor%20said%20he%20decided,be%20an%20inspiration%20to%20many.|access-date=15 September 2020|archive-date=21 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321165700/http://www.uniindia.com/sushant-s-next-biopic-on-paralympic-gold-medallist-murlikant-petkar/entertainment/news/400864.html#:~:text=The%20biopic%2C%20to%20be%20scripted,huge%20fan%20of%20the%20actor.&text=The%20actor%20said%20he%20decided,be%20an%20inspiration%20to%20many.|url-status=live}} In June 2016, Rajput along with Parineeti Chopra and Irrfan Khan were also announced as the lead of the Adajania directed film called Takadum with shooting scheduled to begin in October but the project was being put on hold due to issues related to script re-adaptation.{{Cite news|date=23 April 2017|title=Homi Adajania: Takadum starring Sushant Singh Rajput, Parineeti Chopra is not shelved|work=The Indian Express|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/homi-adajania-takadum-starring-sushant-singh-rajput-parineeti-choprais-not-shelved-4624703/|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=18 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180518045059/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/homi-adajania-takadum-starring-sushant-singh-rajput-parineeti-choprais-not-shelved-4624703/|url-status=live}} Meanwhile, the announcement of Rajput's role in Chanda Mama Door Ke had come in September 2016. In the film which was to be directed by Sanjay Puran Singh, Rajput would have starred alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui and R. Madhavan and was cast in the role of an astronaut, for which he was even sent to NASA on a training module in 2017.{{Cite web|last=Goyal|first=Divya|date=2 August 2017|title=Sushant Singh Rajput Trains at NASA To Play Astronaut in Chanda Mama Door Ke|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajput-trains-at-nasa-to-play-astronaut-in-chanda-mama-door-ke-1732381|access-date=14 September 2020|website=NDTV|archive-date=28 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928110744/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajput-trains-at-nasa-to-play-astronaut-in-chanda-mama-door-ke-1732381|url-status=live}} He was also cast as the lead in the spy thriller film Romeo Akbar Walter in 2017,{{Cite news|date=22 April 2017|title=Romeo Akbar Walter first look: Is Sushant Singh Rajput a RAW agent?|work=Hindustan Times|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-shares-first-look-of-romeo-akbar-walter/story-j5jRSTExv4ozahOhuPv7bI.html|access-date=22 September 2020|archive-date=2 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002013444/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-shares-first-look-of-romeo-akbar-walter/story-j5jRSTExv4ozahOhuPv7bI.html|url-status=live}} however he quit the project in the same year reportedly causing displeasure to the producer Bunty Walia who had publicised the film with him on the cover.{{Cite web|last=Coutinho|first=Natasha|date=25 October 2015|title=Bunty Walia: Sushant Singh Rajput's sudden exit from RAW shocked us|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/bunty-walia-sushant-singh-rajputs-sudden-exit-from-raw-shocked-us/articleshow/61212605.cms|access-date=22 September 2020|website=Mumbai Mirror|publisher=Times Group|language=en|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001165548/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/bunty-walia-sushant-singh-rajputs-sudden-exit-from-raw-shocked-us/articleshow/61212605.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Srivastava|first=Abhishek|date=27 October 2017|title=Sushant Singh Rajput opts out of RAW: Will Bollywood put a check on actors' unprofessional behavior?|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajput-opts-out-of-raw-will-bollywood-put-a-check-on-actors-unprofessional-behavior-4179093.html|access-date=22 September 2020|website=Firstpost|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001230904/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajput-opts-out-of-raw-will-bollywood-put-a-check-on-actors-unprofessional-behavior-4179093.html|url-status=live}} Later in December 2017, it was announced that he was signed in by Abhishek Chaubey, the director of Udta Punjab for his next film titled Sonchiriya, where he would star alongside Bhumi Pednekar.{{Cite news|date=8 December 2017|title=Son Chiraiya: Udta Punjab director's next is based on the dacoits of Chambal|work=Hindustan Times|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/son-chiraiya-udta-punjab-director-s-next-is-based-on-the-dacoits-of-chambal/story-HKcodpGE3OnSyYWeT4EtrM.html|access-date=22 September 2020|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001223637/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/son-chiraiya-udta-punjab-director-s-next-is-based-on-the-dacoits-of-chambal/story-HKcodpGE3OnSyYWeT4EtrM.html|url-status=live}}
Raabta was released on 9 June 2017,{{Cite web|last=Misra|first=Tishya|date=12 June 2017|title=Raabta Box Office Collection Day 3: Sushant Singh Rajput's Film Collects Rs 15.93 Crore|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/raabta-box-office-collection-day-3-sushant-singh-rajputs-film-collects-rs-15-93-crore-1711260|access-date=12 September 2020|website=NDTV|archive-date=11 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811223043/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/raabta-box-office-collection-day-3-sushant-singh-rajputs-film-collects-rs-15-93-crore-1711260|url-status=live}} which subsequently received mixed reviews from critics and emerged as a flop in the box office, unable to recover its large production cost.{{Cite web|last=Madhukalya|first=Anwesha|date=20 December 2017|title=Here are the most disappointing Bollywood movies of 2017|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/entertainment/most-disappointing-bollywood-movies-2017/story/266364.html|access-date=12 September 2020|website=Business Today|archive-date=26 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126135645/http://www.businesstoday.in/trending/entertainment/most-disappointing-bollywood-movies-2017/story/266364.html|url-status=live}} It was a time transcending love story,{{Cite web|last=Chatterjee|first=Saibal|date=9 June 2017|title=Raabta Movie Review: Sushant Singh Rajput Occasionally Breathes Life Into This Vacuum|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/raabta-movie-review-sushant-singh-rajput-occasionally-breathes-life-into-this-vacuum-1710209|access-date=12 September 2020|website=NDTV|archive-date=12 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812040649/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/raabta-movie-review-sushant-singh-rajput-occasionally-breathes-life-into-this-vacuum-1710209|url-status=live}} where Sushant Singh Rajput played the role of two characters who were reincarnations of each other.{{Cite news|date=8 June 2017|title=Sushant Singh Rajput: actor on the edge|language=en|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/actor-on-the-edge/article18862199.ece|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=16 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916234559/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/actor-on-the-edge/article18862199.ece|url-status=live}} While the filming was primarily carried out in the city of Budapest, Hungary, in the Indian state of Punjab and in the island country of Mauritius.{{Cite news|date=5 June 2017|title=Sushant Singh & Kriti Sanon visit city to promote their upcoming film Raabta|work=United News of India|location=Kolkata|url=http://www.uniindia.com/sushant-singh-kriti-sanon-visit-city-to-promote-their-upcoming-film-raabta/entertainment/fullstory/892741.html|access-date=12 September 2020|archive-date=14 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914183106/http://www.uniindia.com/sushant-singh-kriti-sanon-visit-city-to-promote-their-upcoming-film-raabta/entertainment/fullstory/892741.html|url-status=live}} Earlier in March 2017, Rajput had also begun shooting alongside Jacqueline Fernandez for Karan Johar's Dharma Productions film, by then titled as Drive.{{Cite web|last=Misra|first=Tishya|date=1 March 2017|title=Drive First Poster: Sushant Singh Rajput And Jacqueline Fernandez Are All Set To Thrill You On March 2|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/drive-first-poster-sushant-singh-rajput-and-jacqueline-fernandez-are-all-set-to-thrill-you-on-march--1729616|access-date=15 September 2020|website=NDTV Movies|archive-date=12 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812050134/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/drive-first-poster-sushant-singh-rajput-and-jacqueline-fernandez-are-all-set-to-thrill-you-on-march--1729616|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2 March 2017|title=Dharma's new film Drive starring Sushant Singh Rajput, Jacqueline Fernandez starts shoot|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-jacqueline-fernandezs-action-adventure-drive-gets-flagged-off-3311102.html|website=Firstpost|access-date=15 September 2020|archive-date=25 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225065704/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-jacqueline-fernandezs-action-adventure-drive-gets-flagged-off-3311102.html|url-status=live}} The film was directed by Tarun Mansukhani and was a prequel to the 2014 film Bang Bang!, that had featured Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif.{{Cite web|last=Ramnath|first=Nandini|date=2 October 2014|title='Bang Bang!': Hrithik Roshan is back, guns and eyes blazing|url=http://scroll.in/article/681806/bang-bang-hrithik-roshan-is-back-guns-and-eyes-blazing|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US|archive-date=31 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031115440/https://scroll.in/article/681806/bang-bang-hrithik-roshan-is-back-guns-and-eyes-blazing|url-status=live}} Part of the shooting occurred in the city of Tel Aviv, Israel which was promoted by the Government of Israel as a part of its tourism and diplomatic initiative.{{Cite web|last=Surkes|first=Sue|date=10 October 2017|title=Wooed by Israel funding, Bollywood movie filmed in Tel Aviv|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/wooed-by-israel-funding-bollywood-movie-filmed-in-tel-aviv/|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Times of Israel|language=en-US|archive-date=23 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623190533/https://www.timesofisrael.com/wooed-by-israel-funding-bollywood-movie-filmed-in-tel-aviv/|url-status=live}} The release was initially scheduled for 2 March 2018, but in a February announcement, the date was moved to 7 September 2018.{{Cite web|date=15 February 2018|title=Sushant Singh Rajput, Jacqueline Fernandez's Drive postponed, to release on Sept 7|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-jacqueline-fernandez-s-drive-postponed-to-release-on-sept-7/story-XjxTNpjRJAhDEpndgruVkI.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=15 September 2020|archive-date=22 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222171447/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-jacqueline-fernandez-s-drive-postponed-to-release-on-sept-7/story-XjxTNpjRJAhDEpndgruVkI.html|url-status=live}} The release was however postponed for a second time with no fixed release date due to creative disagreements between the director Mansukhani and the producer Karan Johar.{{Cite web|date=26 June 2018|title=Has Sushant Singh Rajput, Jacqueline Fernandez-starrer Drive been indefinitely postponed? |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/has-sushant-singh-rajput-jacqueline-fernandez-starrer-drive-been-indefinitely-postponed-4598461.html|website=Firstpost|access-date=16 September 2020|archive-date=28 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828181256/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/has-sushant-singh-rajput-jacqueline-fernandez-starrer-drive-been-indefinitely-postponed-4598461.html|url-status=live}}
