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Death of Disha Salian

2026-09-14T13:33:21Z

2001:67C:198C:906:29:610:0:C6: Submitting draft for review

{{AfC submission|||ts=20260914133321|u=|ns=118}} 
{{Short description|2020 death of Indian celebrity manager}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2026}}
{{Current|date=September 2026}}

{{Infobox news event
| name = Death of Disha Salian
| image =
| image_caption =
| date = {{Start date and age|2020|06|09|df=yes}}
| time = c. 02:25 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| venue = Residential building, Jankalyan Nagar
| location = [[Malad]], [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], India
| type = Death after fall from a high-rise building
| cause = Disputed; [[Mumbai Police]] treated the death as [[suicide]]; family allege homicide
| first_reporter = Malvani Police Station
| outcome = [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] investigation following [[Bombay High Court]] order
| convictions =
}}

On the intervening night of 8–9 June 2020, Indian celebrity manager '''Disha Salian''' (born 26 May 1992) died after falling from a residential high-rise in [[Malad]], [[Mumbai]], aged 28.<ref name="IT-FIR">{{cite news |last=Misra |first=Ritaban |date=14 September 2026 |title=CBI files FIR in Disha Salian death case after Bombay High Court orders probe |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/cbi-registers-fir-in-disha-salian-death-case-after-bombay-high-court-orders-thorough-probe-2994128-2026-09-14 |work=[[India Today]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="HT-FIR">{{cite news |last=Sharan |first=Abhishek |date=14 September 2026 |title=CBI registers FIR in Disha Salian's death case as probe begins after Bombay HC order |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cbi-registers-fir-in-disha-salian-death-case-as-probe-begins-after-bombay-high-court-order-101789376858153.html |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref> The [[Mumbai Police]] registered an accidental-death report and conducted an inquiry under [[Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (India)|Section 174]] of the [[Code of Criminal Procedure]]. The police concluded that she had died by [[suicide]] and that there was no evidence of foul play.<ref name="IE-2023">{{cite news |last=Thaver |first=Mohamed |date=19 December 2023 |title=CCTV footage, postmortem reports, father's statement: Why Mumbai police closed enquiry into Disha Salian's death |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/cctv-footage-postmortem-reports-father-statement-why-mumbai-police-closed-enquiry-disha-salian-death-9066486/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="Rediff-2025">{{cite news |date=3 July 2025 |title=Disha Salian committed suicide, no foul play found: Police |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/disha-salian-committed-suicide-no-foul-play-found-police/20250703.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |agency=[[Press Trust of India]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

Salian's father, Satish Salian, later alleged that she had been gang-raped and murdered and that her death had been staged as a suicide.<ref name="HT-FIR"/><ref name="Print-FIR">{{cite news |date=14 September 2026 |title=Disha Salian death: Uddhav, Aaditya, Dino Morea, Rhea Chakraborty should be probed, says CBI FIR |url=https://theprint.in/india/disha-salian-death-uddhav-aaditya-dino-morea-rhea-chakraborty-should-be-probed-says-cbi-fir/3042245/ |work=[[ThePrint]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

Salian had briefly worked as a manager for actor [[Sushant Singh Rajput]], who was found dead at his home in [[Bandra]] six days later. The proximity of the two deaths generated widespread speculation.<ref name="IE-2023"/> Mumbai Police said that they found no link between the deaths.<ref name="MM-noconnection">{{cite news |last=Ozarkar |first=Vallabh |date=4 August 2020 |title=No connection between Sushant Singh Rajput and Disha Salian |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-is-not-missing-says-her-lawyer/articleshow/77330728.cms |work=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

On 2 September 2026, the [[Bombay High Court]], hearing a petition by Satish Salian, directed the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI) to register a [[first information report]] (FIR), record his statement and investigate all aspects of the death.<ref name="Hindu-HC">{{cite news |last=Mutha |first=Snehal |date=3 September 2026 |title=Bombay High Court orders CBI probe into Disha Salian death case |url=https://www.thehindu.com/incoming/bombay-high-court-orders-cbi-probe-into-disha-salian-death-case/article71422593.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Mumbai |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="TOI-HC">{{cite news |last=Deshpande |first=Swati |date=2 September 2026 |title=Many glaring discrepancies, CBI to register FIR and probe all aspects of Disha Salian's 2020 death: Bombay High Court |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/many-glaring-discrepancies-cbi-to-register-fir-and-probe-all-aspects-of-disha-salians-2020-death-bombay-high-court/articleshow/133718000.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref> The CBI registered an FIR on 14 September 2026 in connection with allegations of murder, gang rape, criminal conspiracy and suppression or fabrication of evidence.<ref name="IT-FIR"/><ref name="Print-FIR"/>

== Background ==

Disha Salian was born on 26 May 1992 in [[Udupi]], [[Karnataka]], and was raised in Mumbai.<ref name="StarsUnfolded">{{cite web |title=Disha Salian (Celebrity Manager) Age, Death, Boyfriend, Family, Biography & More |url=https://starsunfolded.com/disha-salian/ |website=StarsUnfolded |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref> She worked as a talent and celebrity manager with agencies including CAA Kwan and Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment, and handled publicity or management work for several film and television personalities.<ref name="LeaderBio">{{cite web |date=27 November 2025 |title=Disha Salian Age, Relationships, Cause of Death, Controversy, Biography |url=https://leaderbiography.com/disha-salian-2/ |website=Leader Biography |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

Salian was publicly identified as a former manager of Sushant Singh Rajput. She had also worked with other industry figures, including during the production of the film ''[[Jazbaa]]''.<ref name="Zee-who">{{cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Who was Disha Salian, what is connection with Sushant Singh Rajput |url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/india/who-was-disha-salian-what-is-connection-with-sushant-singh-rajput-her-name-cropped-again-5-years-after-death/2687654 |work=[[Zee News]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

At the time of her death, she was engaged to television actor Rohan Rai, also referred to as Rohan Roy in some reports.<ref name="IT-friend">{{cite news |date=7 August 2020 |title=Exclusive: What happened on the night Disha Salian died? Her close friend reveals |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/exclusive-what-happened-on-the-night-disha-salian-died-her-close-friend-reveals-1708845-2020-08-07 |work=[[India Today]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

== Death ==

Salian died after falling from a flat in a residential building in Jankalyan Nagar, Malad West, in the early hours of 9 June 2020. Later reports identified the building as Regent Galaxy. The time of the fall was reported as approximately 02:25 IST.<ref name="IE-10Q">{{cite news |date=3 September 2026 |title=Disha Salian case: Why were cops outside her building before death? 10 unanswered questions |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/disha-salian-death-10-questions-that-made-bombay-high-court-seek-a-fresh-cbi-probe-10860872/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="Rediff-2025"/>

Reports have differed over the floor from which Salian fell, with some accounts referring to the 12th floor and others to the 14th floor.<ref name="IE-10Q"/><ref name="IT-PM">{{cite news |last=Shaikh |first=Mustafa |date=5 August 2020 |title=Exclusive: Disha Salian's post-mortem report says she had multiple injuries |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/exclusive-disha-salian-post-mortem-report-multiple-unnatural-injuries-1708095-2020-08-05 |work=[[India Today]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

According to accounts given to police and later reported in the press, Salian was at a gathering with her fiancé and friends. After she entered a bedroom and did not respond, those present forced entry and discovered that she was no longer in the room. She was subsequently found on the ground below the building and was taken to hospital, where she was declared dead.<ref name="IT-friend"/><ref name="Rediff-2025"/> The Malvani police station registered an accidental-death report at approximately 03:07 IST.<ref name="IE-10Q"/>

A post-mortem examination was conducted on 11 June 2020 at a facility in Borivali.<ref name="IT-PM"/> Reporting on the post-mortem described injuries consistent with a fall, including a head injury.<ref name="IT-PM"/> Mumbai Police later stated that the examination did not record evidence of sexual or physical assault beyond injuries attributed to the fall.<ref name="IE-PM">{{cite news |last=Thaver |first=Mohamed |date=12 August 2020 |title=Disha Salian post mortem report rebuts Rane's claim: no sexual assault |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/disha-salian-post-mortem-report-rebuts-ranes-claim-no-sexual-assault-6550850/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

In 2020, some political figures, including [[Narayan Rane]], claimed that the post-mortem examination showed evidence of sexual assault. Contemporary reporting that examined the post-mortem notes stated that they did not record evidence of sexual assault.<ref name="IE-PM"/>

== Mumbai Police investigation ==

=== Accidental death inquiry ===

The death was initially investigated under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and was not registered as a criminal case through an FIR.<ref name="Hindu-HC"/> On 10 June 2020, a deputy commissioner of police for the Malvani zone publicly described the death as a suicide and said that murder had been ruled out.<ref name="Hindu-HC"/>

Police recorded statements from friends, Salian's fiancé and others present at the gathering. Investigators examined [[closed-circuit television]] footage and obtained forensic and viscera material.<ref name="IE-2023"/><ref name="NL-2022">{{cite news |date=30 April 2022 |title=Surviving a media trial: The story of Disha Salian's family |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2022/04/30/surviving-a-media-trial-the-story-of-disha-salians-family |work=[[Newslaundry]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

Mumbai Police later stated that they had found no evidence of rape, murder or foul play and no evidence establishing a connection between Salian's death and Rajput's death.<ref name="IE-2023"/><ref name="NL-2022"/> A closure or final-summary report submitted in February 2021 treated the death as suicide.<ref name="IT-closure">{{cite news |last=Singh |first=Divyesh |date=29 March 2025 |title=Disha Salian was depressed over father misusing her money, Mumbai Police say in closure report |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/disha-salian-father-mumbai-police-depressed-father-misusing-her-money-closure-report-sushant-singh-rajput-rape-fir-2701010-2025-03-29 |work=[[India Today]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

Reporting on the report attributed the conclusion to statements that Salian had been experiencing distress over work setbacks, disputes with friends and alleged financial disagreements involving her father. Satish Salian disputed that account.<ref name="IT-closure"/>

=== Later reviews ===

In December 2023, the Commissioner of Police, following instructions from the Maharashtra government, ordered a fresh inquiry under Section 174.<ref name="IE-2023"/>

A report dated 14 April 2026 again concluded that Salian had died by suicide. A Special Executive Magistrate accepted the report on 6 May 2026, according to reporting on the proceedings.<ref name="Hindu-HC"/>

In affidavits submitted to the Bombay High Court, Mumbai Police maintained that Salian had jumped from the building, that she had consumed alcohol, that her fiancé had not alleged foul play at the time and that there was no evidence of sexual assault.<ref name="Rediff-2025"/>

== Allegations, media coverage and politics ==

Following Rajput's death, Salian's case became part of a wider public controversy. Social media posts and some television coverage circulated allegations that she had been gang-raped and murdered at a gathering involving politically connected individuals and that her death had been covered up.<ref name="NL-2022"/>

Political leaders, including Bharatiya Janata Party leader [[Narayan Rane]], alleged foul play and referred to the possible involvement of a young minister in the then [[Shiv Sena]]-led Maharashtra government. The statements were widely interpreted as referring to [[Aaditya Thackeray]].<ref name="IE-probes">{{cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Disha Salian death case: What probes by Mumbai police and SIT have found so far |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/disha-salian-death-case-mumbai-police-sit-9896677 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="NL-2022"/> Those named denied any role in the alleged events.

Reporting in 2022 documented the effect of the controversy and related rumours on Salian's family and friends.<ref name="NL-2022"/>

== Relation to the death of Sushant Singh Rajput ==

{{See also|Suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput}}

Rajput died on 14 June 2020, six days after Salian's death. Because Salian had previously worked as his manager, the timing of the two deaths led to speculation that they were connected.<ref name="IE-2023"/>

Mumbai Police stated in 2020 that their investigation had found no connection between the two deaths.<ref name="MM-noconnection"/>

Reports in August 2020 stated that Rajput had searched online for information concerning Salian and had been distressed by rumours linking him to her death.<ref name="IE-Google">{{cite news |last=Thaver |first=Mohamed |date=3 August 2020 |title=Before suicide, Sushant Singh Rajput's Google search: his name, manager, illness |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/before-suicide-sushant-singh-rajputs-google-search-his-name-manager-illness-6536412/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="IT-Googled">{{cite news |last=Chawla |first=Medha |date=3 August 2020 |title=What Sushant Singh Rajput Googled before his death: Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, painless death |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/what-sushant-singh-rajput-googled-before-his-death-schizophrenia-bipolar-disorder-painless-death-1707271-2020-08-03 |work=[[India Today]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

The CBI, which investigated Rajput's death, filed a closure report in March 2025 ruling out foul play in that case.<ref name="BS-SSR">{{cite news |last=Shukla |first=Prateek |date=22 March 2025 |title=CBI files closure reports in Sushant Singh Rajput case, rules out foulplay |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/cbi-files-closure-reports-in-sushant-singh-rajput-case-rules-out-foulplay-125032200853_1.html |work=[[Business Standard]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

Satish Salian and his counsel have continued to assert that the two deaths are linked.<ref name="HT-FIR"/>

== Bombay High Court petition ==

Satish Salian petitioned the Bombay High Court seeking registration of an FIR and a CBI investigation. He argued that the earlier Section 174 inquiry had not adequately addressed what he described as suspicious circumstances surrounding his daughter's death.<ref name="Hindu-HC"/>

The petition was titled ''Satish Salian v. State of Maharashtra and Others'' and was identified as Criminal Writ Petition No. 1612 of 2025.<ref name="LawChakra">{{cite news |date=14 September 2026 |title=CBI Registers FIR In Disha Salian Death Case On Bombay High Court's Direction; Court Had Said Nobody Is An Accused Merely Because A Name Has Surfaced |url=https://lawchakra.in/latest-news/cbi-fir-disha-salian-death-bombay-high-court-direction/ |work=Law Chakra |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

On 2 September 2026, a division bench of Justices [[Sarang V. Kotwal]] and Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale allowed the petition in part.<ref name="Hindu-order">{{cite news |last=Gaikwad |first=Chinmay |date=2 September 2026 |title=Disha Salian case: Bombay High Court orders CBI probe into death of ex-celebrity manager |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/bombay-high-court-orders-cbi-probe-into-death-of-ex-celebrity-manager-disha-salian/article71418575.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Mumbai |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="TOI-HC"/>

The court directed the CBI to:

* appoint a suitably experienced senior officer;
* record the petitioner's statement;
* register an FIR;
* investigate all aspects of the circumstances of the death;
* file a chargesheet if a cognisable offence was established; and
* file a closure or summary report if no such offence was established.<ref name="Hindu-order"/><ref name="TOI-HC"/>

The Malvani police were directed to hand over the relevant case records to the CBI. The court declined to place the investigation under continuing judicial supervision.<ref name="Hindu-HC"/>

=== Discrepancies cited by the court ===

The Bombay High Court discussed several issues concerning the earlier investigation, including:<ref name="IE-10Q"/><ref name="TOI-HC"/>

* the timing of the spot [[panchnama]];
* the timing of the accidental-death report and the arrival of Salian's father at the hospital;
* CCTV footage showing police personnel near the building before the officially recorded time of death;
* accounts concerning blood at the scene and the collection of blood-stained material;
* questions concerning whether the recorded injuries were consistent with a fall from the reported height;
* a chemical examiner's observations concerning blood found on certain articles;
* differences between accounts of a bedroom door being forced open and the description in the panchnama;
* discrepancies concerning post-mortem swab samples and forensic envelopes; and
* the delay in the seizure of Salian's mobile phone and laptop.<ref name="IE-10Q"/>

== CBI investigation ==

Following the High Court order, the CBI sought the relevant records from the Malvani police and began examining the material connected with the earlier inquiry.<ref name="TOI-docs">{{cite news |date=9 September 2026 |title=CBI seeks documents from Malwani police in Disha Salian death probe |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/cbi-seeks-documents-from-malwani-police-in-disha-salian-death-probe/articleshow/133978559.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

The CBI registered an FIR on 14 September 2026 following the High Court's directions.<ref name="IT-FIR"/><ref name="LawChakra"/> Reporting stated that the FIR referred to provisions relating to murder, gang rape, criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence and giving false information to screen offenders, among other offences.<ref name="Print-FIR"/><ref name="Gulf-FIR">{{cite news |last=Stephen |first=N. R. |date=14 September 2026 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput's ex-manager Disha Salian death: Aaditya Thackeray, Rhea, Dino named in CBI FIR |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/sushant-singh-rajputs-ex-manager-disha-salian-death-aaditya-thackeray-rhea-dino-named-in-cbi-fir-1.500673930 |work=[[Gulf News]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

