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Sushant Singh Rajput

2021-10-31T14:02:43Z

Jain13tushar:

{{short description|Indian actor}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2021}}
{{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 a promotional event for ''[[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 = Asphyxia due to hanging (case under investigation)
| occupation = Actor
| years_active = 2008–2020
| alma_mater =
| height = 183 cm
}}

'''Sushant Singh Rajput''' (21 January 1986 – 14 June 2020) was an Indian actor best known for his work in [[Bollywood|Hindi cinema]].<ref name=":16" /> He starred in a number of commercially successful Bollywood films such as ''[[M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story]]'' (2016), ''[[Kedarnath (film)|Kedarnath]]'' (2018) ''and [[Chhichhore]]'' (2019). Due to his contribution to the film industry, he received a [[Screen Award]] and was nominated for the [[Filmfare Awards]] on three occasions.

Rajput started his 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 Bollywood debut in the film adaptation ''[[Kai Po Che!]]'' (2013) which became a commercial and critical success. Followed by his starring role in the romantic comedy ''[[Shuddh Desi Romance]]'' (2013) and the role of the [[Byomkesh Bakshi|titular detective]] in the action thriller ''[[Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!]]'' (2015).

He also starred in a number of other films such as the reincarnation drama ''[[Raabta (film)|Raabta]]'' (2017), the historical drama ''[[Sonchiriya]]'' (2019) and the action-thriller ''[[Drive (2019 film)|Drive]]'' (2019). His highest-grossing releases came with a supporting role in the satire ''[[PK (film)|PK]]'' (2014), and from the titular 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]] and became the winning nomination at the [[Indian Film Festival of Melbourne]]. Apart from acting, he was the founder of a nonprofit organization and has been credited as the co-founder of a technological startup.

Rajput died with asphyxia due to hanging at his home in [[Bandra|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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> His father is a retired technical officer and worked at Bihar State Handloom Corporation in Patna.<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}}</ref> He was the youngest of five siblings and had the nickname of 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}}</ref> One of his four sisters Mitu Singh would become a state-level cricket player.<ref name=":3" /> He attended the [[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}}</ref> His family moved to Delhi following his mother's death in 2002 where Rajput completed his schooling for intermediate studies in [[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}}</ref> He secured an admission in the Delhi College of Engineering (later renamed to [[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}}</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}}</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 afterwards, 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> He featured as a background dancer in the ''Dhoom Again'' song of ''[[Dhoom 2]]'' and in [[Ashwariya 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}}</ref> In 2006,<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}}</ref> he dropped out of his engineering course during his fourth year to begin a career in arts and performance.<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}}</ref> He moved to [[Mumbai]], took up odd jobs and small roles while 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}}</ref> In Mumbai, Rajput 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}}</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}}</ref>

Rajput was spotted by a casting team of [[Balaji Telefilms]] while he was working at the [[Prithvi Theatre]].<ref name=":0" /> He 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}}</ref><ref name=":10" /> He had secured the role of Preet Singh Juneja, the step brother 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|medium=Bollywood Hungama}}</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}}</ref>

Rajput continued to act in ''Pavitra Rishta'' from its first airing on 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> Rajput made a later reappearance in the final episode of ''Pavitra Rishta'' in 2014 after gaining critical acclaim in [[Bollywood]].<ref name=":9" />

=== 2011–2015: 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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]] was released in 2013 and became a commercial and critical 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

Before the release of his debut film ''Kai Po Che!'', Rajput was signed in by [[Raj Kumar Hirani]] for a role in the [[Aamir Khan]] starring 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> and failed to perform well in the [[box office]] but still received a positive critical reception.<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}}</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}}</ref> In September 2013, Rajput began collaborating with Shekhar Kapur for his upcoming project ''Paani'', a film set in the future which showcased a world where wars where 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/}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> In the aftermath, Rajput ended his contract with 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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Shetty|first=Karishma|date=30 May 2017|title=Sushant Singh Rajput on burying the hatchet with Aditya Chopra: That's for him to decide|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/379528/sushant-singh-rajput-his-fallout-aditya-chopra-im-completely-fearless-dont|access-date=11 September 2020|website=Pinkvilla}}</ref>