In the meantime in March 2017, Rajput was signed in by the director Abhishek Kapoor and the producer Ekta Kapoor for their film called Kedarnath.{{Cite web|date=20 March 2017|title=Sushant Singh Rajput to reunite with Ekta Kapoor and Abhishek Kapoor for his next?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-to-reunite-with-ekta-kapoor-and-abhishek-kapoor-for-his-next-film-kedarnath-4577610/|website=The Indian Express|language=en|access-date=16 September 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011215525/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-to-reunite-with-ekta-kapoor-and-abhishek-kapoor-for-his-next-film-kedarnath-4577610/|url-status=live}} It was a love story set in the backdrop of the 2013 floods in Uttarakhand, where Rajput co-starred with Sara Ali Khan.{{cite web|last=Jain|first=Arushi|date=12 November 2018|title=Kedarnath trailer: Sara Ali Khan looks promising in this unique tale of love|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kedarnath-trailer-sara-ali-khan-sushant-singh-rajput-5442592/|access-date=14 June 2020|website=The Indian Express|archive-date=14 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614163645/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kedarnath-trailer-sara-ali-khan-sushant-singh-rajput-5442592/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=7 December 2019|title=Sara Ali Khan celebrates one year of Bollywood debut, tells Sushant Singh Rajput 'couldn't have asked for a better Pithoo to carry me'|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sara-ali-khan-celebrates-one-year-of-bollywood-debut-tells-sushant-singh-rajput-couldn-t-have-asked-for-a-better-pithoo-to-carry-me/story-wC8Sbz58ZA5ku9hntHDX7L.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=14 October 2020|archive-date=11 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111225022/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sara-ali-khan-celebrates-one-year-of-bollywood-debut-tells-sushant-singh-rajput-couldn-t-have-asked-for-a-better-pithoo-to-carry-me/story-wC8Sbz58ZA5ku9hntHDX7L.html|url-status=live}} He played the character of Mansoor, a Muslim porter who was also a devotee of Lord Shiva and whose livelihood revolved around the Shiv temple at Kedarnath.{{Cite web|last1=Nathan|first1=Archana|last2=Ramnath|first2=Nandini|date=4 December 2018|title=In the movies, young love is an uphill climb and the Hindu-Muslim romance even more so|url=https://scroll.in/reel/903989/kedarnath-young-love-is-an-uphill-climb-and-the-hindu-muslim-romance-even-more-so|access-date=16 September 2020|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806224740/https://scroll.in/reel/903989/kedarnath-young-love-is-an-uphill-climb-and-the-hindu-muslim-romance-even-more-so|url-status=live}} The shooting of the film began in September 2017 and was set to release by June 2018.{{Cite web|last=Misra|first=Tishya|date=31 August 2017|title=Sara Ali Khan Prays at Kedarnath Temple With Co-Star Sushant Singh Rajput Before Filming Begins|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/sara-ali-khan-prays-at-kedarnath-temple-with-co-star-sushant-singh-rajput-before-filming-begins-1744281|access-date=16 September 2020|website=NDTV|archive-date=12 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812045534/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/sara-ali-khan-prays-at-kedarnath-temple-with-co-star-sushant-singh-rajput-before-filming-begins-1744281|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=5 September 2017|title=Kedarnath poster: Can we have faith in Sushant Singh Rajput, Sara Ali Khan without seeing them?|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/kedarnath-poster-can-we-have-faith-in-sushant-singh-rajput-sara-ali-khan-without-seeing-them/story-PVmodSoaWKMtQzvyiZiNeM.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=16 September 2020|archive-date=11 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611185217/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/kedarnath-poster-can-we-have-faith-in-sushant-singh-rajput-sara-ali-khan-without-seeing-them/story-PVmodSoaWKMtQzvyiZiNeM.html|url-status=live}} During the shooting, Abhishek Kapoor who had previously been the director of Rajput's debut film Kai Po Che!, stated that Rajput was in much better form for Kedarnath and expected it to become an even bigger success.{{Cite web|last=Jain|first=Arushi|date=4 September 2017|title=Sushant Singh Rajput better prepared for Kedarnath: Director Abhishek Kapoor|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kedarnath-sushant-singh-rajput-abhishek-kapoor-sara-ali-khan-see-photo-4827884/|access-date=16 September 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=8 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008190024/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kedarnath-sushant-singh-rajput-abhishek-kapoor-sara-ali-khan-see-photo-4827884/|url-status=live}} The film however soon became embroidered in controversy as the Bharatiya Janata Party alleged that it was promoting Jihad by showing an interfaith couple and called for the imposition of a ban on it.{{Cite news|date=10 November 2018|title=BJP leader seeks ban on film|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bjp-leader-seeks-ban-on-film/article25465399.ece|access-date=16 September 2020|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011215527/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bjp-leader-seeks-ban-on-film/article25465399.ece|url-status=live}} In the end, the film was banned from screening in 7 out of 13 districts in Uttarakhand and released on 7 December 2018.{{Cite news|date=10 December 2018|title=Abhishek Kapoor Requests Uttarakhand Government to Lift Ban on 'Kedarnath'|work=The Wire|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://thewire.in/film/abhishek-kapoor-requests-uttarakhand-government-to-lift-ban-on-kedarnath|access-date=16 September 2020|archive-date=11 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211120423/https://thewire.in/film/abhishek-kapoor-requests-uttarakhand-government-to-lift-ban-on-kedarnath|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=7 December 2018|title=Kedarnath banned in 7 Uttarakhand districts after protests by Hindu outfits|work=Business Standard India|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/kedarnath-banned-in-7-uttarakhand-districts-after-protests-by-hindu-outfits-118120700361_1.html|access-date=16 September 2020|archive-date=7 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207144929/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/kedarnath-banned-in-7-uttarakhand-districts-after-protests-by-hindu-outfits-118120700361_1.html|url-status=live}} Despite the ban, it became a commercial success,{{Cite web|date=15 December 2018|title=Bollywood Box Office: Rajinikanth's 2.0 is unstoppable while Sara Ali Khan's Kedarnath continues steadfast run|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/bollywood-box-office-rajinikanths-2-0-is-unstoppable-while-sara-ali-khans-kedarnath-continues-steadfast-run/1414558/|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US|access-date=16 September 2020|archive-date=16 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216121549/https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/bollywood-box-office-rajinikanths-2-0-is-unstoppable-while-sara-ali-khans-kedarnath-continues-steadfast-run/1414558/|url-status=live}} although it didn't completely meet the projected success in the box office. Following the release, it was the second highest grossing among Rajput's starring films after the Dhoni biopic.{{Cite web|date=16 December 2018|title=Kedarnath box office collection Day 9: Sara Ali Khan-starrer keeps going strong in second week|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/kedarnath-box-office-collection-day-9-sara-ali-khan-starrer-keeps-going-strong-in-second-week/story/301232.html|website=Business Today|access-date=16 September 2020|archive-date=23 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523174831/https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/kedarnath-box-office-collection-day-9-sara-ali-khan-starrer-keeps-going-strong-in-second-week/story/301232.html|url-status=live}}
= 2018–2020: Entrepreneurial work and later career =
File:SSR & Sara Ali Khan in Kedarnath.jpg on the set of Kedarnath (2018)]]
On 2 May 2018, Rajput was inducted as a partner in a company named Innsaei Ventures, which was founded on 26 April 2018; following which he was appointed as one of its three directors, the others being Varun Mathur and Saurabh Mishra.{{Cite web|date=6 August 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput Case: Who is Varun Mathur?|url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/celebrities/sushant-singh-rajput-case-who-is-varun-mathur|website=The Quint|language=en|access-date=21 September 2020|archive-date=30 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930175055/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/celebrities/sushant-singh-rajput-case-who-is-varun-mathur|url-status=live}} Rajput and Mathur were credited as the co-founders and set to make an investment of {{INRConvert|300|c|lk=|year=2018}} in the company.{{cite news|last=Jamkhandikar|first=Shilpa|date=18 May 2018|title=Actor Sushant Singh Rajput bets on VR with new venture|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://in.reuters.com/article/sushant-singh-rajput/actor-sushant-singh-rajput-bets-on-vr-with-new-venture-idINKCN1IJ14M|access-date=30 July 2020|archive-date=13 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813180328/https://in.reuters.com/article/sushant-singh-rajput/actor-sushant-singh-rajput-bets-on-vr-with-new-venture-idINKCN1IJ14M|url-status=dead}} The company was named Innsaei after the Icelandic word for Institution and marketed as working in the fields related to intellectual property and emerging technologies.