According to reporting, the FIR recorded allegations made by Satish Salian and listed individuals whose roles were to be examined in relation to the allegations. The names reported included politicians, actors, police officers, security personnel, medical personnel and others connected with the earlier inquiry.<ref name="TOI-FIR">{{cite news |date=14 September 2026 |title=Aaditya Thackeray, Rhea Chakroborty named in Disha Salian's death case: Key details from CBI FIR |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/aaditya-thackeray-rhea-chakroborty-named-in-disha-salians-death-case-key-details-from-cbi-fir/articleshow/134236979.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="Gulf-FIR"/>

Names reported as appearing in coverage of the FIR included [[Aaditya Thackeray]], [[Uddhav Thackeray]], [[Anil Deshmukh]], [[Dino Morea]], [[Sooraj Pancholi]], [[Rhea Chakraborty]], Showik Chakraborty, Rohan Rai, former police officer [[Sachin Vaze]], former Mumbai police commissioner [[Param Bir Singh]], police officers, medical personnel and other individuals.<ref name="TOI-FIR"/><ref name="Gulf-FIR"/>

== Reactions ==

Satish Salian and his counsel, Nilesh Ojha, welcomed the High Court order and the registration of the FIR.<ref name="HT-FIR"/><ref name="IT-FIR"/>

Aaditya Thackeray denied any connection with the case after the High Court order.<ref name="FPJ-Aaditya">{{cite news |date=4 September 2026 |title='Nothing To Do With It': Aaditya Thackeray Reacts To Bombay HC Ordering CBI FIR In Disha Salian Death Case |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/nothing-to-do-with-it-aaditya-thackeray-reacts-to-bombay-hc-ordering-cbi-fir-in-disha-salian-death-case |work=[[The Free Press Journal]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

Some members of Rajput's family and his supporters welcomed the CBI investigation into Salian's death.<ref name="BS-SSR"/>

== See also ==

* [[Suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput]]
* [[Central Bureau of Investigation]]
* [[Bombay High Court]]
* [[Aaditya Thackeray]]

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==

* {{cite news |last=Jain |first=Bhavika |date=6 September 2026 |title=Six years, no FIR: The gaps that sent Disha Salian case to CBI |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi-plus/politics/six-years-no-fir-the-gaps-that-sent-disha-salian-case-to-cbi/articleshow/133840448.cms |work=[[The Times of India]]}}
* {{cite news |date=14 September 2026 |title=CBI registers FIR in Disha Salian death case after Bombay HC order |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/cbi-registers-fir-in-disha-salian-death-case-after-bombay-hc-order20260914121413 |work=[[Asian News International|ANI]]}}

[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:2020 in Mumbai]]
[[Category:2020 in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Deaths by falling in India]]
[[Category:Unsolved deaths in India]]
[[Category:Central Bureau of Investigation]]
[[Category:Political controversies in India]]
[[Category:Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Conspiracy theories in India]]
[[Category:June 2020 events in India]]
[[Category:September 2026 events in India]]

Death of Disha Salian

2026-09-14T13:33:12Z

2001:67C:198C:906:29:610:0:C6: Started please review

{{Short description|2020 death of Indian celebrity manager}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2026}}
{{Current|date=September 2026}}

{{Infobox news event
| name = Death of Disha Salian
| image =
| image_caption =
| date = {{Start date and age|2020|06|09|df=yes}}
| time = c. 02:25 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| venue = Residential building, Jankalyan Nagar
| location = [[Malad]], [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], India
| type = Death after fall from a high-rise building
| cause = Disputed; [[Mumbai Police]] treated the death as [[suicide]]; family allege homicide
| first_reporter = Malvani Police Station
| outcome = [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] investigation following [[Bombay High Court]] order
| convictions =
}}

On the intervening night of 8–9 June 2020, Indian celebrity manager '''Disha Salian''' (born 26 May 1992) died after falling from a residential high-rise in [[Malad]], [[Mumbai]], aged 28.<ref name="IT-FIR">{{cite news |last=Misra |first=Ritaban |date=14 September 2026 |title=CBI files FIR in Disha Salian death case after Bombay High Court orders probe |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/cbi-registers-fir-in-disha-salian-death-case-after-bombay-high-court-orders-thorough-probe-2994128-2026-09-14 |work=[[India Today]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="HT-FIR">{{cite news |last=Sharan |first=Abhishek |date=14 September 2026 |title=CBI registers FIR in Disha Salian's death case as probe begins after Bombay HC order |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cbi-registers-fir-in-disha-salian-death-case-as-probe-begins-after-bombay-high-court-order-101789376858153.html |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref> The [[Mumbai Police]] registered an accidental-death report and conducted an inquiry under [[Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (India)|Section 174]] of the [[Code of Criminal Procedure]]. The police concluded that she had died by [[suicide]] and that there was no evidence of foul play.<ref name="IE-2023">{{cite news |last=Thaver |first=Mohamed |date=19 December 2023 |title=CCTV footage, postmortem reports, father's statement: Why Mumbai police closed enquiry into Disha Salian's death |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/cctv-footage-postmortem-reports-father-statement-why-mumbai-police-closed-enquiry-disha-salian-death-9066486/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="Rediff-2025">{{cite news |date=3 July 2025 |title=Disha Salian committed suicide, no foul play found: Police |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/disha-salian-committed-suicide-no-foul-play-found-police/20250703.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |agency=[[Press Trust of India]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

Salian's father, Satish Salian, later alleged that she had been gang-raped and murdered and that her death had been staged as a suicide.<ref name="HT-FIR"/><ref name="Print-FIR">{{cite news |date=14 September 2026 |title=Disha Salian death: Uddhav, Aaditya, Dino Morea, Rhea Chakraborty should be probed, says CBI FIR |url=https://theprint.in/india/disha-salian-death-uddhav-aaditya-dino-morea-rhea-chakraborty-should-be-probed-says-cbi-fir/3042245/ |work=[[ThePrint]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

Salian had briefly worked as a manager for actor [[Sushant Singh Rajput]], who was found dead at his home in [[Bandra]] six days later. The proximity of the two deaths generated widespread speculation.<ref name="IE-2023"/> Mumbai Police said that they found no link between the deaths.<ref name="MM-noconnection">{{cite news |last=Ozarkar |first=Vallabh |date=4 August 2020 |title=No connection between Sushant Singh Rajput and Disha Salian |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-is-not-missing-says-her-lawyer/articleshow/77330728.cms |work=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

On 2 September 2026, the [[Bombay High Court]], hearing a petition by Satish Salian, directed the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI) to register a [[first information report]] (FIR), record his statement and investigate all aspects of the death.<ref name="Hindu-HC">{{cite news |last=Mutha |first=Snehal |date=3 September 2026 |title=Bombay High Court orders CBI probe into Disha Salian death case |url=https://www.thehindu.com/incoming/bombay-high-court-orders-cbi-probe-into-disha-salian-death-case/article71422593.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Mumbai |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="TOI-HC">{{cite news |last=Deshpande |first=Swati |date=2 September 2026 |title=Many glaring discrepancies, CBI to register FIR and probe all aspects of Disha Salian's 2020 death: Bombay High Court |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/many-glaring-discrepancies-cbi-to-register-fir-and-probe-all-aspects-of-disha-salians-2020-death-bombay-high-court/articleshow/133718000.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref> The CBI registered an FIR on 14 September 2026 in connection with allegations of murder, gang rape, criminal conspiracy and suppression or fabrication of evidence.<ref name="IT-FIR"/><ref name="Print-FIR"/>

== Background ==

Disha Salian was born on 26 May 1992 in [[Udupi]], [[Karnataka]], and was raised in Mumbai.<ref name="StarsUnfolded">{{cite web |title=Disha Salian (Celebrity Manager) Age, Death, Boyfriend, Family, Biography & More |url=https://starsunfolded.com/disha-salian/ |website=StarsUnfolded |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref> She worked as a talent and celebrity manager with agencies including CAA Kwan and Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment, and handled publicity or management work for several film and television personalities.<ref name="LeaderBio">{{cite web |date=27 November 2025 |title=Disha Salian Age, Relationships, Cause of Death, Controversy, Biography |url=https://leaderbiography.com/disha-salian-2/ |website=Leader Biography |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

Salian was publicly identified as a former manager of Sushant Singh Rajput. She had also worked with other industry figures, including during the production of the film ''[[Jazbaa]]''.<ref name="Zee-who">{{cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Who was Disha Salian, what is connection with Sushant Singh Rajput |url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/india/who-was-disha-salian-what-is-connection-with-sushant-singh-rajput-her-name-cropped-again-5-years-after-death/2687654 |work=[[Zee News]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

At the time of her death, she was engaged to television actor Rohan Rai, also referred to as Rohan Roy in some reports.<ref name="IT-friend">{{cite news |date=7 August 2020 |title=Exclusive: What happened on the night Disha Salian died? Her close friend reveals |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/exclusive-what-happened-on-the-night-disha-salian-died-her-close-friend-reveals-1708845-2020-08-07 |work=[[India Today]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

== Death ==

Salian died after falling from a flat in a residential building in Jankalyan Nagar, Malad West, in the early hours of 9 June 2020. Later reports identified the building as Regent Galaxy. The time of the fall was reported as approximately 02:25 IST.<ref name="IE-10Q">{{cite news |date=3 September 2026 |title=Disha Salian case: Why were cops outside her building before death? 10 unanswered questions |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/disha-salian-death-10-questions-that-made-bombay-high-court-seek-a-fresh-cbi-probe-10860872/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="Rediff-2025"/>

Reports have differed over the floor from which Salian fell, with some accounts referring to the 12th floor and others to the 14th floor.<ref name="IE-10Q"/><ref name="IT-PM">{{cite news |last=Shaikh |first=Mustafa |date=5 August 2020 |title=Exclusive: Disha Salian's post-mortem report says she had multiple injuries |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/exclusive-disha-salian-post-mortem-report-multiple-unnatural-injuries-1708095-2020-08-05 |work=[[India Today]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

According to accounts given to police and later reported in the press, Salian was at a gathering with her fiancé and friends. After she entered a bedroom and did not respond, those present forced entry and discovered that she was no longer in the room. She was subsequently found on the ground below the building and was taken to hospital, where she was declared dead.<ref name="IT-friend"/><ref name="Rediff-2025"/> The Malvani police station registered an accidental-death report at approximately 03:07 IST.<ref name="IE-10Q"/>

A post-mortem examination was conducted on 11 June 2020 at a facility in Borivali.<ref name="IT-PM"/> Reporting on the post-mortem described injuries consistent with a fall, including a head injury.<ref name="IT-PM"/> Mumbai Police later stated that the examination did not record evidence of sexual or physical assault beyond injuries attributed to the fall.<ref name="IE-PM">{{cite news |last=Thaver |first=Mohamed |date=12 August 2020 |title=Disha Salian post mortem report rebuts Rane's claim: no sexual assault |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/disha-salian-post-mortem-report-rebuts-ranes-claim-no-sexual-assault-6550850/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

In 2020, some political figures, including [[Narayan Rane]], claimed that the post-mortem examination showed evidence of sexual assault. Contemporary reporting that examined the post-mortem notes stated that they did not record evidence of sexual assault.<ref name="IE-PM"/>

== Mumbai Police investigation ==

=== Accidental death inquiry ===

The death was initially investigated under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and was not registered as a criminal case through an FIR.<ref name="Hindu-HC"/> On 10 June 2020, a deputy commissioner of police for the Malvani zone publicly described the death as a suicide and said that murder had been ruled out.<ref name="Hindu-HC"/>

Police recorded statements from friends, Salian's fiancé and others present at the gathering. Investigators examined [[closed-circuit television]] footage and obtained forensic and viscera material.<ref name="IE-2023"/><ref name="NL-2022">{{cite news |date=30 April 2022 |title=Surviving a media trial: The story of Disha Salian's family |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2022/04/30/surviving-a-media-trial-the-story-of-disha-salians-family |work=[[Newslaundry]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

Mumbai Police later stated that they had found no evidence of rape, murder or foul play and no evidence establishing a connection between Salian's death and Rajput's death.<ref name="IE-2023"/><ref name="NL-2022"/> A closure or final-summary report submitted in February 2021 treated the death as suicide.<ref name="IT-closure">{{cite news |last=Singh |first=Divyesh |date=29 March 2025 |title=Disha Salian was depressed over father misusing her money, Mumbai Police say in closure report |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/disha-salian-father-mumbai-police-depressed-father-misusing-her-money-closure-report-sushant-singh-rajput-rape-fir-2701010-2025-03-29 |work=[[India Today]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

Reporting on the report attributed the conclusion to statements that Salian had been experiencing distress over work setbacks, disputes with friends and alleged financial disagreements involving her father. Satish Salian disputed that account.<ref name="IT-closure"/>

=== Later reviews ===

In December 2023, the Commissioner of Police, following instructions from the Maharashtra government, ordered a fresh inquiry under Section 174.<ref name="IE-2023"/>

A report dated 14 April 2026 again concluded that Salian had died by suicide. A Special Executive Magistrate accepted the report on 6 May 2026, according to reporting on the proceedings.<ref name="Hindu-HC"/>

In affidavits submitted to the Bombay High Court, Mumbai Police maintained that Salian had jumped from the building, that she had consumed alcohol, that her fiancé had not alleged foul play at the time and that there was no evidence of sexual assault.<ref name="Rediff-2025"/>

== Allegations, media coverage and politics ==

Following Rajput's death, Salian's case became part of a wider public controversy. Social media posts and some television coverage circulated allegations that she had been gang-raped and murdered at a gathering involving politically connected individuals and that her death had been covered up.<ref name="NL-2022"/>

Political leaders, including Bharatiya Janata Party leader [[Narayan Rane]], alleged foul play and referred to the possible involvement of a young minister in the then [[Shiv Sena]]-led Maharashtra government. The statements were widely interpreted as referring to [[Aaditya Thackeray]].<ref name="IE-probes">{{cite news |date=20 March 2025 |title=Disha Salian death case: What probes by Mumbai police and SIT have found so far |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/disha-salian-death-case-mumbai-police-sit-9896677 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="NL-2022"/> Those named denied any role in the alleged events.

Reporting in 2022 documented the effect of the controversy and related rumours on Salian's family and friends.<ref name="NL-2022"/>

== Relation to the death of Sushant Singh Rajput ==

{{See also|Suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput}}

Rajput died on 14 June 2020, six days after Salian's death. Because Salian had previously worked as his manager, the timing of the two deaths led to speculation that they were connected.<ref name="IE-2023"/>

Mumbai Police stated in 2020 that their investigation had found no connection between the two deaths.<ref name="MM-noconnection"/>

Reports in August 2020 stated that Rajput had searched online for information concerning Salian and had been distressed by rumours linking him to her death.<ref name="IE-Google">{{cite news |last=Thaver |first=Mohamed |date=3 August 2020 |title=Before suicide, Sushant Singh Rajput's Google search: his name, manager, illness |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/before-suicide-sushant-singh-rajputs-google-search-his-name-manager-illness-6536412/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="IT-Googled">{{cite news |last=Chawla |first=Medha |date=3 August 2020 |title=What Sushant Singh Rajput Googled before his death: Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, painless death |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/what-sushant-singh-rajput-googled-before-his-death-schizophrenia-bipolar-disorder-painless-death-1707271-2020-08-03 |work=[[India Today]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

The CBI, which investigated Rajput's death, filed a closure report in March 2025 ruling out foul play in that case.<ref name="BS-SSR">{{cite news |last=Shukla |first=Prateek |date=22 March 2025 |title=CBI files closure reports in Sushant Singh Rajput case, rules out foulplay |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/cbi-files-closure-reports-in-sushant-singh-rajput-case-rules-out-foulplay-125032200853_1.html |work=[[Business Standard]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

Satish Salian and his counsel have continued to assert that the two deaths are linked.<ref name="HT-FIR"/>

== Bombay High Court petition ==

Satish Salian petitioned the Bombay High Court seeking registration of an FIR and a CBI investigation. He argued that the earlier Section 174 inquiry had not adequately addressed what he described as suspicious circumstances surrounding his daughter's death.<ref name="Hindu-HC"/>

The petition was titled ''Satish Salian v. State of Maharashtra and Others'' and was identified as Criminal Writ Petition No. 1612 of 2025.<ref name="LawChakra">{{cite news |date=14 September 2026 |title=CBI Registers FIR In Disha Salian Death Case On Bombay High Court's Direction; Court Had Said Nobody Is An Accused Merely Because A Name Has Surfaced |url=https://lawchakra.in/latest-news/cbi-fir-disha-salian-death-bombay-high-court-direction/ |work=Law Chakra |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