=== 2015–2018: 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}}</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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|others=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}}</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}}</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=[[CNN-News18]]|agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service]]}}</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]]}}</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}}</ref> Rajput received critical acclaim for his performance and nominations to a number of prestigious 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>
[[File:Sushant Singh Rajput & Kriti Sanon promoting their film RAABTA at Kolkata, by Sourendra Kumar Das, Sou BoyyJPG.jpg|thumb|326x326px|Rajput with [[Kriti Sanon]] at a promotional event for ''[[Raabta (film)|Raabta]]'' in Kolkata.]]
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/}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> In 2017, he was featured for first time in [[Forbes India]]'s ''Top 100 Celebrity'' list.<ref>{{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 Unsing 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.}}</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/}}</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 [[Nawazuddin Siddiqui]] and [[R. Madhavan]] and was cast in the role of an astronaut, for which he was even sent to [[NASA]] on a training module in 2017.<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}}</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}}</ref> however he quit the project in the same year reportedly causing displeasure to the producer [[Bunty Walia]] who had publicized 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}}</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}}</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 ''Son Chiraiya'', 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}}</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}}</ref> which subsequently received mixed reviews from critics and ended up 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> Earlier in March 2017, Rajput had also began 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}}</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}}</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}}</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=http://www.timesofisrael.com/wooed-by-israel-funding-bollywood-movie-filmed-in-tel-aviv/|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Times of Israel|language=en-US}}</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}}</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? - Entertainment News , Firstpost|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/has-sushant-singh-rajput-jacqueline-fernandez-starrer-drive-been-indefinitely-postponed-4598461.html|website=Firstpost}}</ref>
[[File:SSR & Sara Ali Khan in Kedarnath.jpg|left|thumb|Rajput and [[Sara Ali Khan]] at the set of ''[[Kedarnath (film)|Kedarnath]]'' post production.]]
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 (film)|Kerdarnath]]''.<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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

=== 2018–2020: Entrepreneurial debut and later career ===
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}}</ref> Rajput and Mathur were credited as the co-founders and set to make an investment of {{INRConvert|300|c|lk=|year=2018}} in the company.<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}}</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/}}</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}}</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}}</ref> Subsequently, Innsaei Ventures set up a fund of {{INRConvert|20|c|lk=|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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

In early 2018, Rajput begun 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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 (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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> and became the third movie featuring Rajput to gross over {{INRConvert|100|c|lk=|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}}</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}}</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/amp/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}}</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}}</ref> In September 2019, a second company named Vividrage Rhealtyx was registered with a paid up capital of {{INRConvert|1|l|lk=|year=2019}}; Rajput became one of the three directors of the company, the others being [[Rhea Chakraborty]] and Showik Chakraborty.<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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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 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}}</ref> Prior to that, on behalf of one of his fans, he donated {{INRConvert|1|c|lk=}} to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund following the [[2018 Kerala floods]].<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}}</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}}</ref> In 2019, he featured second time in Forbes' annual ''Top 100 Celebrity'' list.<ref>{{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}}</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}}</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 [[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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> During the time of 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 (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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> Reportedly, Rajput was in talks a day before his death with a director 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}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:Sushant_Singh_Rajput_with_Ankita_Lokhande_at_KAI_PO_CHE's_premiere.jpg|thumb|236x236px|Rajput with Lokhande at ''[[Kai Po Che]]''{{'}}s premiere]]
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}}</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}}</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}}</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/}}</ref> In 2012, they began living together,<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 January 2016|title=Marrying Ankita in December 2016: Sushant Singh Rajput confirms|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/getting-married-in-december-2016-sushant-singh-rajput-confirms/story-lw8J4pXcxV8WOufxLTnF7K.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> In January 2016, Rajput confirmed that a lavish wedding would take place in December,<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 January 2016|title=Marrying Ankita in December 2016: Sushant Singh Rajput confirms|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/getting-married-in-december-2016-sushant-singh-rajput-confirms/story-lw8J4pXcxV8WOufxLTnF7K.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> 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}}</ref> In an 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}}</ref>

After the breakup, Rajput's relationship status became the subject of speculation and gossip.<ref name=":29" /> He was rumored 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> That same year, he became the co-owner of ''Delhi Gladiators'', a team in [[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}}</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/}}</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.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/sushant-singh-rajput-was-obsessed-with-space-a-bright-spark-among-bollywood-stars-1.1034218|access-date=31 July 2020|website=The National}}</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}}</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 [[behavioral 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> When questioned, he reportedly unwittingly confirmed the relationship by stating that if interviewers asked questions which 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