{{cite news|date=18 May 2018|title=Kedarnath actor Sushant Singh Rajput turns entrepreneur with Innsaei|language=en|work=The Indian Express|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-entrepreneurial-debut-innsaei-5182139/|access-date=13 August 2018|archive-date=13 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813201808/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-entrepreneurial-debut-innsaei-5182139/|url-status=live}} Within a week, he was signed in by NITI Aayog to become a brand ambassador of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform and for the promotion of the BHIM mobile payment app.{{Cite web|last=Mihindukulasuriya|first=Regina|date=24 May 2018|title=Actor Sushant Singh Rajput to Promote Dipping Bhim App Usage and Women Entrepreneurship for Niti Aayog|url=http://bwdisrupt.businessworld.in/article/Actor-Sushant-Singh-Rajput-to-Promote-Dipping-Bhim-App-Usage-and-Women-Entrepreneurship-for-Niti-Aayog/24-05-2018-150133|access-date=21 September 2020|website=BW Businessworld|language=en|archive-date=18 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218075047/http://bwdisrupt.businessworld.in/article/Actor-Sushant-Singh-Rajput-to-Promote-Dipping-Bhim-App-Usage-and-Women-Entrepreneurship-for-Niti-Aayog/24-05-2018-150133/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=28 May 2018|title=NITI Aayog signs Sushant Singh Rajput as brand ambassador|url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/mam/media-and-advertising/people/niti-aayog-signs-sushant-singh-rajput-as-brand-ambassador-180528|website=IndianTelevision.com|language=en|access-date=21 September 2020|archive-date=14 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814002922/http://www.indiantelevision.com/mam/media-and-advertising/people/niti-aayog-signs-sushant-singh-rajput-as-brand-ambassador-180528|url-status=live}} Subsequently, Innsaei Ventures set up a fund of {{INRConvert|20|c|lk=|year=2018}} in favour of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform.{{Cite web|last1=Guha|first1=Kunal|last2=Ghosh|first2=Labonita|date=10 June 2018|title=Bollywood goes to the boardroom|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/others/sunday-read/bollywood-goes-to-the-boardroom/articleshow/64525923.cms|access-date=21 September 2020|website=Mumbai Mirror|publisher=Times Group|language=en|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617043033/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/others/sunday-read/bollywood-goes-to-the-boardroom/articleshow/64525923.cms|url-status=live}} In the same year, Rajput announced the first creative product of Innsaei Ventures, a 12 biopic series where he would play the roles of various Indian historical characters between the years of 540 BC to 2015 CE.{{Cite news|last=Basu|first=Nilanjana|date=31 July 2018|title=Sushant Singh Rajput As Chanakya And APJ Abdul Kalam And More in 12 Part Biopic Series|work=NDTV|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajput-as-chanakya-and-apj-abdul-kalam-and-more-in-12-part-biopic-series-1893048|access-date=13 August 2018|archive-date=13 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813175128/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajput-as-chanakya-and-apj-abdul-kalam-and-more-in-12-part-biopic-series-1893048|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=31 July 2018|title=Sushant Singh Rajput to play Chanakya, Kalam in 12 episode series biopic|work=Hindustan Times|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-to-play-chanakya-kalam-in-12-episode-series-biopic/story-4wY8H0wl4YBWnJUG6wxJJP.html|access-date=21 September 2020|archive-date=4 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004035835/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-to-play-chanakya-kalam-in-12-episode-series-biopic/story-4wY8H0wl4YBWnJUG6wxJJP.html|url-status=live}}
In early 2018, Rajput began shooting for the film Sonchiriya.{{Cite web|date=3 February 2018|title=After Deepika Padukone, Sushant Singh Rajput's pics go viral|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/deepika-padukone-sushant-singh-rajputs-pics-go-viral-1502579034.html|website=The Statesman|language=en-US|access-date=22 September 2020|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001232701/https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/deepika-padukone-sushant-singh-rajputs-pics-go-viral-1502579034.html|url-status=live}} It was a historical drama set in the 1970s, where he played the role of a character named Lakhna, a lieutenant in a gang of dacoits; he was in the lead role alongside Bhumi Pednekar, Manoj Bajpayee, Ranvir Shorey and Ashutosh Rana. The film was directed by Abhishek Chaubey, produced by Ronnie Screwvala and featured the real life character of Daku Man Singh, played by Bajpayee.{{Cite web|date=1 March 2019|title=Real Story of Sonchiriya movie: Inspired by the life of Daku Man Singh, dacoit who was known as the 'Robin Hood' in Chambal valley|url=https://www.gqindia.com/content/real-story-of-sonchiriya-based-on-the-true-story-of-daku-man-singh-the-dacoit-whos-worshipped-by-his-villagers-dacoits-of-chambal-valley-sonchiriya-real-story|website=GQ India|language=en-IN|access-date=22 September 2020|archive-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301191716/https://www.gqindia.com/content/real-story-of-sonchiriya-based-on-the-true-story-of-daku-man-singh-the-dacoit-whos-worshipped-by-his-villagers-dacoits-of-chambal-valley-sonchiriya-real-story/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Panchal|first=Komal RJ|date=8 February 2019|title=Ronnie Screwvala: Sonchiriya is a genre-breaking film|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ronnie-screwvala-on-sonchiriya-5575315/|access-date=23 September 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=13 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213004424/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ronnie-screwvala-on-sonchiriya-5575315/|url-status=live}} Released on 1 March 2019,{{Cite web|date=4 March 2019|title=Sonchiriya box office collection Day 3: Sushant Singh Rajput film earns Rs 4.60 crore|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/box-office-collection/sonchiriya-day-3-sushant-singh-rajput-bhumi-pednekar-5609020/|website=The Indian Express|language=en|access-date=22 September 2020|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001222221/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/box-office-collection/sonchiriya-day-3-sushant-singh-rajput-bhumi-pednekar-5609020/|url-status=live}} it received a positive critical reception and won a number of awards but failed to become a commercial success. In 2018, he was also signed in by Nitesh Tiwari, the director of the blockbuster film Dangal for his new film titled Chhichhore, whose shooting began in September.{{Cite news|date=30 September 2018|title=Nitesh Tiwari starts shooting his next, 'Chhichhore'|work=Business Standard India|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/nitesh-tiwari-starts-shooting-his-next-chhichhore-118093000120_1.html|access-date=23 September 2020|archive-date=1 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001143338/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/nitesh-tiwari-starts-shooting-his-next-chhichhore-118093000120_1.html|url-status=live}} It was a romantic comedy where Rajput played the character of Anirudh Pathak,{{Cite web|last=Sharm|first=Divyanshi|date=14 June 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput commits suicide: Kai Po Che to Chhichhore, his Bollywood journey|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/sushant-singh-rajput-commits-suicide-kai-po-che-to-chhichhore-his-bollywood-journey-1688896-2020-06-14|access-date=14 October 2020|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=18 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018075315/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/sushant-singh-rajput-commits-suicide-kai-po-che-to-chhichhore-his-bollywood-journey-1688896-2020-06-14|url-status=live}} a divorced husband who recounts his college life to his teenage son and opposite Maya, his ex-wife played by Shraddha Kapoor. Produced by Fox Star Studios and Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, the film was released on 6 September 2019,{{Cite web|date=12 September 2019|title=Chhichhore Box Office Collection Day 5: Sushant Rajput's film dominates box office; crosses Rs 50-cr mark|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/chhichhore-box-office-collection-day-5-sushant-rajput-film-dominates-box-office-crosses-rs-50-cr-mark/story/378453.html|website=Business Today|access-date=23 September 2020|archive-date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805075640/https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/chhichhore-box-office-collection-day-5-sushant-rajput-film-dominates-box-office-crosses-rs-50-cr-mark/story/378453.html|url-status=live}} and became the third movie featuring Rajput to gross over {{INRConvert|100|c|lk=|year=2019}} after PK and the Dhoni biopic. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.{{cite news|first1=Priyanka|last1=Sharma|first2=Komal RJ|last2=Panchal|date=22 March 2021|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/chhichhore-national-award-dedicated-to-sushant-singh-rajput-7240084/|title=Chhichhore's National Award dedicated to Sushant Singh Rajput: 'Hope it gives happiness to his family, fans'|work=The Indian Express|location=Mumbai|access-date=22 March 2021|archive-date=22 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322165435/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/chhichhore-national-award-dedicated-to-sushant-singh-rajput-7240084/|url-status=live}}
In an interview in January 2019, before the release of Sonchiriya, Rajput had stated that he was in the talks for 12 other films of which Chanda Mama Door Ke and the biopic of Murlikant Petkar were yet to be finalised.{{Cite web|last=Mankad|first=Himesh|date=8 January 2019|title=Sushant Singh Rajput: I am in talks for 12 films|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-i-am-in-talks-for-12-films/articleshow/67425906.cms|access-date=23 September 2020|website=Mumbai Mirror|publisher=Times Group|language=en|archive-date=6 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106203745/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-i-am-in-talks-for-12-films/articleshow/67425906.cms|url-status=live}} He was to feature in Rifleman, but the film got into legal trouble over copyright issues shortly after its announcement and could not be made.{{cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/sushant-singh-rajputs-upcoming-film-rifleman-in-legal-trouble-2007961.html|title=Sushant Singh Rajput's Upcoming Film Rifleman in Legal Trouble|work=News18|author=IANS|date=20 January 2019|access-date=7 October 2020|archive-date=4 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204193443/https://www.news18.com/amp/news/movies/sushant-singh-rajputs-upcoming-film-rifleman-in-legal-trouble-2007961.html|url-status=live}} He had opted out of the production of Chanda Mama Door Ke in the previous year citing timing conflict in scheduling for its shooting and had stated that he would produce his own space film through Innsaei Ventures.