On 2 September 2026, a division bench of Justices [[Sarang V. Kotwal]] and Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale allowed the petition in part.<ref name="Hindu-order">{{cite news |last=Gaikwad |first=Chinmay |date=2 September 2026 |title=Disha Salian case: Bombay High Court orders CBI probe into death of ex-celebrity manager |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/bombay-high-court-orders-cbi-probe-into-death-of-ex-celebrity-manager-disha-salian/article71418575.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Mumbai |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="TOI-HC"/>

The court directed the CBI to:

* appoint a suitably experienced senior officer;
* record the petitioner's statement;
* register an FIR;
* investigate all aspects of the circumstances of the death;
* file a chargesheet if a cognisable offence was established; and
* file a closure or summary report if no such offence was established.<ref name="Hindu-order"/><ref name="TOI-HC"/>

The Malvani police were directed to hand over the relevant case records to the CBI. The court declined to place the investigation under continuing judicial supervision.<ref name="Hindu-HC"/>

=== Discrepancies cited by the court ===

The Bombay High Court discussed several issues concerning the earlier investigation, including:<ref name="IE-10Q"/><ref name="TOI-HC"/>

* the timing of the spot [[panchnama]];
* the timing of the accidental-death report and the arrival of Salian's father at the hospital;
* CCTV footage showing police personnel near the building before the officially recorded time of death;
* accounts concerning blood at the scene and the collection of blood-stained material;
* questions concerning whether the recorded injuries were consistent with a fall from the reported height;
* a chemical examiner's observations concerning blood found on certain articles;
* differences between accounts of a bedroom door being forced open and the description in the panchnama;
* discrepancies concerning post-mortem swab samples and forensic envelopes; and
* the delay in the seizure of Salian's mobile phone and laptop.<ref name="IE-10Q"/>

== CBI investigation ==

Following the High Court order, the CBI sought the relevant records from the Malvani police and began examining the material connected with the earlier inquiry.<ref name="TOI-docs">{{cite news |date=9 September 2026 |title=CBI seeks documents from Malwani police in Disha Salian death probe |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/cbi-seeks-documents-from-malwani-police-in-disha-salian-death-probe/articleshow/133978559.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

The CBI registered an FIR on 14 September 2026 following the High Court's directions.<ref name="IT-FIR"/><ref name="LawChakra"/> Reporting stated that the FIR referred to provisions relating to murder, gang rape, criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence and giving false information to screen offenders, among other offences.<ref name="Print-FIR"/><ref name="Gulf-FIR">{{cite news |last=Stephen |first=N. R. |date=14 September 2026 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput's ex-manager Disha Salian death: Aaditya Thackeray, Rhea, Dino named in CBI FIR |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/sushant-singh-rajputs-ex-manager-disha-salian-death-aaditya-thackeray-rhea-dino-named-in-cbi-fir-1.500673930 |work=[[Gulf News]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

According to reporting, the FIR recorded allegations made by Satish Salian and listed individuals whose roles were to be examined in relation to the allegations. The names reported included politicians, actors, police officers, security personnel, medical personnel and others connected with the earlier inquiry.<ref name="TOI-FIR">{{cite news |date=14 September 2026 |title=Aaditya Thackeray, Rhea Chakroborty named in Disha Salian's death case: Key details from CBI FIR |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/aaditya-thackeray-rhea-chakroborty-named-in-disha-salians-death-case-key-details-from-cbi-fir/articleshow/134236979.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="Gulf-FIR"/>

Names reported as appearing in coverage of the FIR included [[Aaditya Thackeray]], [[Uddhav Thackeray]], [[Anil Deshmukh]], [[Dino Morea]], [[Sooraj Pancholi]], [[Rhea Chakraborty]], Showik Chakraborty, Rohan Rai, former police officer [[Sachin Vaze]], former Mumbai police commissioner [[Param Bir Singh]], police officers, medical personnel and other individuals.<ref name="TOI-FIR"/><ref name="Gulf-FIR"/>

== Reactions ==

Satish Salian and his counsel, Nilesh Ojha, welcomed the High Court order and the registration of the FIR.<ref name="HT-FIR"/><ref name="IT-FIR"/>

Aaditya Thackeray denied any connection with the case after the High Court order.<ref name="FPJ-Aaditya">{{cite news |date=4 September 2026 |title='Nothing To Do With It': Aaditya Thackeray Reacts To Bombay HC Ordering CBI FIR In Disha Salian Death Case |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/nothing-to-do-with-it-aaditya-thackeray-reacts-to-bombay-hc-ordering-cbi-fir-in-disha-salian-death-case |work=[[The Free Press Journal]] |access-date=14 September 2026}}</ref>

Some members of Rajput's family and his supporters welcomed the CBI investigation into Salian's death.<ref name="BS-SSR"/>

== See also ==

* [[Suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput]]
* [[Central Bureau of Investigation]]
* [[Bombay High Court]]
* [[Aaditya Thackeray]]

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==

* {{cite news |last=Jain |first=Bhavika |date=6 September 2026 |title=Six years, no FIR: The gaps that sent Disha Salian case to CBI |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi-plus/politics/six-years-no-fir-the-gaps-that-sent-disha-salian-case-to-cbi/articleshow/133840448.cms |work=[[The Times of India]]}}
* {{cite news |date=14 September 2026 |title=CBI registers FIR in Disha Salian death case after Bombay HC order |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/cbi-registers-fir-in-disha-salian-death-case-after-bombay-hc-order20260914121413 |work=[[Asian News International|ANI]]}}

[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:2020 in Mumbai]]
[[Category:2020 in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Deaths by falling in India]]
[[Category:Unsolved deaths in India]]
[[Category:Central Bureau of Investigation]]
[[Category:Political controversies in India]]
[[Category:Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Conspiracy theories in India]]
[[Category:June 2020 events in India]]
[[Category:September 2026 events in India]]

Suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput

2026-09-14T11:46:38Z

2001:67C:198C:906:29:610:0:C6:

{{Short description|2020 death of Indian actor}}
{{pp-move-indef}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2025}}
{{Infobox news event
| name = Suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput
| image = Sushant at IIFA 2017 (cropped).jpg
| image_caption = Rajput in 2017
| date = {{Start date and age|2020|06|14|df=yes}}
| location = [[Bandra]], [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], India
| cause = [[Asphyxia]] due to hanging<ref name="auto1">{{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]]}}</ref>
| burial = 15 June 2020, at the Pawan Hans Crematorium, [[Vile Parle]]
| inquest =
| coroner =
| convictions =
}}

On 14 June 2020, Indian actor [[Sushant Singh Rajput]] was found dead at his room in [[Bandra]], Mumbai, aged 34. The cause of death was ruled as [[suicide]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Arora |first=Priya |date=14 June 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput, Bollywood Star, Dies at 34 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/14/world/asia/sushant-singh-rajput-death.html |url-status=live |access-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629163128/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/14/world/asia/sushant-singh-rajput-death.html/ |archive-date=29 June 2020 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> with official postmortem reports confirming Rajput died of [[asphyxia]] due to hanging.<ref name="WeekFinalAutopsy24June">{{Cite web |date=24 June 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput's final autopsy report confirms suicide; rules out foul play |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2020/06/24/sushant-singh-rajputs-final-autopsy-report-confirms-suicide-rules-out-foul-play.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811000748/https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2020/06/24/sushant-singh-rajputs-final-autopsy-report-confirms-suicide-rules-out-foul-play.html |archive-date=11 August 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=The Week}}</ref> The [[Mumbai Police]] launched an investigation into the death, which had become a subject of widespread speculation and rumours.<ref name="Detailed timeline">{{Cite web |author=Roy, Srijoni |date=2 July 2020 |title=A Detailed Timeline of the Police Investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput's Suicide |url=https://www.idiva.com/news-opinion/news/timeline-of-sushant-singh-rajputs-suicide-case/18010964 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817102726/https://www.idiva.com/news-opinion/news/timeline-of-sushant-singh-rajputs-suicide-case/18010964 |archive-date=17 August 2020 |access-date=26 August 2020 |website=[[Times Internet|iDiva]] |quote=Mumbai Police started an investigation into a death surrounded by multitude of rumours and speculation.}}</ref><ref name="Bollywood tragedy">{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/03/world/asia/india-bollywood-sushant-singh-rajput.html |title=Despite Crises, India Fixes Its Gaze on a Bollywood Tragedy |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=3 October 2020 |access-date=5 October 2020 |author=Bhagat, Shalini Venugopal |archive-date=4 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004221252/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/03/world/asia/india-bollywood-sushant-singh-rajput.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The case was handed to the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]], who filed a closure report on 22 March 2025 ruling out foul play.<ref name="closure">{{cite web |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]] |date=22 March 2025 |access-date=22 March 2025 |author=Prateek Shukla}}</ref>

== Timeline ==
A week before his suicide, Rajput had searched for three subjects multiple times on the [[Internet]]: Disha Salian, who he had worked with on some projects and who had died about a week before him; news reports containing his own name; and information about a mental illness.<ref name="IEGoogleSearch3Aug">{{Cite web |last=Thaver |first=Mohamed |date=3 August 2020 |title=Before suicide, Sushant Singh Rajput's Google search: his name, manager, illness |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/before-suicide-sushant-singh-rajputs-google-search-his-name-manager-illness-6536412/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804013905/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/before-suicide-sushant-singh-rajputs-google-search-his-name-manager-illness-6536412/ |archive-date=4 August 2020 |access-date=3 August 2020 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref>

On 13 June 2020, the night before his death, Rajput retired to his bedroom after dinner. At around 2 a.m. on Sunday, 14 June, he made two phone calls; one to Bollywood actress [[Rhea Chakraborty]] and another to television actor [[Mahesh Shetty]]. However, neither call was answered. Rajput then woke up early that morning.<ref name="DNADidNotParty31July">{{Cite web |date=31 July 2020 |title=Exclusive: Sushant Singh Rajput did not party at home or go outside on June 13, househelp tells Bihar Police |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-exclusive-sushant-singh-rajput-did-not-party-at-home-or-go-outside-on-june-13-househelp-tells-bihar-police-2835054 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801221727/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-exclusive-sushant-singh-rajput-did-not-party-at-home-or-go-outside-on-june-13-househelp-tells-bihar-police-2835054 |archive-date=1 August 2020 |access-date=1 August 2020 |website=DNA India}}</ref> Sometime later, he searched for information on "[[schizophrenia]]", "[[bipolar disorder]]" and "painless death" using [[Google Search|Google]].<ref name="ITGoogled3Aug">{{Cite web |last=Chawla |first=Medha |date=3 August 2020 |title=What Sushant Singh Rajput Googled before his death: Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, painless death |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/what-sushant-singh-rajput-googled-before-his-death-schizophrenia-bipolar-disorder-painless-death-1707271-2020-08-03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822015124/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/what-sushant-singh-rajput-googled-before-his-death-schizophrenia-bipolar-disorder-painless-death-1707271-2020-08-03 |archive-date=22 August 2020 |access-date=3 August 2020 |website=India Today}}</ref>

Two of Rajput's friends were living with him. On the morning of 14 June, he spoke to his sister over the telephone at around 9 a.m. and an hour later, he had a glass of juice and his tablets. At around 11:30 a.m., his cook knocked several times on the door of his room, to confirm the menu for the day. He and Rajput's friends received no response. They then called a locksmith to open the door, after which they called Rajput's sister and the police. He was found hanging from the [[ceiling fan]]. No [[suicide note]] was recovered.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 June 2020 |title=Post-mortem report confirms Sushant Singh Rajput died due to asphyxia |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/sushant-singh-rajput-was-undergoing-treatment-for-depression-mumbai-police/articleshow/76382566.cms |url-status=live |access-date=30 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 |archive-date=11 July 2020}}</ref>

''[[The Indian Express]]'' reported that the Mumbai Police said the actor had shown symptoms of [[clinical depression]] and was consulting a psychiatrist since some time.<ref>{{Cite web |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/ |url-status=live |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/ |archive-date=30 June 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref> ''[[Times Now]]'' reported that medical papers and [[Antidepressant|anti-depressant pills]] were found in his house.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sushant Singh Rajput's death: Anti-depression medicines found from actor's house; family demands CBI probe |date=14 June 2020 |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/sushant-singh-rajput-s-death-anti-depression-medicines-found-from-actor-s-house-mumbai-police-investigating/606377 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614223222/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/sushant-singh-rajput-s-death-anti-depression-medicines-found-from-actor-s-house-mumbai-police-investigating/606377 |archive-date=14 June 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |publisher=Times Now}}</ref>

== Investigation ==
The Mumbai Police commenced an investigation, stating the death was being treated as a [[suicide]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Sushant Singh Rajput death case: Police record statements of 3 psychiatrists, psychotherapist as part of probe |work=The Economic Times |agency=Press Trust of India |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/sushant-singh-rajput-death-police-record-statements-of-3-psychiatrists-psychotherapist-as-part-of-probe/articleshow/77078803.cms |url-status=live |access-date=30 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805200547/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/sushant-singh-rajput-death-police-record-statements-of-3-psychiatrists-psychotherapist-as-part-of-probe/articleshow/77078803.cms |archive-date=5 August 2020}}</ref> A team of three doctors conducted an autopsy and submitted their provisional postmortem report at Bandra Police Station. On 15 June 2020, the Mumbai deputy commissioner of police said, "The provisional [[cause of death]] is [[asphyxia]] due to hanging."<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 June 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput's postmortem report submitted, actor's family arrives in Mumbai |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-s-postmortem-report-submitted-actor-s-family-arrives-in-mumbai/story-gXhKyjEkqnopNCyzZaUcDK.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717044128/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-s-postmortem-report-submitted-actor-s-family-arrives-in-mumbai/story-gXhKyjEkqnopNCyzZaUcDK.html |archive-date=17 July 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> The final postmortem report, received on 25 June 2020, confirmed the cause of the death as asphyxia due to hanging and said it was a "clear case of suicide."<ref name="Web of theories">{{Cite web |last1=Kukreja |first1=Monika Rawal |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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=4 August 2020 |access-date=9 August 2020 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> The autopsy doctors placed the time of death at 10 to 12 hours before postmortem examination on 14 June at 11:30 p.m.—meaning between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (Indian Standard Time).<ref name="Time of death">{{Cite web |author=Singh, Divyesh |date=23 August 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput died 10 -12 hours before postmortem: Doctors to Mumbai Police |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-died-10-12-hours-before-postmortem-doctors-to-mumbai-police-1714120-2020-08-23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823053807/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-died-10-12-hours-before-postmortem-doctors-to-mumbai-police-1714120-2020-08-23 |archive-date=23 August 2020 |access-date=23 August 2020 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref> The report added that no [[crime|foul play]] was found.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ozarkar |first=Vallabh |date=28 July 2020 |title=Forensic Science Laboratory rules out foul play in Sushant Singh Rajput's death |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/fsl-rules-out-foul-play-in-sushants-death/articleshow/77210570.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731042943/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/fsl-rules-out-foul-play-in-sushants-death/articleshow/77210570.cms |archive-date=31 July 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=Mumbai Mirror}}</ref> On 27 July 2020, Mumbai Police received the viscera report, which likewise ruled out any foul play.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 July 2020 |title=Viscera report rules out foul play in Sushant death: Official |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/west/viscera-report-rules-out-foul-play-in-sushant-death-official-866396.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905172941/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/west/viscera-report-rules-out-foul-play-in-sushant-death-official-866396.html |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=Deccan Herald}}</ref>

On 15 June 2020, the then Maharashtra home minister [[Anil Deshmukh]] stated that the police would also probe "professional rivalry" in the film industry as the cause of Rajput's depression.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-mumbai-police-to-probe-angle-of-sushant-singh-rajput-s-clinical-depression-due-to-professional-rivalry-anil-deshmukh-2828158/|title=Mumbai Police to probe angle of Sushant Singh Rajput's clinical depression due to professional rivalry: Anil Deshmukh|work=DNA India|date=15 June 2020|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=16 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616050630/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-mumbai-police-to-probe-angle-of-sushant-singh-rajput-s-clinical-depression-due-to-professional-rivalry-anil-deshmukh-2828158|url-status=live}}</ref> The police revealed Rajput was upset with being linked to the death of Disha Salian.<ref name="IEGoogleSearch3Aug"/> Salian had died five days before him, and a case of [[accidental death]] was registered.<ref name="ITGoogled3Aug" /> She died after falling from the fourteenth floor of her building.<ref name="NDTVGoogled3Aug">{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Saurabh |date=3 August 2020 |editor-last=Ghosh |editor-first=Deepshikha |title=Sushant Singh Rajput Had Googled His Name Hours Before Death: Mumbai Cops |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajput-had-bipolar-disorder-was-on-medication-mumbai-cops-2273324 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |access-date=3 August 2020 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> On 3 August 2020, [[Police Commissioner of Mumbai]] [[Param Bir Singh]] said investigators had found no link between the deaths of Rajput and Salian.<ref name="No connection to Disha Salian">{{Cite web |author=Ozarkar, Vallabh |date=4 August 2020 |title=No connection between Sushant Singh Rajput and Disha Salian |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-is-not-missing-says-her-lawyer/articleshow/77330728.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905172939/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-is-not-missing-says-her-lawyer/articleshow/77330728.cms |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=4 August 2020 |website=[[Mumbai Mirror]]}}</ref>