==Death==
{{Main|Death of Sushant Singh Rajput}}
On 14 June 2020, Rajput, aged 34, was found dead, hanging from the ceiling fan<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 |access-date=14 June 2020 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref> in his home in [[Bandra]], Mumbai.<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.}}</ref> He had reportedly shown signs of [[clinical depression]] and was suffering from [[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}}</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}}</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.}}</ref> The Mumbai Police commenced an investigation, stating that the death was being treated as a suicide.<ref>{{Cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|title=Sushant Singh Rajput death case: Police record statements of 3 psychiatrists, psychotherapist as part of probe|work=The Economic Times|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|access-date=30 July 2020}}</ref> The postmortem report stated that the cause of death was "[[asphyxia]] due to hanging.<ref>{{Cite news|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|access-date=30 July 2020|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref name="Web of theories">{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sushant-s-death-embroiled-in-a-web-of-theories/story-TEWZDqHtQRJXoN22jE5cqJ.html |title=Sushant's death embroiled in a web of theories |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=3 August 2020 |access-date=9 August 2020 |last1=Kukreja |first1=Monika Rawal |last2=Suri |first2=Rishabh}}</ref> The autopsy doctors placed 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|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 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput died 10 -12 hours before postmortem: Doctors to Mumbai Police |work=[[India Today]] |date=23 August 2020 |access-date=23 August 2020 |author=Singh, Divyesh}}</ref> No foul play was found.<ref>{{Cite news|date=28 July 2020|first=Vallabh |last=Ozarkar |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|access-date=30 July 2020|website=Mumbai Mirror}}</ref> The [[Organ (anatomy)|viscera]] report likewise ruled out foul play.<ref>{{Cite news|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|access-date=30 July 2020|website=Deccan Herald}}</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}}</ref>

On 31 July, [[Enforcement Directorate]] (ED) filed a case to investigate 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}}</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}}</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}}</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 a 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}}</ref>

On 3 October, Dr. Sudhir Gupta of [[All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi]], leader of a forensic medical team tasked by CBI for assistance, 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}}</ref> Gupta told [[Asian News International]] (ANI), "There were no injuries over the body other than hanging. There were no marks of struggle or 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 |author=Ghosh, Poulomi (editor)}}</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 murder.<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}}</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}}</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 Bhatt
| Debut film
| 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
| Cameo appearance
| <ref name=":23" />
|-
| ''[[Kedarnath (film)|Kedarnath]]''
| Mansoor Khan
|
| <ref name=":35" />
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | 2019
| ''[[Sonchiriya]]''
| Lakhan Singh or Lakhna
|
| rowspan="2" | <ref name=":36" />
|-
| ''[[Chhichhore]]''
| Aniruddh Pathak
|
|-
| ''[[Drive (2019 film)|Drive]]''
| Samar
|
| <ref name=":32" />
|-
! scope="row" | 2020
| ''[[Dil Bechara]]''
| Manny
| 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}}</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}}</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
| <ref name=":22" />
|-
|}

===Music videos===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Performer
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2017
| ''Paas Aao''
| [[Armaan Malik]] & [[Amaal Mallik]]
| Performed alongside ''[[Raabta (film)|Raabta]]'' co-star [[Kriti Sanon]]
| <ref name=":27" />
|-
|}

== Awards and nominations ==
[[File:Shushank Singh Rajput at filmfare.jpg|thumb|upright|240px|Rajput at ''Filmfare Awards'']]
{| 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}}</ref>
|-
| [[BIG Star Entertainment Awards]]
| Best Television Actor (Male)
| {{won}}
|<ref name=awards>{{cite web|title=Sushant Singh Rajput's Biography|url=http://www.koimoi.com/actor/sushant-singh-rajput/|publisher=koimoi|access-date=28 April 2014}}</ref>
|-
| 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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|author=Bollywood Hungama|publisher=bollywoodhungama.com}}</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}}</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|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=21 February 2014 |date=20 February 2014}}</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}}</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}}</ref>
|-
| [[Zee Cine Awards]]
| Best Actor – Male
| {{Nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://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}}</ref>
|-
| [[Stardust Awards]]
| Best Actor
| {{Nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>
|-
|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}}</ref>
|-
|}

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

==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}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh Rajput, Sushant}}
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Indian male soap opera actors]]
[[Category:Male actors from Patna]]
[[Category:Delhi Technological University alumni]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:Deaths due to asphyxia]]

{{en-Wikipedia}}

Sushant Singh Rajput

2021-10-31T13:59:39Z

Jain13tushar:

{{short description|Indian actor}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2021}}
{{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 a promotional event for ''[[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 = Asphyxia due to hanging (case under investigation)
| occupation = Actor
| years_active = 2008–2020
| alma_mater =
| height = 183 cm
}}

'''Sushant Singh Rajput''' (21 January 1986 – 14 June 2020) was an Indian actor best known for his work in [[Bollywood|Hindi cinema]].<ref name=":16" /> He starred in a number of commercially successful Bollywood films such as ''[[M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story]]'' (2016), ''[[Kedarnath (film)|Kedarnath]]'' (2018) ''and [[Chhichhore]]'' (2019). Due to his contribution to the film industry, he received a [[Screen Award]] and was nominated for the [[Filmfare Awards]] on three occasions.

Rajput started his 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 Bollywood debut in the film adaptation ''[[Kai Po Che!]]'' (2013) which became a commercial and critical success. Followed by his starring role in the romantic comedy ''[[Shuddh Desi Romance]]'' (2013) and the role of the [[Byomkesh Bakshi|titular detective]] in the action thriller ''[[Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!]]'' (2015).

He also starred in a number of other films such as the reincarnation drama ''[[Raabta (film)|Raabta]]'' (2017), the historical drama ''[[Sonchiriya]]'' (2019) and the action-thriller ''[[Drive (2019 film)|Drive]]'' (2019). His highest-grossing releases came with a supporting role in the satire ''[[PK (film)|PK]]'' (2014), and from the titular 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]] and became the winning nomination at the [[Indian Film Festival of Melbourne]]. Apart from acting, he was the founder of a nonprofit organization and has been credited as the co-founder of a technological startup.

Rajput died with asphyxia due to hanging at his home in [[Bandra|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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> His father is a retired technical officer and worked at Bihar State Handloom Corporation in Patna.<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}}</ref> He was the youngest of five siblings and had the nickname of 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}}</ref> One of his four sisters Mitu Singh would become a state-level cricket player.<ref name=":3" /> He attended the [[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}}</ref> His family moved to Delhi following his mother's death in 2002 where Rajput completed his schooling for intermediate studies in [[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}}</ref> He secured an admission in the Delhi College of Engineering (later renamed to [[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}}</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}}</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 afterwards, 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> He featured as a background dancer in the ''Dhoom Again'' song of ''[[Dhoom 2]]'' and in [[Ashwariya 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}}</ref> In 2006,<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}}</ref> he dropped out of his engineering course during his fourth year to begin a career in arts and performance.<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}}</ref> He moved to [[Mumbai]], took up odd jobs and small roles while 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}}</ref> In Mumbai, Rajput 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}}</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}}</ref>

Rajput was spotted by a casting team of [[Balaji Telefilms]] while he was working at the [[Prithvi Theatre]].<ref name=":0" /> He 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}}</ref><ref name=":10" /> He had secured the role of Preet Singh Juneja, the step brother 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|medium=Bollywood Hungama}}</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}}</ref>

Rajput continued to act in ''Pavitra Rishta'' from its first airing on 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> Rajput made a later reappearance in the final episode of ''Pavitra Rishta'' in 2014 after gaining critical acclaim in [[Bollywood]].<ref name=":9" />

=== 2011–2015: 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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]] was released in 2013 and became a commercial and critical 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

Before the release of his debut film ''Kai Po Che!'', Rajput was signed in by [[Raj Kumar Hirani]] for a role in the [[Aamir Khan]] starring 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> and failed to perform well in the [[box office]] but still received a positive critical reception.<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}}</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}}</ref> In September 2013, Rajput began collaborating with Shekhar Kapur for his upcoming project ''Paani'', a film set in the future which showcased a world where wars where 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/}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> In the aftermath, Rajput ended his contract with 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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Shetty|first=Karishma|date=30 May 2017|title=Sushant Singh Rajput on burying the hatchet with Aditya Chopra: That's for him to decide|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/379528/sushant-singh-rajput-his-fallout-aditya-chopra-im-completely-fearless-dont|access-date=11 September 2020|website=Pinkvilla}}</ref>