{{Cite news|date=4 July 2018|title=Sushant Singh Rajput not doing Chanda Mama Door Ke, to work on his own space film|work=Hindustan Times|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-not-doing-chanda-mama-door-ke-to-work-on-his-own-space-film/story-UXd9mGPYAXS3fea7B2YtlJ.html|access-date=23 September 2020|archive-date=4 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704114016/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-not-doing-chanda-mama-door-ke-to-work-on-his-own-space-film/story-UXd9mGPYAXS3fea7B2YtlJ.html|url-status=live}} In September 2019, a second company named Vividrage Rhealtyx was registered with a paid up capital of {{INRConvert|1|l|lk=|year=2019}}; Rajput became one of the three directors of the company, the others being Rhea Chakraborty and Showik Chakraborty.{{cite news|last=Kumar|first=Ankit|date=15 June 2020|title=The other side of Sushant Singh Rajput: A tech visionary and a philanthropist|language=en|website=India Today|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/the-other-side-of-sushant-singh-rajput-a-tech-visionary-and-a-philanthropist-1689320-2020-06-15|access-date=30 July 2020|archive-date=6 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906173034/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/the-other-side-of-sushant-singh-rajput-a-tech-visionary-and-a-philanthropist-1689320-2020-06-15|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=31 July 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput was a director with Rhea Chakraborty, brother Showik in two companies|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajput-was-a-director-with-rhea-chakraboty-brother-showik-in-two-companies-120324|website=The Tribune|language=en|access-date=24 September 2020|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806031424/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajput-was-a-director-with-rhea-chakraboty-brother-showik-in-two-companies-120324|url-status=live}} Meanwhile, the long delayed release of the film titled Drive had its premiere finalised and was released directly on Netflix in November 2019, as a cost cutting measure.{{Cite web|last=Rammohan|first=Nandakumar|date=1 November 2019|title=Netflix's 'Drive' Will Surely Give You a Headache|url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/hot-on-web/netflix-drive-this-sushant-jacqueline-film-tries-to-be-a-heist-film-but-fails-miserably|access-date=23 September 2020|website=TheQuint|language=en|archive-date=2 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102133055/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/hot-on-web/netflix-drive-this-sushant-jacqueline-film-tries-to-be-a-heist-film-but-fails-miserably|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Sharma Bawa|first=Jyoti|date=1 November 2019|title=Drive movie review: Sushant Singh Rajput's Fast & Furious clone is one of Netflix's worst mistakes ever|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/drive-movie-review-sushant-singh-rajput-s-fast-furious-clone-is-one-of-netflix-s-worst-mistakes-ever/story-MljqT5kY8cssoChoGdCkGO.html|access-date=23 September 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803141647/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/drive-movie-review-sushant-singh-rajput-s-fast-furious-clone-is-one-of-netflix-s-worst-mistakes-ever/story-MljqT5kY8cssoChoGdCkGO.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Maru|first=Vibha|date=2 November 2020|title=Drive Movie Review: Netflix gets a B-grade Race 3. If that were possible|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/drive-movie-review-netflix-gets-a-b-grade-race-3-if-that-were-possible-1615143-2019-11-02|access-date=14 October 2020|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=16 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016032010/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/drive-movie-review-netflix-gets-a-b-grade-race-3-if-that-were-possible-1615143-2019-11-02|url-status=live}} On 6 January 2020, Rajput also founded a nonprofit organisation (NGO) named Front India for World Foundation with the stated intent of working towards the eradication of poverty, hunger and malnutrition and promotion of better healthcare and sanitation.{{Cite web|last=Punj|first=Vivek|date=4 August 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput – An astrophysicist at heart, an entrepreneur in making|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/sushant-singh-rajput-an-astrophysicist-at-heart-an-entrepreneur-in-making/story/407020.html|access-date=24 September 2020|website=Business Today|archive-date=7 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007105721/https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/sushant-singh-rajput-an-astrophysicist-at-heart-an-entrepreneur-in-making/story/407020.html|url-status=live}} Prior to that, on behalf of one of his fans, he donated {{INRConvert|1|c|lk=}} to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund following the 2018 Kerala floods.{{Cite web|last=Shiksha|first=Shruti|date=22 August 2018|title=Kerala Floods: Sushant Singh Rajput Donates Rs 1 Crore On Behalf Of A Fan. Details Here|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kerala-floods-sushant-singh-rajput-donates-rs-1-crore-on-behalf-of-a-fan-details-here-1904178|access-date=21 October 2020|website=NDTV|archive-date=23 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823120147/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kerala-floods-sushant-singh-rajput-donates-rs-1-crore-on-behalf-of-a-fan-details-here-1904178|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Mukherjee|first=Nairita|date=15 June 2018|title=When Sushant Singh Rajput donated Rs 1 crore towards Kerala floods on behalf of a fan|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/when-sushant-singh-rajput-donated-rs-1-crore-towards-kerala-floods-on-behalf-of-a-fan-1688970-2020-06-14|access-date=21 October 2020|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=26 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026073238/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/when-sushant-singh-rajput-donated-rs-1-crore-towards-kerala-floods-on-behalf-of-a-fan-1688970-2020-06-14|url-status=live}} In 2019, he featured the second time in Forbes' annual Top 100 Celebrity list.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2019-celebrity-100/1819/all|title=2019 Celebrity 100|magazine=Forbes India|access-date=22 November 2020|archive-date=30 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330175050/https://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2019-celebrity-100/1819/all|url-status=live}}
Since 2017, Rajput was signed in for the directorial debut of Mukesh Chhabra;{{Cite web|last=Mathur|first=Yashika|date=20 November 2017|title=Casting director Mukesh Chhabra on star kids: If they have talent, they should get work|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/casting-director-mukesh-chabbra-on-star-kids-if-they-have-talent-they-should-get-work/story-nxwRIEioHvHELxasUkw2jL.html|access-date=25 September 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=9 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209155151/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/casting-director-mukesh-chabbra-on-star-kids-if-they-have-talent-they-should-get-work/story-nxwRIEioHvHELxasUkw2jL.html|url-status=live}} Fox Star Studios had employed Chhabra for a Hindi language remake of The Fault in Our Stars, a Hollywood hit film produced by 20th Century Fox.{{Cite web|last=Frater|first=Patrick|date=6 October 2017|title=Sushant Singh Rajput to Star in 'Fault in our Stars' Indian Remake|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/asia/sushant-singh-rajput-in-fault-in-our-stars-indian-remake-1202582504/|access-date=25 September 2020|website=Variety|language=en|archive-date=21 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821094033/https://variety.com/2017/film/asia/sushant-singh-rajput-in-fault-in-our-stars-indian-remake-1202582504/|url-status=live}} Chabbra had also been the casting director who had first spotted him for Kai Po Che!, which was Rajput's debut film.{{Cite web|date=29 June 2018|title=First look: Sushant Singh Rajput and Sanjana Sanghi in 'The Fault In Our Stars' remake|url=https://scroll.in/reel/884667/first-look-sushant-singh-rajput-and-sanjana-sanghi-in-the-fault-in-our-stars-remake|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US|access-date=25 September 2020|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729081223/https://scroll.in/reel/884667/first-look-sushant-singh-rajput-and-sanjana-sanghi-in-the-fault-in-our-stars-remake|url-status=live}} The shooting for the film began on 9 July 2018, in the city of Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.{{Cite web|last=Bhowal|first=Tiasa|date=25 July 2020|title=Kizie Aur Manny: Sushant Singh Rajput To The Fault In Our Stars Author John Green, 'Won't Let You Down'|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kizie-aur-manny-sushant-singh-rajput-to-the-fault-in-our-stars-author-john-green-wont-let-you-down-1881622|access-date=25 September 2020|website=NDTV|archive-date=15 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615031126/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kizie-aur-manny-sushant-singh-rajput-to-the-fault-in-our-stars-author-john-green-wont-let-you-down-1881622|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=9 July 2018|title='The Fault in Our Stars' Hindi adaptation titled 'Kizzy Aur Manny'|work=Business Standard|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/the-fault-in-our-stars-hindi-adaptation-titled-kizzy-aur-manny-118070900486_1.html|access-date=25 September 2020|archive-date=9 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709110558/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/the-fault-in-our-stars-hindi-adaptation-titled-kizzy-aur-manny-118070900486_1.html|url-status=live}} During the time of the shooting, Rajput had remarked that he shared a great bond with Chhabra and had promised Chhabra that he would appear in his first as well. Based on the novel by the same name The Fault in Our Stars written by the author John Green,{{Cite web|last=Shah|first=Aashna|date=6 October 2017|title=Sushant Singh Rajput To Play Gus in the Remake of the Fault in Our Stars|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajput-to-play-gus-in-the-remake-of-the-fault-in-our-stars-1759620|access-date=25 September 2020|website=NDTV|archive-date=15 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115092927/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajput-to-play-gus-in-the-remake-of-the-fault-in-our-stars-1759620|url-status=live}} the film was initially titled Kizie aur Manny and was scheduled to release in theatres in 2019.