Interrogation of three psychiatrists and one psychotherapist confirmed Rajput had consulted them and was on medication prescribed by them.<ref name="IEGoogleSearch3Aug" />

The police also revealed that Rajput had initially tried to hang himself with the belt of a bathrobe, but it could not sustain his weight. Following this, he used a green [[kurta]]. His clothes were strewn over the floor of his bedroom; the police concluded they had fallen out when he had pulled the kurta from his cupboard. Due to a discrepancy between his height and the distance between his bed and the ceiling fan, the police concluded he had hanged himself in an inclined position. No sign of struggle was found.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Faizal |date=27 June 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput case: Did the actor try to hang self with bathrobe belt first? |url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/sushant-singh-rajput-case-did-the-actor-try-to-hang-self-with-bathrobe-belt-first/22861234 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723060840/https://www.mid-day.com/articles/sushant-singh-rajput-case-did-the-actor-try-to-hang-self-with-bathrobe-belt-first/22861234 |archive-date=23 July 2020 |access-date=2 August 2020 |website=[[Mid-Day]]}}</ref>

===Case against Rhea Chakraborty===
On 25 July 2020,<ref name="Date of FIR">{{Cite web |date=31 July 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput case: ED books late actor's friend Rhea Chakraborty, she says 'truth shall prevail' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sushant-singh-rajput-case-enforcement-directorate-books-rhea-chakraborty-6532733/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801140003/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sushant-singh-rajput-case-enforcement-directorate-books-rhea-chakraborty-6532733/ |archive-date=1 August 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |quote=In the FIR, registered at Patna's Rajiv Nagar police station on July 25...}}</ref> Rajput's father, K. K. Singh, filed an [[First information report|FIR]] at [[Patna]], where he lives, against Rhea Chakraborty and six others, including her family members, for [[Aiding and abetting|abetment]] of suicide. He also accused them of wrongful restraint, wrongful confinement, theft, criminal breach of trust, and cheating.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 July 2020 |title=From theft to cheating: Sushant Singh Rajput's father charges against Rhea Chakraborty |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/from-theft-cheating-to-breach-of-trust-sushant-singh-rajput-s-father-charges-against-rhea-chakraborty/story-DkKuZSXUmBsxhBip9piO3N.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729060727/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/from-theft-cheating-to-breach-of-trust-sushant-singh-rajput-s-father-charges-against-rhea-chakraborty/story-DkKuZSXUmBsxhBip9piO3N.html |archive-date=29 July 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> He alleged in his complaint that Chakraborty cheated Rajput financially and mentally harassed him.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sushant Singh Rajput's Father Files Case Against Actor Rhea Chakraborty |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajputs-father-files-case-against-actor-rhea-chakraborty-2270298 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729165813/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajputs-father-files-case-against-actor-rhea-chakraborty-2270298 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> On 28 July, [[India Today (TV channel)|India Today]] reported that Chakraborty had been [[arrest|booked]] in the case.<ref name="Driven to suicide">{{Cite web |date=28 July 2020 |title=Was Sushant Singh Rajput driven to suicide? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/programme/news-today/video/was-sushant-singh-rajput-driven-to-suicide-1705431-2020-07-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728215334/https://www.indiatoday.in/programme/news-today/video/was-sushant-singh-rajput-driven-to-suicide-1705431-2020-07-28 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |access-date=28 July 2020 |website=[[India Today (TV channel)|India Today]]}}</ref> In a petition filed at the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]], Chakraborty claimed she had no role in the actor's death and was falsely implicated by Rajput's father.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 July 2020 |title=Rhea Chakraborty alleges Sushant Singh Rajput's father KK Singh falsely implicating her in actor's death case |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-rhea-chakraborty-alleges-sushant-singh-rajput-s-father-kk-singh-falsely-implicating-her-in-actor-s-death-case-2835023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801101845/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-rhea-chakraborty-alleges-sushant-singh-rajput-s-father-kk-singh-falsely-implicating-her-in-actor-s-death-case-2835023 |archive-date=1 August 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=DNA India}}</ref> She also sought transfer of the probe in the FIR to Mumbai, saying that there cannot be an impartial investigation in Bihar.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 July 2020 |title=Rhea Chakraborty says she was in live-in with Sushant Singh Rajput for a year, his father used 'influence' to rope her in case |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-tells-sc-she-was-in-live-in-with-sushant-singh-rajput-for-a-year-his-father-used-influence-to-file-fir-against-her/story-LsI3VTPaIpKN7PpO4PZgQM.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731040017/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-tells-sc-she-was-in-live-in-with-sushant-singh-rajput-for-a-year-his-father-used-influence-to-file-fir-against-her/story-LsI3VTPaIpKN7PpO4PZgQM.html |archive-date=31 July 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

Acting on the FIR filed in Patna, an investigative team was formed by [[Bihar Police]] and was sent to Mumbai to probe the case. Although the investigation only continued for a brief period, as the case was later transferred to CBI.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://theprint.in/india/bihar-police-begin-probe-into-sushant-singh-rajputs-finances-in-mumbai/471473/|title=Bihar Police begin probe into Sushant Singh Rajput's finances in Mumbai|date=30 July 2020|work=The Print|agency=Press Trust Of India|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=2 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802220233/https://theprint.in/india/bihar-police-begin-probe-into-sushant-singh-rajputs-finances-in-mumbai/471473/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Bihar police officer probing Sushant case quarantined, hand stamped in Mumbai|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/bihar-police-officer-probing-sushant-case-quarantined-hand-stamped-in-mumbai/article32258191.ece|work=The Hindu|date=3 August 2020|agency=Press Trust Of India|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108021638/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/bihar-police-officer-probing-sushant-case-quarantined-hand-stamped-in-mumbai/article32258191.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Enforcement Directorate]] (ED), which investigates financial crimes, also registered a money laundering case over transactions worth 15 crores rupees based on the complaint registered by Rajput's father.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Actor Rhea Chakraborty Summoned in Sushant Rajput Money Laundering Case |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajput-case-actor-rhea-chakraborty-asked-to-appear-before-enforcement-directorate-by-friday-2274795 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805203526/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajput-case-actor-rhea-chakraborty-asked-to-appear-before-enforcement-directorate-by-friday-2274795 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |access-date=6 August 2020 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

Multiple reports stated that Sushant had hosted a party at his house on 13 June 2020, the night before his death. This was denied by Mumbai Police and his house help, who was interrogated by Bihar Police. Mumbai Police initially reported that the [[CCTV]] in Rajput's house was not working,<ref name="DNADidNotParty31July" /> but on 3 August said they had assessed CCTV footage that ruled out any party at Rajput's Bandra apartment on 13 June 2020.<ref name="No connection to Disha Salian" />

On 3 August 2020, Mumbai's police commissioner said there was no misappropriation of funds from Rajput's bank accounts and no money had been transferred to Rhea Chakraborty's accounts.<ref name="No connection to Disha Salian" /> On 4 August 2020, Mumbai Police appointed [[Grant Thornton International|Grant Thornton]] as the financial forensic auditor in the case.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sushant Singh case: Grant Thornton named as forensic auditor |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/sushant-singh-case-grant-thornton-named-as-forensic-auditor/1908784 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905172938/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/sushant-singh-case-grant-thornton-named-as-forensic-auditor/1908784 |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=6 August 2020 |website=outlookindia.com}}</ref> During the investigation, ''Hindustan Times'' reported that Mumbai Police claimed that the actor's family had informally complained to police in February 2020 expressing concerns about Rajput's condition and had asked police to physically abuse Chakraborty in order to pressure her to end the relationship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-s-family-wanted-us-to-take-rhea-chakraborty-into-custody-slap-her-mumbai-cop/story-WBlltRNxlJmsv8DAZEKBLI_amp.html|title=Sushant Singh Rajput's family wanted us to take Rhea Chakraborty into custody, slap her: Mumbai cop|work=Hindustan Times|date=5 August 2020|quote=The police has said that the family wanted the matter to be resolved informally, without an official complaint. "In February, he sent me WhatsApp messages, asking me to call Rhea to the police station and slap her."|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128121336/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-s-family-wanted-us-to-take-rhea-chakraborty-into-custody-slap-her-mumbai-cop/story-WBlltRNxlJmsv8DAZEKBLI_amp.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-rajputs-relative-a-cop-asked-me-to-pressurise-rhea-mumbai-police-officer-2274395|title=Sushant Rajput's Relative, A Cop, Asked Me To "Pressurise Rhea": Mumbai Police Officer|work=NDTV|date=5 August 2020|quote=Deputy Commissioner of Police Paramjitsingh Dahiya told a TV channel that OP Singh, brother-in-law of Sushant Rajput and senior IPS officer of Haryana police, had made the request in February this year.|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=13 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013014353/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-rajputs-relative-a-cop-asked-me-to-pressurise-rhea-mumbai-police-officer-2274395|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 22 February 2024, the [[Bombay High Court]] cancelled the [[Look out circular]] against Chakraborty, her brother and father which had prevented them travelling abroad.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/bombay-high-court/bombay-high-court-sushant-singh-rajput-suicide-cbi-investigation-case-look-out-circular-rhea-chakraborty-250213?infinitescroll=1|title=Sushant Singh Rajput Case: Bombay High Court Quashes LOCs Issued Against Actor Rhea Chakraborty, Her Brother Showik And Father|work=Live Law|date=22 February 2024|access-date=22 February 2024}}</ref> In its judgement, the court reiterated its view that Rajput had committed suicide.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.livelaw.in/pdf_upload/rhea-chakraborty-loc-feb-22-judgement--523910.pdf|title=903-WP-3135 & 3160 & 3885-2023.doc|work=Live Law|date=22 February 2024|access-date=22 February 2024}}</ref>

===Central Bureau of Investigation===
On 6 August 2020, the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI), the Indian national government's top investigating agency, re-registered the Patna Police FIR accusing Chakraborty and others of wrongdoing, thus taking over the case.<ref name="CBI files FIR">{{Cite web |date=6 August 2020 |editor=Sahay, Abhinav |title=CBI files FIR over Sushant Singh's death, names Rhea Chakraborty as accused |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cbi-team-probing-vijay-mallya-case-to-take-over-sushant-rajput-case-fir-soon/story-67nE9Hy6uYJXaZhLo2a1ON.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806163425/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cbi-team-probing-vijay-mallya-case-to-take-over-sushant-rajput-case-fir-soon/story-67nE9Hy6uYJXaZhLo2a1ON.html |archive-date=6 August 2020 |access-date=6 August 2020 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref>

On 19 August 2020, the Supreme Court allowed the CBI to take control of the investigation<ref name="Supreme Court allows CBI to take control">{{Cite web |date=19 August 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput family vs Rhea Chakraborty case verdict: SC allows CBI to take control of investigation |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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=19 August 2020 |access-date=19 August 2020 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref> and ordered the CBI to look into any future cases registered in relation to Rajput's death.<ref name="CBI probe lawful">{{Cite web |author=Mahajan, Shruti |date=19 August 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput: CBI probe into FIR against Rhea Chakraborty lawful; Mumbai Police to hand over all evidence, Supreme Court |url=https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/sushant-singh-rajput-cbi-probe-rhea-chakraborty-lawful-mumbai-police-hand-over-evidence-supreme-court |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=19 August 2020 |publisher=Bar and Bench}}</ref> On 21 August 2020, Sudhir Gupta, head of the Department of Forensic Medicine at [[All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi]] (AIIMS) and leader of a forensic medical team tasked by CBI for assistance, told the [[Press Trust of India]], "We will look into the possibility of murder. However, all probable angles will be thoroughly examined."<ref name="AIIMS forms team">{{Cite web |editor=Das, Ananya |date=22 August 2020 |title=AIIMS forms 5-member medical board to look into Sushant Singh Rajput's autopsy report |url=https://zeenews.india.com/people/aiims-forms-5-member-medical-board-to-look-into-sushant-singh-rajputs-autopsy-report-2304428.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823065512/https://zeenews.india.com/people/aiims-forms-5-member-medical-board-to-look-into-sushant-singh-rajputs-autopsy-report-2304428.html |archive-date=23 August 2020 |access-date=22 August 2020 |publisher=[[Zee News]]}}</ref> Gupta told [[Asian News International]] (ANI), "We will also examine other trace evidence preserved at the time of autopsy to differentiate between hanging and murder allegations."<ref name="AIIMS team to analyze">{{Cite web |author=Sharma, Priyanka |date=21 August 2020 |title=AIIMS forensic team to analyze Sushant Singh Rajput case reports, give medico-legal opinion |url=https://aninews.in/news/national/general-news/aiims-forensic-team-to-analyze-sushant-singh-rajput-case-reports-give-medico-legal-opinion20200821192934/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822035731/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/aiims-forensic-team-to-analyze-sushant-singh-rajput-case-reports-give-medico-legal-opinion20200821192934/ |archive-date=22 August 2020 |access-date=21 August 2020 |publisher=[[Asian News International]]}}</ref> On 22 March 2025, the CBI filed a closure report, ruling out foul play in the actor's death.<ref name="closure"/>

===Narcotics case===
On 26 August 2020, the [[Narcotics Control Bureau]] (NCB), India's national drug law enforcement agency, registered an FIR against Rhea, her brother Showik, and three others. The ED had requested the NCB to join the investigation after its financial probe found that drugs were supplied to Rhea and Sushant. Specifically, the FIR invoked sections of India's [[Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985|Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act]] (NDPS Act) dealing with [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]].<ref name="Narcotics Bureau files FIR">{{Cite web |author=Pathak, Manish K |date=26 August 2020 |title=Narcotics bureau files FIR against Rhea, five others |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/narcotics-bureau-files-fir-against-rhea-five-others/story-zb57i3XFN57WupZIQpW3QL.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905172939/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/narcotics-bureau-files-fir-against-rhea-five-others/story-zb57i3XFN57WupZIQpW3QL.html |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=26 August 2020 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> On 4 September 2020, the NCB arrested Showik Chakraborty and Sushant Singh Rajput's house manager, charging them under provisions of the NDPS Act.<ref name="Showik arrested">{{cite web |url=https://www.elkeesmedia.com/news/sushant-singh-rajput-case-showik-samuel-to-remain-in-ncb-custody-till-sept-9-13902.html |title=Sushant Singh Rajput Case: Showik, Samuel to remain in NCB Custody till Sept 9 |publisher=ElkeesMedia.com |date=5 September 2020 |access-date=7 September 2020 |author=Pandey, Devanshe |work=The Elkees Media |archive-date=7 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907131754/https://www.elkeesmedia.com/news/sushant-singh-rajput-case-showik-samuel-to-remain-in-ncb-custody-till-sept-9-13902.html |url-status=usurped }}</ref> The NCB arrested Rhea Chakraborty on 9 September for allegedly procuring drugs for Rajput; she was one of 20 people arrested by the NCB in connection with the drugs angle being probed in the actor's death.<ref name="Rhea custody extended">{{cite web |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-case-rhea-chakrabortys-judicial-custody-extended-till-october-20/articleshow/78510830.cms |title=Sushant Singh Rajput case: Rhea Chakraborty's judicial custody extended till October 20 |work=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |date=6 October 2020 |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-date=9 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009102228/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-case-rhea-chakrabortys-judicial-custody-extended-till-october-20/articleshow/78510830.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> On 6 October 2020, [[Sessions Court#India|Mumbai Sessions Court]] extended Chakraborty's judicial remand until 20 October 2020,<ref name="Rhea custody extended" /> but a day later, she was granted bail by the Bombay High Court. The high court rejected the NCB's theory that Chakraborty had harboured and financed Rajput's drug addiction, finding instead that she was not part of the chain of drug dealers involved in the case. "She has not forwarded the drugs allegedly procured by her to somebody else to earn monetary or other benefits," wrote Justice Sarang Kotwal.<ref name="Bombay High Court highlights">{{cite web |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-bail-order-highlights-bombay-high-court-says-she-is-not-part-of-chain-of-drug-dealers/articleshow/78531863.cms |title=Rhea Chakraborty bail order highlights: Bombay High Court says she is not part of chain of drug dealers |work=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |date=7 October 2020 |access-date=7 October 2020 |author=Baghel, Sunil |archive-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010102745/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-bail-order-highlights-bombay-high-court-says-she-is-not-part-of-chain-of-drug-dealers/articleshow/78531863.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> On 5 March 2021, the NCB submitted a chargesheet against 33 people, including Chakraborty and her brother.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/drugs-case-ncb-chargesheet-rhea-chakraborty-7215252/|title=Drugs case: NCB files chargesheet against 33, including Rhea Chakraborty|work=The Indian Express|author=Sadaf Modak|location=Mumbai|date=5 March 2021}}</ref> On 28 May 2021, Singh's flatmate Siddarth Pithani was arrested by NCB.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ncb-arrests-sushants-flatmate-pithani-from-hyderabad-in-drug-case/article34664711.ece|title=NCB arrests Sushant's flatmate Siddharth Pithani from Hyderabad in drugs case|work=The Hindu|location=Mumbai|author=Devesh K Pandey|date=28 May 2021|access-date=28 May 2021}}</ref> After 2 unsuccessful bail applications, Pithani was granted bail on 4 July 2022.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=4 July 2022 |title=Bombay HC grants bail to Sushant Singh Rajput's former roommate in drugs case |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/bombay-hc-grants-bail-to-sushant-singh-rajput-s-former-roommate-in-drugs-case-101656922737210-amp.html |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |location= |access-date=4 July 2022}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{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}}</ref>

