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The journey of Sushant Singh Rajput through the realms of Hindi cinema is one marked by brilliance and versatility. He captivated audiences not only with his acting prowess but also with his dedication to portraying diverse characters. From his early days on television to his meteoric rise in Bollywood, Sushant left an indelible mark that transcended mere stardom.
Popularly known for his work in hit movies like: “Chhichhore”, “MS Dhoni: The Untold Story” and “Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!”, began his journey with the acclaimed film “Kai Po Che!” in 2013. His impressive career also includes memorable performances in movies like: “PK”, “Kedarnath” and, “Shuddh Desi Romance“. However, for those who have seen his acting on the big screen are less aware of the fact that Sushant Singh Rajput got his start from acting in a Zee TV soap opera show, Pavitra Rishta.
Early Career and Television Success
In 2008, Sushant Singh Rajput’s talent was finally spotted by Balaji Telefilms in one of Ekjute’s stage plays. He made a lasting impression on the casting team and was eventually called to audition for the role of Preet Juneja in the serial “Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil.” Despite his character’s early exit from the show, Preet Juneja became overwhelmingly popular with the audience. He later returned in the final episodes of the series as a spirit, witnessing his family’s journey through challenges and triumphs.
In June 2009, Rajput debuted in a new project, as Manav Deshmukh, a simple and sensitive man who, due to poverty and lack of money, is compelled to work as a mechanic to support his family. The serial was “Pavitra Rishta”. Rajput went on to win three television awards for the same performance: Best Male Actor and Most Popular Actor. This role was nothing short of career-defining and soon catapulted him into the limelight, providing a solid foundation for his film debut.
Early Career Highlights: From TV to Reality Shows
After achieving fame in “Pavitra Rishta,” Sushant Rajput appeared on “Zara Nachke Dikha 2” in May 2010 to prove his dancing skills, juggling between two shows.
Later in December 2010, Rajput ventured into the reality show “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4,” partnered with choreographer Shampa Sonthalia.
In October 2011, when the time came to pursue higher studies in filmmaking abroad, he decided to leave “Pavitra Rishta”. He came back briefly for the last episode of the show in October 2014, until where Manav was there as the temporary replacement.
Transition to Film and Breakthrough Roles
Kai Po Che!
After auditioning for Abhishek Kapoor’s “Kai Po Che!” he was chosen to play for one of the three leads. Working alongside Rajkumar Rao and Amit Sadh, it received applause based on the book by Chetan Bhagat titled “The 3 Mistakes of My Life.”. He garnered positive reviews for his performance as the district-level cricketer Ishaan Bhatt, plagued by cricket politics.
It’s Sushant Singh Rajput, making his film debut as Ishaan, who you can’t take your eyes off. The actor exudes incredible presence and his confidence and undeniable charm make it evident that a star is born.
CRITIC Rajeev Masand
Shuddh Desi Romance
His subsequent film was “Shuddh Desi Romance“, with actress Parineeti Chopra and Vaani Kapoor. With the help of Maneesh Sharma, delivered by Yash Raj Films, the film managed to capture the hearts of many. The film dovetails against the backdrop of Jaipur, Rajasthan, and deals with contemporary relationships and the complexities of live-in relationships. Rajput’s act of the bewildered young man with commitment issues, pressurized by the expectations of society, has been critically acclaimed for it’s authenticity and depth. His enactment, torn between tradition and modernity has garnered much appreciation.
PK
Following “Shuddh Desi Romance,” Sushant Singh Rajput appeared in Rajkumar Hirani’s 2014 blockbuster “PK.” Although his role was relatively minor, the film provided him with the opportunity to collaborate with Aamir Khan and Anushka Sharma. Upon release, “PK” became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time, further solidifying Rajput’s presence in Bollywood.
Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!
In 2015, Sushant Singh Rajput’s only release was Dibakar Banerjee’s mystery thriller “Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!” In the film, he portrayed detective Byomkesh Bakshy, originally created by Bengali author Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay. Produced by Yash Raj Films and Banerjee’s own production company, the movie is set in 1940s Kolkata and was released on 3 April 2015.
The role was applauded for its brilliant depth and nuanced response to the character. Rajput’s performance struck a chord, one belonging deep within the heart of the average viewer, as well as those of critics.
Iconic Roles and Critical Acclaim
Throughout his career in Bollywood, Sushant Singh Rajput also had performances which had him exhibit his range and subtlety as an actor. Playing the lead role of Indian cricket hero Mahendra Singh Dhoni in “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story,” he captivated the masses in 2016, getting nominated for the first time, for a Filmfare Award: Best Actor. Along with that, the film was one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of the year and undeniably established Rajput as a front-line talent in the industry.
But it was perhaps in “Chhichhore” (2019), when Rajput’s personal journey met his character more emotively. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, it focused on a band of college friends and the pressures of work and home life. His part as Anirudh “Anni” Pathak, reviewing his college life as a father, was pulled from his very personal life.
Born and brought up in Patna, Bihar, Rajput had to oblige his parents like the story of Anni’s in the movie and start engineering. Rajput chuckled and quoted in an interview,
“My parents gave me no choice, I had to do engineering.”
SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT
He studied Mechanical Engineering from the Delhi College of Engineering, now called Delhi Technological University, before enrolling in acting. Rajput adds that he never liked engineering, and he was not happy when his family left him with no option; instead, he loved Bollywood from the young age as he was a big fan of Shah Rukh Khan, then wanted to become an astronaut and wanted to join the Indian Air Force to be a pilot.
Untimely death
Sushant Singh Rajput was one of the finest actors in the film industry. With blockbuster movies like “MS Dhoni: The Untold Story”, “Kedarnath”, and “Chhichhore”, he was moving with a wonderful pace towards ultimate success. In 2020, Sushant Singh Rajput fans were excited about “Dil Bechara“. Based on the best-selling novel “The Fault in Our Stars,” the movie was supposed to be a turning point in Sushant Singh Rajput’s career, featuring the actor in his last silver screen appearance. But then came the tragic news of his untimely death in June 2020, which shadowed its release.
“Dil Bechara” did eventually release on digital platforms, becoming available to audiences worldwide. The film attracted a lot of attention for both its tribute to Rajput’s legacy and skill as well as its heartbreaking love story adaptation. Fans and critics alike praised Rajput’s performance, celebrating his ability to bring depth and charm to the character of ‘Manny’.
The reason behind his demise
Sushant Singh Rajput was diagnosed with depression and the lockdown in 2020 made it worse for the actor to live. As speculation and theories flew around, various perspectives on Rajput’s untimely death emerged. However, it later ruled that it was a case of suicide, and murder was ruled out completely. His friends, family, and fans continue to seek understanding, highlighting the need for introspection and empathy in discussing mental health issues. Rajput’s legacy as a talented actor and a determined individual with a clear sense of direction serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental well-being and the challenges faced by those in the public eye.
The untimely demise of Sushant Singh Rajput throws light on the ill and drastic consequences of mental health issues and outside influences. His reputation as a go-getter man with so many objectives inside incites thought about how much adversity people perhaps go through behind their public profile and shapes the importance of increasing the profile of mental health issues and number of helps in societies. If you are feeling depressed/ suicidal please contact mental health helplines and talk to your loves ones. Call 988 suicide and crises helpline and talk to someone today.