{{Cite web|date=9 July 2019|title=Hindi remake of 'The Fault in Our Stars' titled 'Kizie Aur Manny'|url=https://scroll.in/reel/885844/hindi-remake-of-the-fault-in-our-stars-titled-kizie-aur-manny|access-date=25 September 2020|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011215531/https://scroll.in/reel/885844/hindi-remake-of-the-fault-in-our-stars-titled-kizie-aur-manny|url-status=live}} Rajput co-starred alongside Sanjana Sanghi and played the character of Manny, a patient of the bone cancer osteosarcoma;{{Cite web|last=Thakur|first=Tanul|date=25 July 2020|title='Dil Bechara' Review: A Good Story, But the Fault Lies in the Telling|url=https://thewire.in/film/dil-bechara-review-sushant-singh-rajput|access-date=25 September 2020|website=The Wire|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728141833/https://thewire.in/film/dil-bechara-review-sushant-singh-rajput|url-status=live}} the role in the Hindi remake was a reprisal of the role of Ansel Elgort.{{Cite web|last=Singh|first=Raghuvendra|date=22 August 2018|title=Mukesh Chhabra clears the air about Kizie Aur Manny's delay|url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/mukesh-chhabra-clears-the-air-about-kizie-aur-mannys-delay-29951.html|access-date=25 September 2020|website=Filmfare|publisher=Times Group|language=en|archive-date=23 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823114822/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/mukesh-chhabra-clears-the-air-about-kizie-aur-mannys-delay-29951.html|url-status=live}} It also notably featured Saif Ali Khan and musical compositions of A. R. Rahman.{{Cite web|last=Chaubey|first=Pranita|date=2 July 2020|title=Got The Feeling He Was Brighter Than I: Saif Ali Khan On Dil Bechara Co-Star Sushant Singh Rajput|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/got-the-feeling-he-was-brighter-than-i-saif-ali-khan-on-dil-bechara-co-star-sushant-singh-rajput-2255604|access-date=25 September 2020|website=NDTV|archive-date=12 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812164434/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/got-the-feeling-he-was-brighter-than-i-saif-ali-khan-on-dil-bechara-co-star-sushant-singh-rajput-2255604|url-status=live}} The title was later renamed to Dil Bechara and the release date moved to 8 May 2020.{{Cite web|date=15 November 2019|title=Dil Bechara featuring Sushant Singh, Sanjana Sanghi gets a release date|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/dil-bechara-featuring-sushant-singh-sanjana-sanghi-gets-release-date-1502822401.html|website=The Statesman|language=en-US|access-date=25 September 2020|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809114440/https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/dil-bechara-featuring-sushant-singh-sanjana-sanghi-gets-release-date-1502822401.html|url-status=live}} The slated release of the film however did not occur due to restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web | title=Sushant Singh Rajput's final movie would be 'The Fault in Our Stars' remake | website=The Week | date=14 June 2020 | url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2020/06/14/sushant-singh-last-movie-the-fault-in-our-stars-remake.html | access-date=14 June 2020 | archive-date=14 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614114055/https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2020/06/14/sushant-singh-last-movie-the-fault-in-our-stars-remake.html | url-status=live }} In the end, it was posthumously released on the streaming platform Disney+ Hotstar and became a record breaker in its first 24 hours viewership, having gathered approximately 95 million viewers.{{Cite web|date=28 July 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput's Dil Bechara gets 95 million views in 24 hours, that's a Rs 2000 crore opening day|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-s-dil-bechara-gets-95-million-views-in-24-hours-that-s-a-rs-2000-crore-opening-day/story-bmgD4coR8Wym5HaFrqSbMM.html|access-date=2 August 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731150700/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-s-dil-bechara-gets-95-million-views-in-24-hours-that-s-a-rs-2000-crore-opening-day/story-bmgD4coR8Wym5HaFrqSbMM.html|url-status=live}} The director Uday Singh Gauri claimed after Rajput's death that he was in talks with him about a film based on the 2008 Mumbai attacks.{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-last-film-ajmal-kasab-26-11-1742216-2020-11-19|title=Sushant Singh Rajput was last offered a film on Ajmal Kasab and 26/11|work=India Today|author=Divyesh Singh|date=19 November 2020|access-date=19 November 2020|archive-date=19 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119164508/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-last-film-ajmal-kasab-26-11-1742216-2020-11-19|url-status=live}}
Personal life
File:Sushant Singh Rajput with Ankita Lokhande at KAI PO CHE's premiere.jpg at Kai Po Che{{'}}s premiere in 2013]]
Rajput's personal relationships have been the subject of widespread media attention.{{Cite web|date=8 September 2019|title=Sushant Singh Rajput dating Rhea Chakraborty? Actor says he needs a lot of money and a mag cover to reveal the truth|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-dating-rhea-chakraborty-actor-says-he-needs-a-lot-of-money-and-a-mag-cover-to-reveal-the-truth/story-SjWupFcP7MvrN363TKhE9K.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=1 October 2020|archive-date=15 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915022543/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-dating-rhea-chakraborty-actor-says-he-needs-a-lot-of-money-and-a-mag-cover-to-reveal-the-truth/story-SjWupFcP7MvrN363TKhE9K.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=10 May 2019|title=Not Kriti Sanon or Sara Ali Khan, Sushant Singh Rajput is dating this actress?|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/gossip/story/not-kriti-sanon-or-sara-ali-khan-sushant-singh-rajput-is-dating-this-actress-1521922-2019-05-10|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=1 October 2020|archive-date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617102004/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/gossip/story/not-kriti-sanon-or-sara-ali-khan-sushant-singh-rajput-is-dating-this-actress-1521922-2019-05-10|url-status=live}} In 2011, Rajput publicly proposed to his Pavitra Rishta co-star Ankita Lokhande during a national broadcast of the dance competition show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa; both of them had participated in the show as competing contestants.{{Cite web|last=Pereira|first=Priyanka|date=20 December 2010|title=Jhalak grooves on|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/jhalak-grooves-on/727031/|access-date=30 September 2020|website=The Indian Express|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011215529/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/jhalak-grooves-on/727031/|url-status=live}} The couple began dating after their first meeting on the set of Pavitra Rishta, where they had been cast as husband and wife to each other.{{Cite news|date=22 August 2013|title=Sushant Singh Rajput to marry girlfriend Ankita Lokhande this year|work=The Indian Express|agency=Press Trust of India|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/sushant-singh-rajput-to-marry-girlfriend-ankita-lokhande-this-year/1158698/|access-date=1 October 2020|archive-date=13 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213121610/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/sushant-singh-rajput-to-marry-girlfriend-ankita-lokhande-this-year/1158698/|url-status=live}} In 2012, they began living together,{{Cite web|date=12 January 2016|title=Marrying Ankita in December 2016: Sushant Singh Rajput confirms|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/getting-married-in-december-2016-sushant-singh-rajput-confirms/story-lw8J4pXcxV8WOufxLTnF7K.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=1 October 2020|archive-date=5 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105145058/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/getting-married-in-december-2016-sushant-singh-rajput-confirms/story-lw8J4pXcxV8WOufxLTnF7K.html|url-status=live}} and reports of an imminent marriage between the two occasionally cropped up in the media.{{Cite web|date=14 October 2014|title=Rajasthani Wedding for Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita Lokhande|url=https://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/rajasthani-wedding-for-sushant-singh-rajput-and-ankita-lokhande-679147|website=NDTV Movies|language=en|access-date=1 October 2020|archive-date=1 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301143556/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/rajasthani-wedding-for-sushant-singh-rajput-and-ankita-lokhande-679147|url-status=live}} In an interview, Rajput stated that marriage and cohabitation were no different and that it was hypocritical to treat the former as sacred and the latter as a crime.{{Cite web|last=Jain|first=Kiran|date=23 September 2016|title=13 Famous Indian Television Couples Who Went for Live-in-relationships|url=https://daily.bhaskar.com/news/ENT-TV-tv-celebs-relationships-5423696-PHO.html|access-date=1 October 2020|website=Daily Bhaskar|language=en|archive-date=31 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031143755/http://daily.bhaskar.com/news/ENT-TV-tv-celebs-relationships-5423696-PHO.html|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|date=17 November 2013|title=Don't know what a marriage is but I believe in live-in relationships: Sushant|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Dont-know-what-a-marriage-is-but-I-believe-in-live-in-relationships-Sushant/articleshow/25932531.cms|website=Entertainment Times|publisher=Times Group|language=en|access-date=1 October 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011215529/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Dont-know-what-a-marriage-is-but-I-believe-in-live-in-relationships-Sushant/articleshow/25932531.cms|url-status=live}} At an event, he had said, "I am very transparent about my relationships. I mean I will not hesitate to say that I am in a relationship".{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/i-am-very-transparent-about-my-relationships-sushant-singh-rajput-1003695.html|title=I am very transparent about my relationships: Sushant Singh Rajput|work=Firstpost|date=1 August 2013|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|access-date=22 March 2021|archive-date=13 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013201833/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/i-am-very-transparent-about-my-relationships-sushant-singh-rajput-1003695.html|url-status=live}}