===Case against Rajput's sister Priyanka===
On 7 September 2020, Chakraborty filed an [[First information report|FIR]] against the late actor's sisters, claiming that Rajput "was unlawfully prescribed psychotrophic substances at the behest of his sister Priyanka"<ref name="FilmFare1">{{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=}}</ref> and that these had been supplied without proper consultation and using a forged prescription.<ref name="Timesoi1">{{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=}}</ref> She requested an investigation into whether these had resulted in his suicide or a decline in his mental state.<ref>{{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=}}</ref>

The following month, Rajput's sisters asked the High Court to cancel the FIR.<ref name="FilmFare1"/> 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.<ref name="Timesoi1"/> The Supreme Court also rejected an appeal filed by Priyanka Singh, and the filing was handed to the CBI to investigate.<ref name="Timesoi1"/>

===Forensic report===
On 3 October 2020, Dr. Sudhir Gupta of AIIMS, leader of the CBI-designated forensic medical team, said, "Sushant death is a case of suicide. Murder completely ruled out."<ref name="Murder ruled out">{{cite web |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 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput murder completely ruled out, it was suicide: Dr Sudhir Gupta of AIIMS |work=[[India Today]] |date=3 October 2020 |access-date=3 October 2020 |last1=Kashyap |first1=Anjana Om |last2=Pandey |first2=Munish |archive-date=3 October 2020 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> Gupta told ANI, "There were no injuries over the body other than hanging. There were no marks of struggle/scuffle in the body and clothes of the deceased."<ref name="Who said what">{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/aiims-report-on-sushant-singh-rajput-death-who-said-what/story-bASG0BNVkkHtRRICgHeItN.html |title=AIIMS report on Sushant Singh Rajput death: Who said what |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=3 October 2020 |access-date=3 October 2020 |editor=Ghosh, Poulomi |archive-date=3 October 2020 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 5 October, ANI reported that the AIIMS medical board had submitted its report to CBI confirming that Rajput died by suicide and ruling out the murder angle.<ref name="Report submitted to CBI">{{cite web |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/ |title=SSR death case: Medical board submitted report directly to CBI, can obtain inputs from bureau, says AIIMS |publisher=[[Asian News International]] |date=5 October 2020 |access-date=5 October 2020 |archive-date=8 October 2020 |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/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 15 October, the CBI said it "continues to investigate the death of Rajput. There are certain speculative reports in the media that the CBI has reached a conclusion. It may be reiterated that these reports are speculative and erroneous."<ref name="Speculative and erroneous">{{cite web |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/reports-on-sushant-singh-rajput-case-speculative-and-erroneous-cbi |title=Reports on Sushant Singh Rajput case 'speculative and erroneous': CBI |work=[[The Free Press Journal]] |date=15 October 2020 |access-date=15 October 2020 |author=Salunke, Pratik |archive-date=18 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018105059/https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/reports-on-sushant-singh-rajput-case-speculative-and-erroneous-cbi |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Public reactions ==
Rajput's death was generally perceived as being unexpected and shocking<ref>{{Cite web |title='Shocked, Tragic Loss': Bollywood Celebs, Cricketers, Ministers Mourn Sushant Singh Rajput's Death |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/india-news-shocked-tragic-loss-bollywood-celebs-cricketers-ministers-mourn-sushant-singh-rajputs-death-news-354735 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707025412/https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-shocked-tragic-loss-bollywood-celebs-cricketers-ministers-mourn-sushant-singh-rajputs-death/354735 |archive-date=7 July 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=Outlook|date=14 June 2020 }}</ref> and sparked debates over mental health.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 June 2020 |title=Bollywood actor's death fuels mental health debate |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-53047596 |url-status=live |access-date=30 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722064800/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-53047596 |archive-date=22 July 2020}}</ref> Several prominent leaders and actors responded on social media.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2020 |title=Bollywood in shock after Sushant Singh Rajput's sudden demise |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/bollywood-in-shock-after-sushant-singh-rajputs-sudden-demise/articleshow/76369015.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801174221/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/bollywood-in-shock-after-sushant-singh-rajputs-sudden-demise/articleshow/76369015.cms |archive-date=1 August 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=Mumbai Mirror}}</ref> On Twitter, Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] called Rajput "a bright young actor gone too soon". Former Indian cricketer [[Sachin Tendulkar]] and former [[India national cricket team|Indian cricket team]] captain [[Virat Kohli]] also expressed their shock on Twitter.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 June 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput death {{!}} Reactions |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sushant-singh-rajput-death-reactions/article31826185.ece |url-status=live |access-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630163734/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sushant-singh-rajput-death-reactions/article31826185.ece |archive-date=30 June 2020 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

A few hours after Rajput's death, [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] leader [[Sanjay Nirupam]] claimed that Rajput had signed on to seven films after his 2019 box office hit ''[[Chhichhore]]'' but had lost them all within a span of six months.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Karan Johar {{!}} Sushant Singh Rajput suicide case: Complaint against Salman, Karan Johar, Ekta in Bihar court over Sushant S Rajput's death |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/complaint-against-salman-k-jo-ekta-in-bihar-court-over-sushant-s-rajputs-death/articleshow/76424080.cms |url-status=live |access-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708025432/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/complaint-against-salman-k-jo-ekta-in-bihar-court-over-sushant-s-rajputs-death/articleshow/76424080.cms |archive-date=8 July 2020}}</ref>

On 15 June 2020, the Maharashtra Cyber Police tweeted that some pictures of Rajput's corpse being circulated online were "disturbing and in bad taste", warning people that posting such pictures on social media would invite legal action.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 June 2020 |title=Delete: Cops' Warning For Social Media Users On Sushant Singh Rajput Pics |publisher=NDTV |editor-last=Bhasin |editor-first=Swati |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajput-maharashtra-police-on-sushant-rajput-pics-on-social-media-2246391 |url-status=live |access-date=31 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724114951/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajput-maharashtra-police-on-sushant-rajput-pics-on-social-media-2246391 |archive-date=24 July 2020}}</ref>

{{As of|2020|July|31}}, at least three fans had reportedly committed [[copycat suicide]], including a 30-year-old television actor<ref name="Copycat deaths">{{Cite web |last=Ramakrishnan |first=P |date=31 July 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput suicide: Bollywood actor's death reveals dark side of obsessive fans – copycat deaths, harassment, mob mentality |url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3095335/sushant-singh-rajput-suicide-bollywood-actors-death |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731124840/https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3095335/sushant-singh-rajput-suicide-bollywood-actors-death |archive-date=31 July 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |website=[[South China Morning Post]]}}</ref> and a 13-year-old girl using the same method as Rajput.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Upset about actor''s death, minor girl kills self in C''garh |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/upset-about-actors-death-minor-girl-kills-self-in-cgarh/1900954 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905172952/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/upset-about-actors-death-minor-girl-kills-self-in-cgarh/1900954 |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=4 August 2020 |website=Outlook}}</ref>

Following allegations that Rhea Chakraborty was responsible for his death, some [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]] songs, which abused and threatened her, became popular in his home state of Bihar.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Subhash K. |date=13 August 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput Death: Bihar breaks out with songs bashing Rhea Chakraborty : Bollywood News – Bollywood Hungama |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-death-bihar-breaks-songs-bashing-rhea-chakraborty/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820162155/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-death-bihar-breaks-songs-bashing-rhea-chakraborty/ |archive-date=20 August 2020 |access-date=13 August 2020}}</ref>

Rajput's sister Shweta Singh Kirti initiated a 'Global Prayers for SSR' campaign to urge all to collectively pray for him on 15 August at 10:00 am local time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 August 2020 |title=Global Prayers For SSR: Ankita Lokhande, Sushant Singh Rajput's sister Shweta Singh Kirti request people to share images |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-global-prayers-for-ssr-ankita-lokhande-sushant-singh-rajput-s-sister-shweta-singh-kirti-request-people-to-share-images-2837601 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905172958/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-global-prayers-for-ssr-ankita-lokhande-sushant-singh-rajput-s-sister-shweta-singh-kirti-request-people-to-share-images-2837601 |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=18 August 2020 |website=DNA India |language=en}}</ref> Along with family members and fans, many celebrities include [[Kriti Sanon]], [[Ankita Lokhande]] and [[Ekta Kapoor]] also joined in this movement.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Jyoti |first1=Kanyal |last2=August 15 |last3=Ist |title=Kriti Sanon and Ankita Lokhande join Sushant Singh Rajput's family in Global Prayers for SSR |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/kriti-sanon-and-ankita-lokhande-join-sushant-singh-rajput-s-family-in-global-prayers-for-ssr-1711530-2020-08-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816020415/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/kriti-sanon-and-ankita-lokhande-join-sushant-singh-rajput-s-family-in-global-prayers-for-ssr-1711530-2020-08-15 |archive-date=16 August 2020 |access-date=18 August 2020 |website=India Today |date=15 August 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Taneja |first=Parina |date=15 August 2020 |title=Kriti Sanon, Ankita Lokhande & others join Sushant Singh Rajput's family for global prayer meet |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/celebrities/kriti-sanon-ankita-lokhande-others-join-sushant-singh-rajput-s-family-for-global-prayer-meet-642268 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828011735/https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/celebrities/kriti-sanon-ankita-lokhande-others-join-sushant-singh-rajput-s-family-for-global-prayer-meet-642268 |archive-date=28 August 2020 |access-date=18 August 2020 |website=www.indiatvnews.com |language=en}}</ref>

During the course of ongoing investigations, the case received widespread and continuous media coverage and attention.<ref name="Bollywood tragedy" /><ref>{{Ordered list|list_style_type=lower-alpha|{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/media-coverage-in-sushant-singh-rajput-case-opens-up-a-debate-on-role-of-press-887031.html|title=Media coverage in Sushant Singh Rajput case opens up a debate on role of press|work=Deccan Herald|author=Tripathi, Ashish|date=13 September 2020|access-date=2 October 2020|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028204722/https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/national/media-coverage-in-sushant-singh-rajput-case-opens-up-a-debate-on-role-of-press-887031.html|url-status=live}}|{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-54098615|title=Rhea Chakraborty: Why is Indian TV obsessed with Sushant Singh Rajput's death?|work=BBC|author=Geeta Pandey|date=10 September 2020|access-date=2 October 2020|archive-date=11 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200911002508/https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/world-asia-india-54098615|url-status=live}}|{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/12/sushant-singh-rajput-actors-death-fuels-media-frenzy-in-india|title=Sushant Singh Rajput: actor's death fuels media frenzy in India|author=Hannah Ellis-Petersen|work=The Guardian|date=12 September 2020|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=3 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103130329/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/12/sushant-singh-rajput-actors-death-fuels-media-frenzy-in-india|url-status=live}}}}</ref> On 3 September 2020, considering two public interest litigation petitions alleging an "unfair, malicious and false media campaign" against Mumbai Police, the Bombay High Court advised, "We urge and expect the media to exercise restraint in reporting of the investigation regarding the death, [such that it] would not hamper investigation in any manner."<ref name="Bombay High Court urgers media restraint">{{cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bombay-high-court-asks-media-to-show-restraint-in-reporting-of-sushant-case/article32516243.ece |title=Bombay High Court asks media to show restraint in reporting of Sushant case |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=3 September 2020 |access-date=8 October 2020 |author=Saigal, Sonam |archive-date=18 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918135916/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bombay-high-court-asks-media-to-show-restraint-in-reporting-of-sushant-case/article32516243.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> On 5 October 2020, Mumbai Police stated that its cyber unit had identified more than 80,000 fake accounts on social media platforms from various countries in Asia and Europe seeking to discredit their ongoing official investigation. Police Commissioner [[Param Bir Singh]] termed this as "a motivated campaign with vested interests" to malign Mumbai Police. He added that those found to have violated the law would be prosecuted under the [[Information Technology Act, 2000|Information Technology Act]].<ref name="80k fake accounts">{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/sushant-singh-rajput-death-case-over-80k-fake-accounts-created-to-discredit-mumbai-police-probe/story-qjpqRUsgC95wBwshReLiyI.html |title=Sushant Singh Rajput death case: Over 80k fake accounts created to discredit Mumbai police probe |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=5 October 2020 |access-date=5 October 2020 |author=Ojha, Suraj |archive-date=5 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005180514/https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/sushant-singh-rajput-death-case-over-80k-fake-accounts-created-to-discredit-mumbai-police-probe/story-qjpqRUsgC95wBwshReLiyI.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 23 October 2020, the nongovernmental [[News Broadcasters Association|News Broadcasting Standards Authority]] directed news channels [[Aaj Tak]], [[Zee News]], [[News 24 (India)|News 24]] and [[India Today (TV channel)|India TV]] to air an apology for insensitive reporting and sensationalising Rajput's death.<ref name="NBSA orders apologies">{{cite web |url=https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/nbsa-aaj-tak-zee-news-news-24-and-india-tv-air-apologies-for-insensitive-reporting-on-sushant-singh-rajputs-death-164907 |title=NBSA Directs Aaj Tak, Zee News, News 24 And India TV To Comply With Its Order To Air Apologies For Insensitive Reporting On Sushant Singh Rajput's Death |publisher=Live Law |date=23 October 2020 |access-date=24 October 2020 |archive-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026221400/https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/nbsa-aaj-tak-zee-news-news-24-and-india-tv-air-apologies-for-insensitive-reporting-on-sushant-singh-rajputs-death-164907 |url-status=live }}</ref> Several people were arrested by Mumbai Police and were booked under various sections of the [[Indian Penal Code]]. They were accused by Mumbai Police for concocting conspiracy theories and making sensational and defamatory allegations against the [[Government of Maharashtra|Maharashtra government]] and Mumbai Police.<ref>{{Ordered list|list_style_type=lower-alpha
|{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-man-arrested-by-mumbai-police-for-allegedly-spreading-fake-news-on-sushant-rajput-case-2311077|title=Delhi Man Arrested Over Fake News Allegation In Sushant Rajput Case|work=NDTV|date=16 October 2020|first=Saurabh|last=Gupta|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126060103/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-man-arrested-by-mumbai-police-for-allegedly-spreading-fake-news-on-sushant-rajput-case-2311077|url-status=live}}|{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/ssr-case-man-held-for-online-videos-spreading-fake-news-883413.html|title=SSR case: Man held for online videos spreading fake news|work=Deccan Herald|date=6 September 2020|agency=Press Trust Of India|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-date=15 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915012826/https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/national/west/ssr-case-man-held-for-online-videos-spreading-fake-news-883413.html|url-status=live}}
|{{cite news|url=https://www.mid-day.com/amp/articles/sushant-singh-case-fake-news-account-raked-in-lakhs/23095333|title=Sushant Singh Rajput case: Fake news YouTube channel raked in lakhs|work=[[Mid-Day]]|date=19 November 2020|first=Faizan|last=Khan}}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}}}</ref>

A road in New Delhi was renamed "Sushant Singh Rajput Marg" in memory of the actor.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/street-in-delhi-to-be-named-after-sushant-singh-rajput-1761570-2021-01-22|title=Street in Delhi to be named after Sushant Singh Rajput|work=India Today|first=Jyoti|last=Kanyal|location=Mumbai|date=22 January 2021|access-date=22 January 2021|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122033547/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/street-in-delhi-to-be-named-after-sushant-singh-rajput-1761570-2021-01-22|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Politics===
A social media study titled, ''Anatomy of a Rumour'' had found that the BJP leaders and their supporters were actively promoting the murder conspiracy theory for the death. BJP had used Sushant's death as a campaign issue in [[2020 Bihar Legislative Assembly election]]. ''[[Newslaundry]]'' reported that BJP had portrayed Sushant as "a son of Bihar who fell victim to the big bad world of Bollywood, run by the old elite".<ref name="Newslaundry 24 June 2021">{{cite news |last1=Jaswal |first1=Srishti |title=Nilotpal Mrinal: Meet the man behind 'Justice for SSR' storm |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2021/06/24/nilotpal-mrinal-meet-the-man-behind-justice-for-ssr-storm |access-date=24 March 2022 |work=Newslaundry |date=24 June 2021}}</ref><ref name="Firstpost 6 October 2020">{{cite news |title=Anatomy of a rumour: An analysis of social media content surrounding Sushant Singh Rajput's death |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/anatomy-of-a-rumour-an-analysis-of-social-media-content-surrounding-sushant-singh-rajputs-death-8883751.html |access-date=24 March 2022 |work=Firstpost |date=6 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Request for CBI probe ===
Rajput's maternal uncle, alleging that his nephew was murdered, had demanded a CBI probe on the day of the actor's death.<ref>{{Cite web |title=We don't think he committed suicide, police must investigate, says Sushant Singh Rajput's maternal uncle |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/we-dont-think-he-committed-suicide-police-must-investigate-says-sushant-singh-rajputs-maternal-uncle20200615093708/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905172959/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/we-dont-think-he-committed-suicide-police-must-investigate-says-sushant-singh-rajputs-maternal-uncle20200615093708/ |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=ANI News}}</ref> Several political leaders, mostly from Bihar, also demanded a CBI investigation into the case.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/india/why-bihar-politicians-are-scrambling-to-get-justice-for-late-actor-sushant-singh-rajput/446037/|title=Why Bihar politicians are scrambling to get justice for late actor Sushant Singh Rajput|work=The Print|date=21 June 2020|author=Mishra, Dipak|access-date=10 October 2020|archive-date=16 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016051336/https://theprint.in/india/why-bihar-politicians-are-scrambling-to-get-justice-for-late-actor-sushant-singh-rajput/446037/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/demand-for-cbi-probe-into-sushant-singh-rajputs-death-cuts-across-party-lines|title=Demand for CBI probe into Sushant Singh Rajput's death cuts across party lines|work=The Free Press Journal|date=23 June 2020|author=IANS|access-date=9 October 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011172353/https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/bollywood/demand-for-cbi-probe-into-sushant-singh-rajputs-death-cuts-across-party-lines|url-status=live}}</ref> Hindi actor [[Shekhar Suman]] created a forum called #justiceforSushantforum demanding a CBI probe into the death.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 June 2020 |title=Shekhar Suman creates #justiceforSushantforum demanding CBI probe into actor's death |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/shekhar-suman-creates-justiceforsushantforum-demanding-cbi-probe-into-actors-death/1876061|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905173005/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/shekhar-suman-creates-justiceforsushantforum-demanding-cbi-probe-into-actors-death/1876061 |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=Outlook}}</ref> Actress and [[Bharatiya Janta Party|BJP]] [[Member of parliament, Rajya Sabha|Rajya Sabha MP]] [[Roopa Ganguly]], in a series of tweets with the hashtag #cbiforsushant, questioned the actor's death and called for an "independent unbiased CBI investigation".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/bjp-mp-roopa-ganguly-demands-cbi-probe-in-sushant-singh-rajput-death-case-2687171.html|title=BJP MP Roopa Ganguly Demands CBI Probe in Sushant Singh Rajput Death Case|work=News18|first=Sujit|last=Nath|date=25 June 2020|location=Kolkata|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626162312/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/bjp-mp-roopa-ganguly-demands-cbi-probe-in-sushant-singh-rajput-death-case-2687171.html|archive-date=26 June 2020|url-status=live|access-date=28 January 2021}}</ref>

Rajput's fans demanded an inquiry on various social platforms.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/entertainment/bollywood-sushant-singh-rajput-fans-wants-cbi-inquiry-for-his-death-check-all-details-here-20411444.html|title=नहीं थम रहा फैंस का गुस्सा, #CBIEnquiryForSushant पर हुए एक लाख से अधिक ट्वीट|work=Dainik Jagran|language=hi|date=19 June 2020|access-date=9 October 2020|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031031308/https://www.jagran.com/entertainment/bollywood-sushant-singh-rajput-fans-wants-cbi-inquiry-for-his-death-check-all-details-here-20411444.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 July 2020, ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' reported that following Rajput's suicide, "a massive online campaign fuelled by conspiracy theories has been demanding a CBI investigation into the matter." Actress Rhea Chakraborty, who "identified herself as Sushant's girlfriend," wrote the ''Hindustan Times'', asked for the aid of [[Amit Shah]], India's [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Minister of Home Affairs]], in launching a CBI probe.<ref name="Requests CBI investigation">{{Cite web |date=16 July 2020 |title=Rhea Chakraborty requests Amit Shah for CBI investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput's death |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-aks-for-cbi-investigation-into-sushant-singh-rajput-s-death-i-request-you-with-folded-hands/story-3nucScoHVAhKGBxLhVTAIM.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716171332/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/rhea-chakraborty-aks-for-cbi-investigation-into-sushant-singh-rajput-s-death-i-request-you-with-folded-hands/story-3nucScoHVAhKGBxLhVTAIM.html |archive-date=16 July 2020 |access-date=16 July 2020 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> Former union minister [[Subramanian Swamy]] wrote a letter to PM Modi requesting a CBI probe, which was acknowledged by the PM's office on 25 July.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 July 2020 |title=PM Modi acknowledges Subramanian Swamy's letter demanding CBI investigation in Sushant Singh Rajput death case |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-pm-modi-acknowledges-subramanian-swamy-s-letter-demanding-cbi-investigation-in-sushant-singh-rajput-death-case-2834062 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727084613/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-pm-modi-acknowledges-subramanian-swamy-s-letter-demanding-cbi-investigation-in-sushant-singh-rajput-death-case-2834062 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=DNA India}}</ref>

[[Government of Maharashtra|Maharashtra Home Minister]] [[Anil Deshmukh]] questioned the necessity of a CBI probe into the death. "The Mumbai Police is competent enough to handle such cases," he said on 17 July.<ref name="CBI probe not needed">{{Cite web |author=Khan, Faizan |date=17 July 2020 |title=CBI Probe Not Needed in Sushant Singh Rajput Case: Anil Deshmukh |url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/cbi-probe-not-needed-in-sushant-singh-rajput-case-anil-deshmukh/22894322 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717034942/https://www.mid-day.com/articles/cbi-probe-not-needed-in-sushant-singh-rajput-case-anil-deshmukh/22894322 |archive-date=17 July 2020 |access-date=17 July 2020 |website=[[Mid-Day]] |quote=I don't think that a CBI probe is required. The Mumbai Police is competent enough to handle such cases and they are investigating every aspect of the case including professional rivalry. As of now, we do not see any foul play. Details of the investigation will be shared once it is completed.}}</ref> On 22 July, the [[Twitter]] [[hashtag]] #Candle4SSR [[Twitter trends|trended]] with two million tweets from Rajput's fans around the world, as part of their online campaigns demanding a CBI investigation since the actor's death.<ref name="Candle4SSR">{{Cite web |last=Mukherjee |first=Shreya |date=3 August 2020 |title=Peaceful protest planned in Sushant Singh Rajput's memory on August 7 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/peaceful-protest-planned-in-sushant-singh-rajput-s-memory-on-august-7/story-mzepw2xYUw8rFxTaLPF4uM.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803212130/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/peaceful-protest-planned-in-sushant-singh-rajput-s-memory-on-august-7/story-mzepw2xYUw8rFxTaLPF4uM.html |archive-date=3 August 2020 |access-date=5 August 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> On 29 July, Home Minister Deshmukh reiterated that the investigation would not be transferred to the CBI.<ref name="No transfer to CBI">{{Cite web |last=Dutta Roy |first=Divyanshu |date=29 July 2020 |title=Won't Transfer Sushant Singh Rajput Case To CBI, Says Maharashtra Home Minister |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajput-wont-transfer-case-to-cbi-says-maharashtra-minister-2270991 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729180522/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sushant-singh-rajput-wont-transfer-case-to-cbi-says-maharashtra-minister-2270991 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |publisher=[[NDTV]]}}</ref>

On 5 August 2020, however, [[Tushar Mehta]], [[Solicitor General of India]], told the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] that the executive branch of India's national government had accepted the recommendation by [[Government of Bihar|Bihar's state government]] for a CBI inquiry into Rajput's death.<ref name="CBI implications">{{Cite web |date=5 August 2020 |title=CBI inquiry into Sushant's death to have far-reaching implications |url=http://www.ptinews.com/news/11700263_CBI-inquiry-into-Sushant-s-death-to-have-far-reaching.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905173014/http://www.ptinews.com/news/11700263_CBI-inquiry-into-Sushant-s-death-to-have-far-reaching.html |archive-date=5 September 2020 |access-date=5 August 2020 |publisher=[[Press Trust of India]]}}</ref> On that basis, officials said, the CBI had decided to start the probe.<ref name="CBI will probe">{{Cite web |date=5 August 2020 |title=CBI officials say agency will probe Sushant Singh Rajput death case |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/india-news-cbi-officials-say-agency-will-probe-sushant-singh-rajput-death-case-news-358058 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806095825/https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-cbi-officials-say-agency-will-probe-sushant-singh-rajput-death-case/358058 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |access-date=5 August 2020 |website=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]] |agency=[[Press Trust of India]]}}</ref> On 8 August 2020, the Maharashtra government told the Supreme Court that the CBI had shown "indecent haste" and should not have registered the case while proceedings were still pending before the court.<ref name="CBI showing indecent haste">{{Cite web |date=8 August 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput probe: In SC, Maharashtra govt accuses CBI of showing 'indecent haste' in filing case |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sushant-singh-rajput-case-cbi-investigation-maharashtra-supreme-court-6546302/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810125614/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sushant-singh-rajput-case-cbi-investigation-maharashtra-supreme-court-6546302/ |archive-date=10 August 2020 |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref>

== Nepotism debate and impact==
Rajput's death sparked a debate in India about [[nepotism]] and related malpractices in the [[Bollywood|Hindi film industry]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/death-of-young-actor-fuels-debate-on-nepotism-in-bollywood/2020/07/26/895aaad8-cfa5-11ea-826b-cc394d824e35_story.html|title=Death of young actor fuels debate on nepotism in Bollywood|newspaper=The Washington Post|author=Deepak, Vineeta|date=26 July 2020|access-date=28 October 2020|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128121337/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/death-of-young-actor-fuels-debate-on-nepotism-in-bollywood/2020/07/26/895aaad8-cfa5-11ea-826b-cc394d824e35_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A day after Rajput's death, actress and filmmaker [[Kangana Ranaut]] speculated that the actor was a victim of the Hindi film industry's nepotistic nature, suggesting it didn't acknowledge Rajput's work, which led to his mental suffering.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-s-fault-is-that-he-believed-those-who-called-him-worthless-says-kangana-ranaut-in-passionate-video/story-PU8XYbq6wloAJCkoACY5tM.html|title=Sushant Singh Rajput's fault is that he believed those who called him 'worthless', says Kangana Ranaut in passionate video|work=Hindustan Times|date=15 June 2020|access-date=15 December 2020|archive-date=16 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116010429/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/sushant-singh-rajput-s-fault-is-that-he-believed-those-who-called-him-worthless-says-kangana-ranaut-in-passionate-video/story-PU8XYbq6wloAJCkoACY5tM.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A case was registered against [[Karan Johar]], [[Sanjay Leela Bhansali]], [[Salman Khan]], [[Ekta Kapoor]] and four others in the [[Patna High Court]] by a lawyer, Sudhir Kumar Ojha, alleging that Rajput had been denied opportunities due to nepotism, leading to his suicide, but the case was later dismissed on 8 July.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 June 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput suicide: Case filed against Karan Johar, Salman Khan, Ekta Kapoor in Bihar |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-suicide-case-filed-against-karan-johar-salman-khan-ekta-kapoor-in-bihar-1689901-2020-06-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618100756/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-suicide-case-filed-against-karan-johar-salman-khan-ekta-kapoor-in-bihar-1689901-2020-06-17 |archive-date=18 June 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=8 July 2020 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput suicide case: Bihar court dismisses plea against Karan Johar, Salman Khan |work=India Today |agency=Press Trust of India |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-suicide-case-bihar-court-dismisses-plea-against-karan-johar-salman-khan-1698432-2020-07-08 |url-status=live |access-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820084506/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/celebrities/story/sushant-singh-rajput-suicide-case-bihar-court-dismisses-plea-against-karan-johar-salman-khan-1698432-2020-07-08 |archive-date=20 August 2020}}</ref> Johar and [[Alia Bhatt]] were then bullied on social media.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bose |first=Rakhi |date=17 June 2020 |title=Bullying Karan Johar, Alia Bhatt for Sushant Singh Rajput's Death Won't Fix Nepotism Battle |url=https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/bullying-karan-johar-alia-bhatt-for-sushant-singh-rajputs-death-doesnt-fix-nepotism-or-mental-health-battle-2673871.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803213324/https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/bullying-karan-johar-alia-bhatt-for-sushant-singh-rajputs-death-doesnt-fix-nepotism-or-mental-health-battle-2673871.html |archive-date=3 August 2020 |access-date=13 August 2020 |website=News18}}</ref>

Following this, [[Simi Garewal]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 July 2020 |title=What Sushant endured! Distraught Simi Garewal applauds Kangana Ranaut |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/what-sushant-endured-distraught-simi-garewal-applauds-kangana-ranaut-1702189-2020-07-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720055745/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/what-sushant-endured-distraught-simi-garewal-applauds-kangana-ranaut-1702189-2020-07-19 |archive-date=20 July 2020 |access-date=1 August 2020 |website=India Today}}</ref> and [[A. R. Rahman]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 July 2020 |title='People bashing Kangana need to see this': Netizens react to AR Rahman's comment about 'gang spreading rumours' |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-people-bashing-kangana-need-to-see-this-netizens-react-to-ar-rahman-s-comment-about-gang-spreading-rumours-2834050 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727164422/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-people-bashing-kangana-need-to-see-this-netizens-react-to-ar-rahman-s-comment-about-gang-spreading-rumours-2834050 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |access-date=1 August 2020 |website=DNA India}}</ref> spoke about nepotism that they faced in Bollywood. [[Sonu Nigam]] referred to the nepotism in the music industry as "music mafia".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/sonu-nigam-calls-out-music-mafia-in-bollywood-warns-about-suicides-in-music-industry-2676533.html|title=Sonu Nigam Calls Out 'Music Mafia' in Bollywood, Warns About 'Suicides in Music Industry'|work=News18|date=19 June 2020|access-date=10 October 2020|archive-date=20 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120105700/https://www.news18.com/amp/news/movies/sonu-nigam-calls-out-music-mafia-in-bollywood-warns-about-suicides-in-music-industry-2676533.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Amid the debate over nepotism, [[vote brigading]] by Rajput's fans led to the trailer of ''[[Sadak 2]]'', released on 12 August 2020, becoming the [[List of most-disliked YouTube videos|most disliked trailer]] on [[YouTube]] within 24 hours of its release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 August 2020 |title=Alia Bhatt's Sadak 2 the most disliked trailer on YouTube amid nepotism debate, fans demand justice for Sushant Singh Rajput |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/alia-bhatt-s-sadak-2-is-the-most-disliked-trailer-on-youtube-as-fans-demand-justice-for-sushant-singh-rajput/story-iEvKT1u4XhRDsM9RvtN8CJ.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813081256/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/alia-bhatt-s-sadak-2-is-the-most-disliked-trailer-on-youtube-as-fans-demand-justice-for-sushant-singh-rajput/story-iEvKT1u4XhRDsM9RvtN8CJ.html |archive-date=13 August 2020 |access-date=13 August 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> Speculating that Rajput had despaired of being shut out of the film industry due to favouritism, his fans blamed Hindi film industry insiders, including [[Mahesh Bhatt]], director of ''Sadak 2'', and his daughter [[Alia Bhatt]], one of the film's stars, who had earlier made dismissive remarks about Rajput in ''[[Koffee with Karan]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why The Internet Is Hitting 'Dislike' On Alia Bhatt's Sadak 2 Trailer |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/why-the-internet-is-hitting-dislike-on-alia-bhatts-sadak-2-trailer-2278443 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812140440/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/why-the-internet-is-hitting-dislike-on-alia-bhatts-sadak-2-trailer-2278443 |archive-date=12 August 2020 |access-date=12 August 2020 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