In 2014, rumours that they were already secretly married due to family pressure{{Cite web|last=Pacheo|first=Sunitra|date=20 January 2014|editor-last=Sharma|editor-first=Sarika|title=Has Sushant Singh Rajput secretly married girlfriend Ankita Lokhande?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/has-sushant-singh-rajput-secretly-married-girlfriend-ankita-lokhande/|access-date=1 October 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=15 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815025035/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/has-sushant-singh-rajput-secretly-married-girlfriend-ankita-lokhande/|url-status=live}} were denied by the couple.{{Cite web|last=Shetty Bali|first=Rashma|date=20 January 2014|title=Did Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita Lokhande have a secret wedding in Ujjain?|url=https://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/did-sushant-singh-rajput-and-ankita-lokhande-have-a-secret-wedding-in-ujjain-309111/|access-date=1 October 2020|website=Bollywood Life|language=en|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011215529/https://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/did-sushant-singh-rajput-and-ankita-lokhande-have-a-secret-wedding-in-ujjain-309111/|url-status=live}} In January 2016, Rajput confirmed that a lavish wedding would take place in December,{{Cite web|date=12 January 2016|title=Marrying Ankita in December 2016: Sushant Singh Rajput confirms|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/getting-married-in-december-2016-sushant-singh-rajput-confirms/story-lw8J4pXcxV8WOufxLTnF7K.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=1 October 2020|archive-date=5 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105145058/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/getting-married-in-december-2016-sushant-singh-rajput-confirms/story-lw8J4pXcxV8WOufxLTnF7K.html|url-status=live}} but the relationship ended prior to that, with the pair maintaining silence on the reasons for the cancellation.{{Cite web|last=Rawal|first=Monika|date=15 October 2016|title=A look at actresses who underwent a glamorous transformation post break-up|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/a-look-at-women-celebrities-who-underwent-a-glamorous-transformation-post-break-up/story-V4PH1wiSmmAfwPcvpgKlGP.html|access-date=1 October 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=26 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326032847/http://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/a-look-at-women-celebrities-who-underwent-a-glamorous-transformation-post-break-up/story-V4PH1wiSmmAfwPcvpgKlGP.html|url-status=live}} In a 2021 interview, Lokhande said that Rajput wanted to go ahead in his career and they ended their relationship mutually.{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-sushant-singh-rajput-made-his-choice-very-clear-ankita-lokhande-on-their-breakup-in-2016-2882489|title='Sushant Singh Rajput made his choice very clear...': Ankita Lokhande on their breakup in 2016|work=DNA India|author=DNA Web Team|date=22 March 2021|access-date=22 March 2021|archive-date=22 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322091235/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-sushant-singh-rajput-made-his-choice-very-clear-ankita-lokhande-on-their-breakup-in-2016-2882489|url-status=live}}
After the break-up, Rajput's relationship status became the subject of speculation and gossip. He was rumoured to be dating his Raabta co-star Kriti Sanon which was denied by both of them.{{Cite web|last=Shiksha|first=Shruti|date=21 May 2017|title=For Sushant Singh Rajput, Link-Up Rumours Are Boring Gossip|url=https://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/for-sushant-singh-rajput-link-up-rumours-are-boring-gossip-1696223|access-date=1 October 2020|website=NDTV Movies|language=en|archive-date=3 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103022525/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/for-sushant-singh-rajput-link-up-rumours-are-boring-gossip-1696223|url-status=live}} In 2017, Rajput courted controversy when he came out in support of the producers of Padmaavat whose sets were vandalised by members of the Rajput Karni Sena.{{Cite web|last=Mathew|first=Suresh|date=30 January 2017|title=Sushant Singh Drops 'Rajput' Surname to Protest Attack on Bhansali|url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-drops-rajput-from-surname-to-unique-protest-against-the-attack-on-sanjay-leela-bhansali|access-date=1 October 2020|website=The Quint|language=en|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929110635/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-drops-rajput-from-surname-to-unique-protest-against-the-attack-on-sanjay-leela-bhansali|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Prakash|first=Aryan|date=18 April 2017|title=7 reasons that make Sushant Singh Rajput the perfect superstar material|url=http://www.inuth.com/entertainment/bollywood/reasons-sushant-singh-rajput-is-a-superstar-in-the-making/|access-date=1 October 2020|website=InUth|publisher=Indian Express Limited|language=en-US|archive-date=23 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423163246/http://www.inuth.com/entertainment/bollywood/reasons-sushant-singh-rajput-is-a-superstar-in-the-making/|url-status=live}} That same year, he became the co-owner of Delhi Gladiators, a team in the Super Boxing League.{{Cite web|last=Talwar|first=Shikha|date=11 March 2020|title=From Akshay Kumar to Ranbir Kapoor, these 10 Bollywood stars own sports teams in India and abroad|url=https://www.gqindia.com/get-smart/content/akshay-kumar-ranbir-kapoor-shah-rukh-khan-bollywood-celebrities-own-sports-teams-india-abroad|access-date=15 October 2020|website=GQ India|language=en-IN|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030071910/https://www.gqindia.com/get-smart/content/akshay-kumar-ranbir-kapoor-shah-rukh-khan-bollywood-celebrities-own-sports-teams-india-abroad|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=5 July 2017|title=B-Town joins Super Boxing League|work=The Indian Express|agency=Press Trust of India|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/b-town-joins-super-boxing-league-4735797/|access-date=15 October 2020|archive-date=15 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015133222/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/b-town-joins-super-boxing-league-4735797/|url-status=live}} In preparation for his role in Chanda Mama Door Ke, he was given the opportunity to train at NASA where he intended to go back and complete his instructor training, aspiring to be chosen for the 2024 Artemis program. Retaining his interest in astronomy and astrophysics,{{Cite web|last=Barhat|first=Vikram|date=16 June 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput was obsessed with space: a bright spark among Bollywood stars|url=https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/sushant-singh-rajput-was-obsessed-with-space-a-bright-spark-among-bollywood-stars-1.1034218|access-date=31 July 2020|website=The National|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714085857/https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/sushant-singh-rajput-was-obsessed-with-space-a-bright-spark-among-bollywood-stars-1.1034218|url-status=live}} he purchased the high end Meade LX-600 16" telescope for stargazing purposes.{{Cite web|last=Paul|first=Ushnota|date=23 June 2020|title=The boy who stargazed: In loving memory of Sushant Singh Rajput|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/the-boy-who-stargazed-in-loving-memory-of-sushant-singh-rajput/cid/1783141|access-date=1 October 2020|website=Telegraph India|archive-date=2 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902151016/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/the-boy-who-stargazed-in-loving-memory-of-sushant-singh-rajput/cid/1783141|url-status=live}} He also had a collection of 125 books including a six-volume theoretical physics series. Rajput stated in an August 2017 interview that his collection was not for film research, but covered personal interests in multiple disciplines, including cognitive science and behavioural economics.{{Cite web|last=Lohana|first=Avinash|date=8 August 2017|title=After Neena Gupta, Veteran actresses from Renuka Shahane to Rohini Hattangadi voice on lack of good roles|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/veteran-actresses-on-the-lack-of-good-roles/articleshow/59961910.cms|access-date=2 October 2020|website=Mumbai Mirror|publisher=Times Group|language=en|archive-date=12 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112183545/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/veteran-actresses-on-the-lack-of-good-roles/articleshow/59961910.cms|url-status=live}} He was reportedly an avid reader who would bring books during tours for film shooting.{{Cite web|last=Mangaokar|first=Shalvi|date=19 July 2016|title=Did you know Sushant Singh Rajput is a bookworm?|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/did-you-know-sushant-singh-rajput-is-a-bookworm/story-9t63FHJ76muQnXTGurkDfM.html|access-date=2 October 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=18 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118114438/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/did-you-know-sushant-singh-rajput-is-a-bookworm/story-9t63FHJ76muQnXTGurkDfM.html|url-status=live}}
In 2018, he was the subject of another rumour regarding his Kedarnath co-star Sara Ali Khan. The rumours were never confirmed, as, before the two supposedly broke up, Rajput refused to comment on the claims.{{Cite web|date=9 September 2019|title=Did Sushant Singh Rajput refuse to work with rumoured ex-flame Sara Ali Khan?|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/did-sushant-singh-rajput-refuse-to-work-with-rumoured-ex-flame-sara-ali-khan|website=The Free Press Journal|language=en|access-date=1 October 2020|archive-date=22 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822200345/https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/did-sushant-singh-rajput-refuse-to-work-with-rumoured-ex-flame-sara-ali-khan|url-status=live}} Later in the next year, it was reported that he was dating actress Rhea Chakraborty and that they intended to keep the matter private.{{Cite web|date=22 June 2019|title=Is Sushant Singh Rajput holidaying in Ladakh with Rhea Chakraborty?|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/gossip/story/is-sushant-singh-rajput-holidaying-in-ladakh-with-rhea-chakraborty-1554016-2019-06-22|access-date=1 October 2020|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617102125/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/gossip/story/is-sushant-singh-rajput-holidaying-in-ladakh-with-rhea-chakraborty-1554016-2019-06-22|url-status=live}} When questioned, he reportedly unwittingly confirmed the relationship by stating that if interviewers asked questions that were only about him, he could answer at his own discretion but he would also have to ask "somebody" before confirming any details.{{Cite web|date=7 August 2019|title=Sushant Singh Rajput on dating Rhea Chakravorty: 'People shouldn't start talking about things in a nascent stage'|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-on-dating-rhea-chakravorty-people-shouldn-t-start-talking-about-things-in-a-nascent-stage/story-ePy5G8EHNKPuZ0ZI8O8tWL.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=1 October 2020|archive-date=21 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921091602/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-on-dating-rhea-chakravorty-people-shouldn-t-start-talking-about-things-in-a-nascent-stage/story-ePy5G8EHNKPuZ0ZI8O8tWL.html|url-status=live}} Chakraborty and Rajput were occasionally spotted on "dates" and outings in Mumbai, and on a vacation to the Himalayan region of Ladakh.