== Funeral and immersion ==
Sushant Singh Rajput was [[Cremation|cremated]] by his father at Pawan Hans Crematorium, Vile Parle, Mumbai on 15 June 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sushant Singh Rajput to be cremated at Pawan Hans crematorium |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2020/06/15/sushant-singh-rajput-to-be-cremated-pawan-hans-crematorium.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727040226/https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2020/06/15/sushant-singh-rajput-to-be-cremated-pawan-hans-crematorium.html |archive-date=27 July 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=The Week}}</ref> Actors [[Kriti Sanon]], [[Dino Morea]], [[Shraddha Kapoor]], [[Vivek Oberoi]], [[Ranvir Shorey]] among others were present at his funeral proceedings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sushant Singh Rajput's Funeral: Kriti Sanon, Shraddha Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi And Others Attend |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajputs-funeral-kriti-sanon-shraddha-kapoor-and-others-attend-2246652 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809031617/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/sushant-singh-rajputs-funeral-kriti-sanon-shraddha-kapoor-and-others-attend-2246652 |archive-date=9 August 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> After cremation, Sushant Singh Rajput's [[ash]]es were immersed by his family members in [[Ganges|Ganges River]], Patna on 18 June 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Sushant Singh Rajput's ashes immersed in the Ganges by his family |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/sushant-singh-rajputs-ashes-immersed-in-the-ganges-by-his-family/articleshow/76443860.cms |access-date=14 June 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en|last1=Dubey |first1=Rachana }}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Hindutva boycott of Bollywood films]], related movement

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite arXiv | eprint=2009.11744 |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 }}

[[Category:2020 suicides|Rajput]]
[[Category:2020 deaths|Rajput]]
[[Category:Deaths by person in India|Rajput]]
[[Category:Suicides by asphyxiation|Rajput]]
[[Category:Suicides by hanging in India|Rajput]]
[[Category:Conspiracy theories in India]]
[[Category:Death conspiracy theories]]
[[Category:Political controversies in India]]
[[Category:Central Bureau of Investigation]]
[[Category:Narcotics Control Bureau]]
[[Category:Drugs in India]]
[[Category:Scandals in India]]
[[Category:Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Controversies about films in India]]

Sushant Singh Rajput

2026-09-14T11:45:13Z

2001:67C:198C:906:29:610:0:C6:

{{short description|Indian actor (1986–2020)}}
{{distinguish|Sushant Singh}}
{{pp-protected|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Sushant Singh Rajput
| image = Sushant Singh Rajput snapped at the promotions of 'M.S. Dhoni - The Untold Story' (cropped).jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Rajput at the promotions of ''M.S. Dhoni – The Untold Story'' in 2016
| 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 = [[Death of Sushant Singh Rajput|Suicide by hanging]]<ref name="auto1" />
| occupation = Actor
| years_active = 2008–2020
| alma_mater =
| signature = Sushant Singh Rajput Signature.svg
}}
'''Sushant Singh Rajput'''{{efn|{{langx|hi-Latn|Suśānt Siṁh Rājpūt}}, {{IPA|hi|suːˈʃɑːnt sɪŋ(h) ˈrɑːdʒpuːt|pron}}}} (21 January 1986 – 14 June 2020) was an Indian actor best known for his work in [[Hindi cinema]]. Rajput is the recipient of several accolades, including a [[Screen Award]] and three [[Filmfare Awards|Filmfare Award]] nominations. He was featured twice on ''[[Forbes India]]''{{'}}s [[Forbes Celebrity 100|Celebrity 100]] list, and was regarded as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation.{{efn|<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name=":16" /><ref name="Forbes 1" /><ref name="Forbes 2" />}}

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 [[Byomkesh Bakshi|titular detective]] in the mystery film ''[[Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!]]'' (2015). Rajput's highest-grossing releases came with a supporting role in the satire ''[[PK (film)|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]].

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 (film)|Kedarnath]]'' (2018), ''[[Sonchiriya]]'' (2019), and ''[[Chhichhore]]'' (2019).

Rajput [[Death of Sushant Singh Rajput|died by suicide]] at his home in [[Bandra]], Mumbai, in June 2020, aged 34.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name="closure">{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":16">{{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}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{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}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{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}}</ref> His father is a retired technical officer and worked at Bihar State Handloom Corporation in [[Patna]], and his mother was a homemaker.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Rajput was the only son and the youngest of five siblings and had the nickname Gulshan.<ref name=":5">{{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}}</ref> One of his four sisters, Mitu Singh, was a state-level cricket player.<ref name=":3" /> He studied at [[St. Karen's High School]] in Patna.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{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}}</ref> His family moved to Delhi following his mother's death in 2002 where he completed his schooling for intermediate studies in the [[Kulachi Hansraj Model School]].<ref name=":4" />

Rajput was reportedly an avid reader who was deeply interested in [[astrophysics]] and won the [[Indian National Physics Olympiad|National Olympiad in Physics]].<ref name=":6">{{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}}</ref> He secured admission in the Delhi College of Engineering (later renamed [[Delhi Technological University]]) to pursue a [[Bachelor of Engineering]] degree in [[mechanical engineering]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name=":6" /> 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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

== 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.<ref name=":3" /> Soon afterward, he also began attending acting classes under the theatre director [[Barry John (theatre director)|Barry John]].<ref name=":0">{{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}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{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}}</ref> Rajput later stated that he found the experience to be liberating and wanted to continue doing it forever.<ref name="filmfare.com">{{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}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2006, he dropped out of his engineering course during his fourth year to begin a career in arts and performance.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> He moved to [[Mumbai]], took up odd jobs and small roles alongside working in the theatre industry.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Rajput eventually joined [[Nadira Babbar]]'s theatre group called the ''Ekjute'' in which he remained for two and a half years.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

He was spotted by a casting team of [[Balaji Telefilms]] while he was working at the [[Prithvi Theatre]].<ref name=":0" /> 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''.''<ref name=":7">{{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}}</ref><ref name=":10" /> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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]]'',<ref name=":7" /> reportedly against the wishes of the hosting channel, [[Zee TV]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

In ''Pavitra Rishta'', Rajput was cast as Manav Deshmukh who was an "ideal son and husband" and co-starred along with [[Ankita Lokhande]].<ref name="auto" /> The role was reportedly a breakthrough for him and for which he won various television awards,<ref>{{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}}</ref> including his first award for best actor in the [[Indian Television Academy Awards]] 2010.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He also won three major television awards in the categories of best male actor and most popular actor.<ref name=":8">{{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}}</ref> In 2010, he joined the dance reality show ''[[Zara Nachke Dikha]]'' in its second season as part of the ''Mast Kalandar Boys'' team.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":8" /> On the [[Mother's Day]] special episode, the team dedicated a performance to Rajput's mother who had died.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":1">{{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}}</ref>

Rajput continued to act in ''Pavitra Rishta'' from its first airing in 2009 till his exit in 2011,<ref>{{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}}</ref> having played the part of the protagonist of the series for two and a half years at the time of his exit.<ref name=":9">{{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}}</ref> 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]]'',<ref name=":10">{{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}}</ref> where he was an [[assistant director]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> Rajput made a later reappearance in the final episode of ''Pavitra Rishta'' in 2014 after gaining critical acclaim in [[Bollywood]].<ref name=":9" />

=== 2012–2015: Film debut and Yash Raj Films ===
[[File:Sushant, Raj Kumar, Abhishek and Amit at KAI PO CHE's success bash.jpg|thumb|left|250px|From left to right: Rajput, [[Rajkumar Rao]], [[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.<ref name=":25">{{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}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{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}}</ref> He was in the process of enrolling for a course in filmmaking at [[Stanford University]] but decided to accept the offer.<ref name=":0" /> 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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Rajput received a nomination for the [[Filmfare Awards]] in the category of best debut actor for his performance in the film.<ref name=":12">{{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}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{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}}</ref>

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 (film)|''PK'']].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{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}}</ref> In the film, he was cast as the boyfriend to [[Anushka Sharma]]'s character of a journalist.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He also entered into a deal with [[Yash Raj Films]] beginning with the starring role in the film ''[[Shuddh Desi Romance]]''.<ref name=":0" /> 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]].<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{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}}</ref> ''Shuddh Desi Romance'' was released in 2013 and became a [[sleeper hit]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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]]".<ref name=":0" /> The film ''PK'' was later released in 2014 and became the [[highest grossing Indian film]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Rajput began working on the new project following the release of his second film ''Shuddh Desi Romance''.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The film was a [[Mystery film|mystery]] [[Action-thriller film|action-thriller]] featuring Byomkesh Bakshi, a fictional detective originally created by the Bengali writer [[Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":0" /> Before the release, Rajput made a special appearance in the [[police crime drama]] ''[[CID (Indian TV series)|CID]]'' in the character of Byomkesh Bakshy.<ref name=":22">{{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}}</ref> The film was released on 3 April 2015,<ref>{{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}}</ref> and failed to perform well in the [[box office]], but received positive critical reviews.<ref name=":19">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 were being fought over water.<ref name=":17">{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> In the aftermath, Rajput ended his contract with the production house.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

=== 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.<ref name=":14">{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":15">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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]].<ref name=":15" /><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":11" /> 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,<ref name=":14" /> he was coached by [[Kiran More]] who reportedly trained him in the regimen of a professional sportsperson rather than as an actor.<ref name="News18">{{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}}</ref> The film was produced by Arun Pandey with [[Fox Star Studios]] and released on 2 October 2016.<ref name="RK">{{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}}</ref> It became the 5th highest grossing Bollywood film of that year.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Rajput received critical acclaim for his performance and nominations to a number of awards,<ref name=":16" /> including the Filmfare Awards, the [[International Indian Film Academy Awards]] and the winning nomination at the [[Indian Film Festival of Melbourne]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name=":21" /><ref>{{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}}</ref> He also made a [[cameo appearance]] in the comedy film ''[[Welcome to New York (2018 film)|Welcome to New York]]'',<ref name=":23">{{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}}</ref> which was released on 23 February 2018 and where the lead characters met Rajput but confused him for Mahendra Singh Dhoni.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
[[File:Sushant Singh Rajput & Kriti Sanon promoting their film RAABTA at Kolkata, by Sourendra Kumar Das, Sou BoyyJPG.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Rajput with [[Kriti Sanon]] at a promotional event for ''[[Raabta (film)|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 (film)|Raabta]]'', ''Takadum'', ''Chanda Mama Door Ke'', another biopic of an athlete and a film produced by [[Dharma Productions]] featuring [[Jacqueline Fernandez]].<ref name=":182">{{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}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Bhatt however decided to opt out of the project in the same year,<ref>{{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}}</ref> and the role of the female lead eventually went to [[Kriti Sanon]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> Rajput and Sanon later featured in a 2017 [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]] music video of the song named ''Paas Aao'', composed by the duo [[Armaan Malik|Armaan]] and [[Amaal Mallik]].<ref name=":27">{{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}}</ref> In 2017, he was featured for first time in the ''[[Forbes India]]''{{'}}s ''Top 100 Celebrity'' list.<ref name="Forbes 1">{{cite web|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2017-celebrity-100/1665/|title=2017 Celebrity 100|magazine=Forbes India|access-date=22 November 2020}}</ref>

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 ''[[Private (rank)#India and Pakistan|jawan]]'' turned [[Paralympics]] gold medalist [[Murlikant Petkar]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Meanwhile, the announcement of Rajput's role in ''Chanda Mama Door Ke'' had come in September 2016.<ref name=":182" /> In the film which was to be directed by [[Sanjay Puran Singh]], Rajput would have starred alongside [[R. Madhavan]] and [[Nawazuddin Siddiqui]] and was cast in the role of an astronaut, for which he was even sent to [[NASA]] on a training module in 2017.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He was also cast as the lead in the [[spy thriller]] film ''[[Romeo Akbar Walter]]'' in 2017,<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

''Raabta'' was released on 9 June 2017,<ref>{{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}}</ref> which subsequently received mixed reviews from critics and emerged as a flop in the box office, unable to recover its large production cost.<ref>{{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}}</ref> It was a time transcending love story,<ref name=":34">{{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}}</ref> where Sushant Singh Rajput played the role of two characters who were reincarnations of each other.<ref>{{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}}</ref> While the filming was primarily carried out in the city of Budapest, [[Hungary]], in the Indian state of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] and in the island country of [[Mauritius]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> Earlier in March 2017, Rajput had also begun shooting alongside Jacqueline Fernandez for [[Karan Johar]]'s Dharma Productions film, by then titled as ''[[Drive (2019 film)|Drive]]''.<ref name=":18">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> The film was directed by [[Tarun Mansukhani]] and was a prequel to the 2014 film ''[[Bang Bang!]]'',<ref name=":18" /> that had featured [[Hrithik Roshan]] and [[Katrina Kaif]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Surkes|first=Sue|date=10 October 2017|title=Wooed by Israel funding, Bollywood movie filmed in Tel Aviv|url=https://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}}</ref> The release was initially scheduled for 2 March 2018, but in a February announcement, the date was moved to 7 September 2018.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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''.<ref>{{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}}</ref> It was a love story set in the backdrop of the [[2013 North India floods|2013 floods in Uttarakhand]], where Rajput co-starred with [[Sara Ali Khan]].<ref name="Jain 2018">{{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}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{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}}</ref> He played the character of Mansoor, a Muslim porter who was also a devotee of [[Lord Shiva]] and whose livelihood revolved around the [[Kedarnath Temple|Shiv temple at Kedarnath]].<ref name=":19" /><ref name=":20">{{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}}</ref> The shooting of the film began in September 2017 and was set to release by June 2018.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The film however soon became embroidered in controversy as the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] alleged that it was promoting Jihad by showing an [[Interfaith marriage|interfaith couple]] and called for the imposition of a ban on it.<ref name=":20" /><ref>{{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}}</ref> In the end, the film was banned from screening in 7 out of 13 districts in [[Uttarakhand]] and released on 7 December 2018.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Despite the ban, it became a commercial success,<ref>{{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}}</ref> although it didn't completely meet the projected success in the box office.<ref name=":3" /> Following the release, it was the second highest grossing among Rajput's starring films after the Dhoni biopic.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

=== 2018–2020: Entrepreneurial work and later career ===
[[File:SSR & Sara Ali Khan in Kedarnath.jpg|thumb|upright=1|left|Rajput and [[Sara Ali Khan]] on the set of ''[[Kedarnath (film)|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Rajput and Mathur were credited as the co-founders and set to make an investment of {{INRConvert|3|b|lk=r|year=2018}} in the company.<ref name=":24">{{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}}</ref> The company was named Innsaei after the [[Icelandic language|Icelandic word]] for Institution and marketed as working in the fields related to [[intellectual property]] and [[emerging technologies]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name=":24" /> 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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Subsequently, Innsaei Ventures set up a fund of {{INRConvert|200|m|year=2018}} in favour of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

In early 2018, Rajput began shooting for the film ''[[Sonchiriya]]''.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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]].<ref name=":19" /><ref name=":13" /> The film was directed by Abhishek Chaubey, produced by [[Ronnie Screwvala]] and featured the real life character of [[Daku Man Singh]], played by Bajpayee.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Released on 1 March 2019,<ref>{{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}}</ref> it received a positive critical reception and won a number of awards but failed to become a commercial success.<ref name=":19" /> In 2018, he was also signed in by [[Nitesh Tiwari]], the director of the [[blockbuster film]] ''[[Dangal (2016 film)|Dangal]]'' for his new film titled ''[[Chhichhore]]'', whose shooting began in September.<ref>{{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}}</ref> It was a [[romantic comedy]] where Rajput played the character of Anirudh Pathak,<ref name=":36">{{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}}</ref> a divorced husband who recounts his college life to his teenage son and opposite Maya, his ex-wife played by [[Shraddha Kapoor]].<ref name=":19" /><ref name=":13" /> Produced by Fox Star Studios and [[Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment]], the film was released on 6 September 2019,<ref>{{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}}</ref> and became the third movie featuring Rajput to gross over {{INRConvert|1|b|year=2019}} after ''PK'' and the Dhoni biopic.<ref name=":14" /> The film won the [[National Film Awards|National Film Award]] for [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi|Best Feature Film in Hindi]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In September 2019, a second company named Vividrage Rhealtyx was registered with a paid up capital of {{INRConvert|100|k|year=2019}}; Rajput became one of the three directors of the company, the others being [[Rhea Chakraborty]] and Showik Chakraborty.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{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}}</ref> 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]].<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{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}}</ref> Prior to that, on behalf of one of his fans, he donated {{INRConvert|10|m}} to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund following the [[2018 Kerala floods]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2019, he featured the second time in Forbes' annual ''Top 100 Celebrity'' list.<ref name="Forbes 2">{{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}}</ref>

Since 2017, Rajput was signed in for the directorial debut of Mukesh Chhabra;<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Fox Star Studios]] had employed Chhabra for a [[Hindi language]] remake of ''[[The Fault in Our Stars (film)|The Fault in Our Stars]]'', a [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] hit film produced by [[20th Century Fox]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> Chabbra had also been the casting director who had first spotted him for ''Kai Po Che!'', which was Rajput's debut film.<ref name=":26">{{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}}</ref><ref name=":25" /> The shooting for the film began on 9 July 2018, in the city of [[Jamshedpur]], [[Jharkhand]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":26" /> Based on the novel by the same name ''The Fault in Our Stars'' written by the author [[John Green]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> the film was initially titled ''Kizie aur Manny'' and was scheduled to release in theatres in 2019.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Rajput co-starred alongside [[Sanjana Sanghi]] and played the character of Manny, a patient of the bone cancer [[osteosarcoma]];<ref>{{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}}</ref> the role in the Hindi remake was a reprisal of the role of [[Ansel Elgort]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> It also notably featured [[Saif Ali Khan]] and musical compositions of [[A. R. Rahman]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> The title was later renamed to ''[[Dil Bechara]]'' and the release date moved to 8 May 2020.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The slated release of the film however did not occur due to restrictions imposed during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="TW2020">{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
[[File:Sushant Singh Rajput with Ankita Lokhande at KAI PO CHE's premiere.jpg|thumb|236x236px|Rajput with [[Ankita Lokhande]] at ''[[Kai Po Che]]''{{'}}s premiere in 2013]]
Rajput's personal relationships have been the subject of widespread media attention.<ref name=":28">{{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}}</ref><ref name=":29">{{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}}</ref> 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]]'';<ref name="auto" /> both of them had participated in the show as competing contestants.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2012, they began living together,<ref name="HT_Jan2016">{{Cite news |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 |work=Hindustan Times |date=12 January 2016 |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}}</ref> and reports of an imminent marriage between the two occasionally cropped up in the media.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In 2014, rumours that they were already secretly married due to family pressure<ref>{{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}}</ref> were denied by the couple.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In January 2016, Rajput confirmed that a lavish wedding would take place in December,<ref name="HT_Jan2016"/> but the relationship ended prior to that, with the pair maintaining silence on the reasons for the cancellation.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In a 2021 interview, Lokhande said that Rajput wanted to go ahead in his career and they ended their relationship mutually.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

After the break-up, Rajput's relationship status became the subject of speculation and gossip.<ref name=":29" /> He was rumoured to be dating his ''[[Raabta (film)|Raabta]]'' co-star [[Kriti Sanon]] which was denied by both of them.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> That same year, he became the co-owner of ''Delhi Gladiators'', a team in the [[Super Boxing League]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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,<ref>{{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.thenationalnews.com/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}}</ref> he purchased the high end [[Meade Instruments|Meade]] LX-600 16" telescope for stargazing purposes.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> He was reportedly an avid reader who would bring books during tours for film shooting.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In 2018, he was the subject of another rumour regarding his ''[[Kedarnath (film)|Kedarnath]]'' co-star [[Sara Ali Khan]].<ref name=":29" /> The rumours were never confirmed, as, before the two supposedly broke up, Rajput refused to comment on the claims.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Later in the next year, it was reported that he was dating actress [[Rhea Chakraborty]] and that they intended to keep the matter private.<ref name=":30">{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Chakraborty and Rajput were occasionally spotted on "dates" and outings in Mumbai,<ref name=":28" /><ref name=":29" /> and on a vacation to the [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] region of [[Ladakh]].<ref name=":30" />

After Rajput's death, Chakraborty confirmed that she was his girlfriend and that he would refuse medication, relying instead on [[yoga]] and [[meditation]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

== Death ==
{{Main|Suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput}}

On 14 June 2020, Rajput, aged 34, was found dead in his home in [[Bandra]], Mumbai.<ref name="auto1">{{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]]}}</ref><ref name="Died due to asphyxia">{{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 }}</ref> He had reportedly shown signs of [[clinical depression]] and was diagnosed with [[bipolar disorder]].<ref>{{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 (Chandigarh)|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 }}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name=":31">{{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}}</ref> The postmortem report concluded that the cause of death was "[[asphyxia]] due to hanging", calling it a "clear case of suicide."<ref name=":4"/> 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.<ref name="Murder ruled out">{{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]]}}</ref><ref name="Who said what">{{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]]}}</ref><ref name="Report submitted to CBI">{{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]]}}</ref>

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 [[Aiding and abetting|abetment]] of suicide.<ref name="Family files FIR">{{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 }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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<ref name="Supreme Court allows CBI to take control">{{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 }}</ref> and ordered the CBI to look into any future cases registered in relation to Rajput's death.<ref name="CBI probe lawful">{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On 7 September, Chakraborty filed an [[First information report|FIR]] against the late actor's sisters, claiming they had supplied him psychotrophic anti-depressants<ref name="FilmFare1">{{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 }}</ref> without proper medical consultation and using a forged prescription.<ref name="Timesoi1">{{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 }}</ref> She requested an investigation into whether these had resulted in his suicide or a decline in his mental state.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> The following month, Rajput's sisters asked the High Court to cancel the FIR.<ref name="FilmFare1"/> 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.<ref name="Timesoi1"/> The Supreme Court also rejected an appeal filed by Priyanka Singh and the filing was handed to the CBI to investigate.<ref name="Timesoi1"/>

On 22 March 2025, the Central Bureau of Investigation filed a closure report ruling out any foul play.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

== 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
| ''[[Kai Po Che!]]''
| Ishaan "Ish" Bhatt
| Debut film role
| rowspan="3" | <ref name=":33" />
|-
| ''[[Shuddh Desi Romance]]''
| Raghu Ram
|
|-
! scope="row" | 2014
| ''[[PK (film)|PK]]''
| Sarfaraz Yousuf
|
|-
! scope="row" | 2015
| ''[[Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!]]''
| [[Byomkesh Bakshi|Detective Byomkesh Bakshy]]
|
| rowspan="2" | <ref name=":19" />
|-
! scope="row" | 2016
| ''[[M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story]]''
| [[MS Dhoni|Mahendra Singh Dhoni]]
|
|-
! scope="row" | 2017
| ''[[Raabta (film)|Raabta]]''
| Jilaan / Shiv Kakkar
|
| <ref name=":34" />
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2018
| ''[[Welcome to New York (2018 film)|Welcome to New York]]''
| Himself
| Special appearance
| <ref name=":23" />
|-
| ''[[Kedarnath (film)|Kedarnath]]''
| Mansoor Khan
|
| <ref name=":35" />
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | 2019
| ''[[Sonchiriya]]''
| Lakhan Singh / Lakhna
|
| rowspan="2" | <ref name=":36" />
|-
| ''[[Chhichhore]]''
| Anirudh "Anni" Pathak
|
|-
| ''[[Drive (2019 film)|Drive]]''
| Samar
| Final film role
| <ref name=":32" />
|-
! scope="row" | 2020
| ''[[Dil Bechara]]''
| Immanuel "Manny" Rajkumar Jr.
| Posthumous release
| <ref>{{Cite web|last=Raghuvanshi|first=Aakanksha|date=24 September 2020|title=Two Months After Dil Bechara's Release, Sanjana Sanghi Shares This Post "In Loving Memory" Of Sushant Singh Rajput|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/two-months-after-dil-becharas-release-sanjana-sanghi-shares-this-post-in-loving-memory-of-sushant-singh-rajput-2300647|access-date=14 October 2020|website=NDTV|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011013220/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/two-months-after-dil-becharas-release-sanjana-sanghi-shares-this-post-in-loving-memory-of-sushant-singh-rajput-2300647|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|}

=== 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
| ''[[Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil]]''
| Preet Juneja
|
| rowspan="4" | <ref name="auto">{{Cite web|last=Jain|first=Arushi|date=14 June 2020|title=From Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil to Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4: A look at Sushant Singh Rajput's TV stint|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/sushant-singh-rajput-tv-shows-pavitra-rishta-jhalak-dikhhla-ja-6458594/|access-date=14 June 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=14 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614223220/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/sushant-singh-rajput-tv-shows-pavitra-rishta-jhalak-dikhhla-ja-6458594/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | 2009–2011
| ''[[Pavitra Rishta]]''
| Manav Deshmukh
|
|-
! scope="row" | 2010
| ''[[Zara Nachke Dikha]]''
| rowspan="2" | Contestant
| Team "Mast Kalandar Boys"
|-
! scope="row" | 2010–2011
| ''[[Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4]]''
| Runner-up
|-
! scope="row" | 2014
| ''Pavitra Rishta''
| Manav Deshmukh
| Finale appearance
| <ref name=":9" />
|-
! scope="row" | 2015
| ''[[CID (Indian TV series)|CID]]''
| Byomkesh Bakshy
| Special appearance in Episode 1211
| <ref name=":22" />
|-
|}

=== 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"
| [[Armaan Malik]] & [[Amaal Mallik]]
| <ref name=":27" />
|-
|}

== Awards and nominations ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Award
! Category
! Film or Series
! class="unsortable"| Result
! class="unsortable"| {{Tooltip|Ref.|References}}
|-
| 2009
| [[Indian Telly Awards]]
| Most Popular Actor (Male)
| rowspan="6" |''[[Pavitra Rishta]]''
| {{nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tellyawards.indiantelevision.com/y2k9/nomination/nominee_list.htm|title=Nominees of The 9th Indian Telly Awards|access-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115061924/http://tellyawards.indiantelevision.com/y2k9/nomination/nominee_list.htm|archive-date=15 January 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="3" |2010
| [[Indian Television Academy Awards]]
| Most Popular Actor (Male)
| {{won}}
|<ref>{{Cite web|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|title=Sushant Singh Rajput dedicated his first-ever Best Actor award to his mother|website=India Today|date=19 June 2020|access-date=20 July 2020|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}}</ref>
|-
| [[BIG Star Entertainment Awards]]
| Best Television Actor (Male)
| {{won}}
|{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[Gold Awards]]
| rowspan="2"| [[Gold Award for Best Actor in a Lead Role|Best Actor in a Lead Role]]
| {{won}}
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://goldawards.weebly.com/2010.html|title=Winners of Gold Awards 2010|website=Gold Awards|access-date=20 July 2020|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327102244/https://goldawards.weebly.com/2010.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2011
| {{won}}
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://goldawards.weebly.com/2011.html|title=Winners of Gold Awards 2011|website=Gold Awards|access-date=20 July 2020|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327102243/https://goldawards.weebly.com/2011.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[FICCI Frames|FICCI Frames Excellence Honours]]
| Best TV Actor (Male)
| {{won}}
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/winners-of-ficci-frames-excellence-honours-awards/|title=Winners of FICCI FRAMES Excellence Honours awards|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=26 March 2011|access-date=4 August 2020|archive-date=22 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622012321/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/winners-of-ficci-frames-excellence-honours-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="6" | 2014
| rowspan="2" | [[Producers Guild Film Awards]]
| [[Star Guild Award for Best Male Debut|Best Male Debut]]
| rowspan="6" | ''[[Kai Po Che!]]''
| {{won}}
|<ref name="Everything you should know">{{cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/everything-you-should-know-about-sushant-singh-rajput-6458536/ |title=Everything you should know about Sushant Singh Rajput |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=14 June 2020 |access-date=2 September 2020 |archive-date=22 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822204340/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/everything-you-should-know-about-sushant-singh-rajput-6458536/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| [[Star Guild Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role|Best Actor in a Leading Role]]
| {{nom}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrities/features/type/view/id/6028|title=Nominations for 9th Renault Star Guild Awards – Latest Celebrity Features – Bollywood Hungama|date=15 January 2014|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|access-date=23 April 2014|archive-date=27 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027013517/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrities/features/type/view/id/6028|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| [[Screen Awards]]
| [[Screen Award for Best Male Debut|Best Male Debut]]
| {{won}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://screenawards.indianexpress.com|title=Screen Awards 2015, Latest News on Screen Awards 2015, Photo Gallery The Indian Express|work=The Indian Express|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313230740/http://screenawards.indianexpress.com/|archive-date=13 March 2014}}</ref>
|-
| [[Zee Cine Awards]]
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Male Debut|Best Male Debut]]
| {{nom}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/zee-cine-awards-2014/zee-cine-awards-2014-complete-list-of-nominations_150384.html|title=Zee Cine Awards 2014: Complete list of nominations|work=Zee News|date=6 February 2014|access-date=23 April 2014|archive-date=22 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222065411/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/zee-cine-awards-2014/zee-cine-awards-2014-complete-list-of-nominations_150384.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| [[15th IIFA Awards|IIFA Awards]]
| Best Actor in a Leading Role
| {{nom}}
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Nominations for IIFA Awards 2014|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/6193|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|access-date=21 February 2014|date=20 February 2014|archive-date=21 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221101141/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/6193|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|[[Filmfare Awards]]
|Best Debut Actor| Best Debut Actor
| {{nom}}
|<ref name=":12" />
|-
| 2016
| [[Screen Awards]]
| [[Screen Award for Best Actor (Critics)|Best Actor (Critics)]]
| rowspan="6" |[[M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story|''M.S Dhoni: The Untold Story'']]
| {{won}}
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/22nd-star-screen-awards-2016-pink-amitabh-bachchan-alia-bhatt-355663-2016-12-05|title=Star Screen Awards 2016 winners list|website=India Today|date=5 December 2016|access-date=20 July 2020|archive-date=15 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915164038/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/22nd-star-screen-awards-2016-pink-amitabh-bachchan-alia-bhatt-355663-2016-12-05|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="5" |2017
| [[Filmfare Awards]]
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]]
| {{nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/nominations-for-the-62nd-jio-filmfare-awards-17987.html|title=62nd Jio Filmfare Awards 2017 Nominations|website=Filmfare|date=9 January 2017|access-date=20 July 2020|archive-date=13 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113122217/http://www.filmfare.com/news/nominations-for-the-62nd-jio-filmfare-awards-17987.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[Zee Cine Awards]]
| Best Actor – Male
| {{Nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/nominations-zee-cine-awards-2017/|title=Nominations for Zee Cine Awards 2017 – Bollywood Hungama|last=Hungama|first=Bollywood|date=2 March 2017|work=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=14 July 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=12 June 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170612160354/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/nominations-zee-cine-awards-2017/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[Stardust Awards]]
| Best Actor
| {{Nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/nominations-stardust-awards-2016/|title=Nominations for Stardust Awards 2016 – Bollywood Hungama|last=Hungama|first=Bollywood|date=19 December 2016|work=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=14 July 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=4 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404155046/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/nominations-stardust-awards-2016/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[International Indian Film Academy Awards]]
| Best Actor (Male)
| {{Nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/18th-iifa-awards-2017-list-of-nominations-1723760|title=18th IIFA Awards 2017: List of Nominations|publisher=NDTV.com|access-date=14 July 2017|archive-date=12 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812022613/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/18th-iifa-awards-2017-list-of-nominations-1723760|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[Indian Film Festival of Melbourne]]
| Best Actor
| {{Won}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood-iffm-awards-2017-lipstick-under-my-burkha-dangal-baahubali-2-win-big-in-pics-396076|title=IFFM Awards 2017: Lipstick Under My Burkha, Dangal, Baahubali 2 win big (in pics)|access-date=10 December 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106205320/http://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood-iffm-awards-2017-lipstick-under-my-burkha-dangal-baahubali-2-win-big-in-pics-396076|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 2020
| [[Screen Awards]]
| [[Screen Award for Best Actor (Critics)|Best Actor (Critics)]]
| ''[[Chhichhore]]''
|{{nom}}
|
|-
|2021
|Filmfare Awards
|Best Actor (Male)
|''[[Dil Bechara]]''
|{{Nom}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/nominations-for-the-66th-vimal-elaichi-filmfare-awards-2021_-47279.html|title=Nominations For The 66th Vimal Elaichi Filmfare Awards 2021|work=Filmfare|date=27 March 2021|access-date=27 March 2021|archive-date=29 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329154547/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/nominations-for-the-66th-vimal-elaichi-filmfare-awards-2021_-47279.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|}

== See also ==
* [[List of Indian film actors]]

{{Portal bar|India|Bollywood|Film|Television}}

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== 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:1986 births]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:2020 suicides]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Male suicides]]
[[Category:Indian male soap opera actors]]
[[Category:Male actors from Patna]]
[[Category:People with bipolar disorder]]
[[Category:Screen Awards winners]]
[[Category:Delhi Technological University alumni]]
[[Category:Suicides by hanging in India]]
[[Category:Actors who died by suicide]]