After Rajput's death, Chakraborty confirmed that she was his girlfriend and that he would refuse medication, relying instead on yoga and meditation.{{Cite web|last=Nihalani|first=Akash|date=19 June 2020|title=Rhea Chakraborty Confirms that Sushant Singh Rajput Refused to Take Medication|url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-confirms-that-sushant-singh-rajput-refused-to-take-medication-41656.html|access-date=1 October 2020|website=Filmfare|publisher=Times Group|language=en|archive-date=28 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628185549/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-confirms-that-sushant-singh-rajput-refused-to-take-medication-41656.html|url-status=live}} According to Rajput's father, the actor mentioned his plans to marry in 2021 but did not reveal his intended bride; Ankita Lokhande was the only girlfriend that his father had known about.{{Cite web|date=25 June 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput's father confirms actor was looking to get married early 2021, says he didn't know about Rhea Chakraborty|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-s-father-confirms-actor-was-looking-to-get-married-early-2021-says-he-didn-t-know-about-rhea-chakraborty/story-y73zI1fJG0BASCgeunjlfN.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=1 October 2020|archive-date=16 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816132207/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-s-father-confirms-actor-was-looking-to-get-married-early-2021-says-he-didn-t-know-about-rhea-chakraborty/story-y73zI1fJG0BASCgeunjlfN.html|url-status=live}}
Death
{{Main|Death of Sushant Singh Rajput}}
On 14 June 2020, Rajput, aged 34, was found dead in his home in Bandra, Mumbai.{{Cite web |date=14 June 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput dies by suicide at 34 in Mumbai |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-commits-suicide-at-mumbai-home-1688886-2020-06-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614160312/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-commits-suicide-at-mumbai-home-1688886-2020-06-14/ |archive-date=14 June 2020 |access-date=14 June 2020 |website=India Today}}{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/sushant-singh-rajput-was-undergoing-treatment-for-depression-mumbai-police/articleshow/76382566.cms |title=Post-mortem report confirms Sushant Singh Rajput died due to asphyxia |work=The Economic Times |date=22 June 2020 |access-date=26 July 2020 |quote=The police said that the actor had spoken to his sister on the telephone around 9 am on Sunday. An hour later, he had a glass of juice and took his tablets. The police added that the cook knocked several times on his door around 11:30 am to confirm the menu. When the cook and the actor's two friends who were staying with him in the house got no response, they then called a key-maker who helped open the door. The friends then rang up his sister and the police. |archive-date=11 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711015345/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/sushant-singh-rajput-was-undergoing-treatment-for-depression-mumbai-police/articleshow/76382566.cms |url-status=live }} He had reportedly shown signs of clinical depression and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.{{cite news |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/sushant-singh-rajput-had-bipolar-disorder-says-mumbai-police-chief-121626 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput had bipolar disorder, says Mumbai police chief |date=3 August 2020 |work=The Tribune |access-date=12 August 2020 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806211643/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/sushant-singh-rajput-had-bipolar-disorder-says-mumbai-police-chief-121626 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|date=16 June 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput showed signs of clinical depression, sought counselling: Police|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/sushant-singh-rajput-showed-signs-of-clinical-depression-sought-counselling-police-6460482/|access-date=30 July 2020|work=The Indian Express|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630150848/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/sushant-singh-rajput-showed-signs-of-clinical-depression-sought-counselling-police-6460482/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Gupta|first=Saurabh|date=4 August 2020|title=Sushant Singh Rajput Had Googled His Name Hours Before Death: Mumbai Cops|work=NDTV|editor-last=Ghosh|editor-first=Deepshika|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajput-had-bipolar-disorder-was-on-medication-mumbai-cops-2273324|access-date=12 August 2020|quote='It has come to surface that he (Sushant Singh Rajput) had bipolar disorder, he was undergoing treatment and taking medicines for it. What circumstances led to his death is the subject of our investigation,' said Mumbai police chief Param Bir Singh.|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803152614/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajput-had-bipolar-disorder-was-on-medication-mumbai-cops-2273324|url-status=live}} The postmortem report concluded that the cause of death was "asphyxia due to hanging", calling it a "clear case of suicide."{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sushant-s-death-embroiled-in-a-web-of-theories/story-TEWZDqHtQRJXoN22jE5cqJ.html |title=Sushant's death embroiled in a web of theories |work=Hindustan Times |date=3 August 2020 |access-date=9 August 2020 |last1=Kukreja |first1=Monika Rawal |last2=Suri |first2=Rishabh |archive-date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804072138/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sushant-s-death-embroiled-in-a-web-of-theories/story-TEWZDqHtQRJXoN22jE5cqJ.html |url-status=live }} Authorities and a forensic medical team from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, confirmed that Rajput's death was not a case of murder.{{cite web |last1=Kashyap |first1=Anjana Om |last2=Pandey |first2=Munish |date=3 October 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput murder completely ruled out, it was suicide: Dr Sudhir Gupta of AIIMS |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-murder-completely-ruled-out-it-was-suicide-dr-sudhir-gupta-of-aiims-1727920-2020-10-03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003143653/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-murder-completely-ruled-out-it-was-suicide-dr-sudhir-gupta-of-aiims-1727920-2020-10-03 |archive-date=3 October 2020 |access-date=3 October 2020 |work=India Today}}{{cite web |date=3 October 2020 |editor=Ghosh, Poulomi |title=AIIMS report on Sushant Singh Rajput death: Who said what |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/aiims-report-on-sushant-singh-rajput-death-who-said-what/story-bASG0BNVkkHtRRICgHeItN.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003225234/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/aiims-report-on-sushant-singh-rajput-death-who-said-what/story-bASG0BNVkkHtRRICgHeItN.html |archive-date=3 October 2020 |access-date=3 October 2020 |work=Hindustan Times}}{{cite web |date=5 October 2020 |title=SSR death case: Medical board submitted report directly to CBI, can obtain inputs from bureau, says AIIMS |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/ssr-death-case-medical-board-submitted-report-directly-to-cbi-can-obtain-inputs-from-bureau-says-aiims20201005210812/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008143353/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/ssr-death-case-medical-board-submitted-report-directly-to-cbi-can-obtain-inputs-from-bureau-says-aiims20201005210812/ |archive-date=8 October 2020 |access-date=5 October 2020 |publisher=Asian News International}}
On 25 July, Rajput's family lodged a first information report with police in Patna, where his father lives, accusing Rhea Chakraborty and five others of abetment of suicide.{{Cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sushant-singh-rajputs-death-case-fir-filed-against-rhea-chakraborty-6527871/ |title=Sushant Singh Rajput's family files FIR against actor Rhea Chakraborty, claims she used his credit cards |work=The Indian Express |date=28 July 2020 |access-date=28 July 2020 |author=Express News Service |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728142135/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sushant-singh-rajputs-death-case-fir-filed-against-rhea-chakraborty-6527871/ |url-status=live }}
On 31 July, Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a case to investigate the money laundering of Rajput's money from his bank accounts by Chakraborty, her parents and associates.{{cite news|url=https://www.theprint.in/india/ed-files-money-laundering-case-in-connection-with-sushant-singh-rajput-death/472081|title=ED files money laundering case in connection with Sushant Singh Rajput death|work=The Print|agency=Press Trust Of India|date=31 July 2020|access-date=23 November 2020|archive-date=30 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930091439/https://theprint.in/india/ed-files-money-laundering-case-in-connection-with-sushant-singh-rajput-death/472081/|url-status=live}} On 19 August 2020, the Supreme Court of India allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Indian national government's top investigating agency, to take control of the investigation{{Cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-family-vs-rhea-chakraborty-case-verdict-sc-allows-cbi-to-take-control-of-investigation-1712765-2020-08-19 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput family vs Rhea Chakraborty case verdict: SC allows CBI to take control of investigation |work=India Today |date=19 August 2020 |access-date=19 August 2020 |archive-date=19 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819054319/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-family-vs-rhea-chakraborty-case-verdict-sc-allows-cbi-to-take-control-of-investigation-1712765-2020-08-19 |url-status=live }} and ordered the CBI to look into any future cases registered in relation to Rajput's death.{{Cite news |url=https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/sushant-singh-rajput-cbi-probe-rhea-chakraborty-lawful-mumbai-police-hand-over-evidence-supreme-court |title=Sushant Singh Rajput: CBI probe into FIR against Rhea Chakraborty lawful; Mumbai Police to hand over all evidence, Supreme Court |publisher=Bar and Bench |date=19 August 2020 |access-date=19 August 2020 |author=Mahajan, Shruti |archive-date=5 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905172939/https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/sushant-singh-rajput-cbi-probe-rhea-chakraborty-lawful-mumbai-police-hand-over-evidence-supreme-court |url-status=live }} Later, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) also filed a case to investigate drug peddling, based on phone chats forwarded to it by ED during its investigation.{{cite news |title=After ED and CBI, NCB joins Sushant Singh Rajput death probe as Rhea Chakraborty drug chat emerges |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/maharashtra-news/article/after-ed-and-cbi-ncb-joins-sushant-singh-rajput-death-probe-as-rhea-chakraborty-drug-chat-emerges/642985 |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=Times Now |date=26 August 2020 |language=en}}
On 8 September, Rhea Chakraborty was arrested by the NCB in a drug case linked to the investigation of the death probe. Prior to the arrest, 9 others were arrested by the NCB in the drug case including Rhea's brother, Showik Chakraborty.{{cite news |author1=Manish K Pathak |author2=Aloke Tikku |title=Rhea Chakraborty, Accused No 10 in drug case, arrested. Bihar DGP takes a swipe |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/rhea-chakraborty-10th-accused-in-drug-case-arrested-she-s-exposed-says-bihar-dgp/story-iZRLmiekBcqxXccKKBF4JJ.html |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=8 September 2020 |language=en |archive-date=8 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908231012/https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/rhea-chakraborty-10th-accused-in-drug-case-arrested-she-s-exposed-says-bihar-dgp/story-iZRLmiekBcqxXccKKBF4JJ.html |url-status=live }} On 12 July 2022, the NCB filed draft charges against 35 people, including Rhea Chakraborty and her brother. The NCB claimed that Rajput had been using numerous people to obtain drugs since 2018 and accused his flatmate Pithani and others of "aiding and abetting" Rajput to "extreme drug addiction."{{cite news |last=Modak |first=Sadaf |date=13 July 2022 |title=Accused abetted Sushant Singh Rajput's 'extreme drug addiction': NCB draft charge |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/sushant-extreme-drug-addiction-aided-abetted-ncb-draft-charge-8025602/ |work=The Indian Express |location= |access-date=13 July 2022}}
On 7 September, Chakraborty filed an FIR against the late actor's sisters, claiming they had supplied him psychotrophic anti-depressants{{cite web |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/meetu-and-priyanka-singh-approach-high-court-to-invalidate-rhea-chakrabortys-fir-44048.html |title=Meetu and Priyanka Singh approach High Court to invalidate Rhea Chakraborty's FIR |author= |date=6 October 2020 |website=Filmfare |publisher= |access-date=11 June 2022 |quote= |archive-date=11 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611182249/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/meetu-and-priyanka-singh-approach-high-court-to-invalidate-rhea-chakrabortys-fir-44048.html |url-status=live }} without proper medical consultation and using a forged prescription.{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rhea-chakrabortys-fir-against-sushant-rajputs-sister-priyanka-singh-upheld-by-sc-five-important-points-about-the-case/photostory/81704583.cms |title=Rhea Chakraborty's FIR against Sushant Singh Rajput's sister Priyanka Singh upheld by SC: Five important points about the case |author= |date=26 March 2021 |website=The Times of India |publisher= |access-date=11 June 2022 |quote= |archive-date=6 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006133707/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rhea-chakrabortys-fir-against-sushant-rajputs-sister-priyanka-singh-upheld-by-sc-five-important-points-about-the-case/photostory/81704583.cms |url-status=live }} She requested an investigation into whether these had resulted in his suicide or a decline in his mental state.{{cite web |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/supreme-court-rejects-plea-by-sushant-singh-rajputs-sister-to-dismiss-mumbai-police-fir-filed-by-rhea-chakraborty/articleshow/81702727.cms?from=mdr |title=Supreme Court rejects plea by Sushant Singh Rajput's sister to dismiss Mumbai Police FIR filed by Rhea Chakraborty |author= |date=26 March 2021 |website=The Economic Times |publisher= |access-date=11 June 2022 |quote= |archive-date=11 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611182249/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/supreme-court-rejects-plea-by-sushant-singh-rajputs-sister-to-dismiss-mumbai-police-fir-filed-by-rhea-chakraborty/articleshow/81702727.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }} The following month, Rajput's sisters asked the High Court to cancel the FIR. The Bombay High Court agreed to invalidate the FIR against his sister Meetu but upheld the FIR against his sister Priyanka, stating that there was "prima facie evidence" against her. The Supreme Court also rejected an appeal filed by Priyanka Singh and the filing was handed to the CBI to investigate.
On 22 March 2025, the Central Bureau of Investigation filed a closure report ruling out any foul play.{{cite magazine |last1=Ahuja |first1=Nakul |date=22 March 2025 |title=No proof of foul play: CBI files closure report in Sushant Singh Rajput case |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sushant-singh-rajput-death-case-cbi-files-closure-report-2697524-2025-03-22 |magazine=India Today |access-date=23 March 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Rishabh |date=23 March 2025 |title=CBI closes Sushant Singh Rajput case: Recounting media trial and witch hunt |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajput-death-cbi-report-rhea-chakraborty-media-trial-theories-125032300269_1.html |work=Business Standard |access-date=23 March 2025}}
Filmography
= Films =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2013
| Ishaan "Ish" Bhatt | |
| Shuddh Desi Romance
| Raghu Ram | |
| scope="row" | 2014
| PK | Sarfaraz Yousuf | |
| scope="row" | 2015
| |
| scope="row" | 2016
| M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story | |
| scope="row" | 2017
| Raabta | Jilaan / Shiv Kakkar | |
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2018
| Himself | Special appearance |
| Kedarnath
| Mansoor Khan | |
| scope="row" rowspan="3" | 2019
| Lakhan Singh / Lakhna | |
| Chhichhore
| Anirudh "Anni" Pathak | |
| Drive
| Samar | |
| scope="row" | 2020
| Immanuel "Manny" Rajkumar Jr. | Posthumous release |
= Television =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| scope="row" | 2008–2009
| Preet Juneja | |
| scope="row" | 2009–2011
| Manav Deshmukh | |
| scope="row" | 2010
| rowspan="2" | Contestant | Team "Mast Kalandar Boys" |
| scope="row" | 2010–2011
| Runner-up |
| scope="row" | 2014
| Manav Deshmukh | Finale appearance |
| scope="row" | 2015
| CID | Byomkesh Bakshy | Special appearance in Episode 1211 |
= Music video =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Performer ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
|---|
| scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2017
| "Paas Aao" |
Awards and nominations
See also
{{Portal bar|India|Bollywood|Film|Television}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{Notelist}}
Further reading
- {{cite arXiv |last1=Akbar |first1=SZ |last2=Sharma |first2=A |last3=Negi |first3=H |last4=Panda |first4=A |last5=Pal |first5=J |display-authors=2 |title =Anatomy of a Rumour: Social media and the suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput |year=2020 |class=cs.SI |eprint=2009.11744 }}
External links
{{Commons category|Sushant Singh Rajput}}
- {{IMDb name|id=3818286}}
- {{Bollywood Hungama person|sushant-singh-rajput}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards for Sushant Singh Rajput
| list =
{{Indian Television Academy Award Best Lead Actor}}
{{Screen Award for Best Actor}}
{{ScreenAwardBestMaleDebut}}
}}
{{Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rajput, Sushant Singh}}
Category:21st-century Indian male actors
Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema
Category:Indian male soap opera actors
Category:Male actors from Patna
Category:People with bipolar disorder
Category:Screen Awards winners