=== 2015–2018: 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}}</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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|others=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}}</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}}</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=[[CNN-News18]]|agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service]]}}</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]]}}</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}}</ref> Rajput received critical acclaim for his performance and nominations to a number of prestigious 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>
[[File:Sushant Singh Rajput & Kriti Sanon promoting their film RAABTA at Kolkata, by Sourendra Kumar Das, Sou BoyyJPG.jpg|thumb|326x326px|Rajput with [[Kriti Sanon]] at a promotional event for ''[[Raabta (film)|Raabta]]'' in Kolkata.]]
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/}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> In 2017, he was featured for first time in [[Forbes India]]'s ''Top 100 Celebrity'' list.<ref>{{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 Unsing 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.}}</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/}}</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 [[Nawazuddin Siddiqui]] and [[R. Madhavan]] and was cast in the role of an astronaut, for which he was even sent to [[NASA]] on a training module in 2017.<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}}</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}}</ref> however he quit the project in the same year reportedly causing displeasure to the producer [[Bunty Walia]] who had publicized 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}}</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}}</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 ''Son Chiraiya'', 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}}</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}}</ref> which subsequently received mixed reviews from critics and ended up 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> Earlier in March 2017, Rajput had also began 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}}</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}}</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}}</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=http://www.timesofisrael.com/wooed-by-israel-funding-bollywood-movie-filmed-in-tel-aviv/|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Times of Israel|language=en-US}}</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}}</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? - Entertainment News , Firstpost|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/has-sushant-singh-rajput-jacqueline-fernandez-starrer-drive-been-indefinitely-postponed-4598461.html|website=Firstpost}}</ref>
[[File:SSR & Sara Ali Khan in Kedarnath.jpg|left|thumb|Rajput and [[Sara Ali Khan]] at the set of ''[[Kedarnath (film)|Kedarnath]]'' post production.]]
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 (film)|Kerdarnath]]''.<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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

=== 2018–2020: Entrepreneurial debut and later career ===
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}}</ref> Rajput and Mathur were credited as the co-founders and set to make an investment of {{INRConvert|300|c|lk=|year=2018}} in the company.<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}}</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/}}</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}}</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}}</ref> Subsequently, Innsaei Ventures set up a fund of {{INRConvert|20|c|lk=|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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

In early 2018, Rajput begun 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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 (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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> and became the third movie featuring Rajput to gross over {{INRConvert|100|c|lk=|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}}</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}}</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/amp/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}}</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}}</ref> In September 2019, a second company named Vividrage Rhealtyx was registered with a paid up capital of {{INRConvert|1|l|lk=|year=2019}}; Rajput became one of the three directors of the company, the others being [[Rhea Chakraborty]] and Showik Chakraborty.<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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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 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}}</ref> Prior to that, on behalf of one of his fans, he donated {{INRConvert|1|c|lk=}} to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund following the [[2018 Kerala floods]].<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}}</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}}</ref> In 2019, he featured second time in Forbes' annual ''Top 100 Celebrity'' list.<ref>{{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}}</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}}</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 [[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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> During the time of 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 (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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> Reportedly, Rajput was in talks a day before his death with a director 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}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:Sushant_Singh_Rajput_with_Ankita_Lokhande_at_KAI_PO_CHE's_premiere.jpg|thumb|236x236px|Rajput with Lokhande at ''[[Kai Po Che]]''{{'}}s premiere]]
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}}</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}}</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}}</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/}}</ref> In 2012, they began living together,<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 January 2016|title=Marrying Ankita in December 2016: Sushant Singh Rajput confirms|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/getting-married-in-december-2016-sushant-singh-rajput-confirms/story-lw8J4pXcxV8WOufxLTnF7K.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> In January 2016, Rajput confirmed that a lavish wedding would take place in December,<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 January 2016|title=Marrying Ankita in December 2016: Sushant Singh Rajput confirms|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/getting-married-in-december-2016-sushant-singh-rajput-confirms/story-lw8J4pXcxV8WOufxLTnF7K.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> 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}}</ref> In an 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}}</ref>

After the breakup, Rajput's relationship status became the subject of speculation and gossip.<ref name=":29" /> He was rumored 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> That same year, he became the co-owner of ''Delhi Gladiators'', a team in [[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}}</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/}}</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.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/sushant-singh-rajput-was-obsessed-with-space-a-bright-spark-among-bollywood-stars-1.1034218|access-date=31 July 2020|website=The National}}</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}}</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 [[behavioral 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> When questioned, he reportedly unwittingly confirmed the relationship by stating that if interviewers asked questions which 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

==Death==
{{Main|Death of Sushant Singh Rajput}}
On 14 June 2020, Rajput, aged 34, was found dead, hanging from the ceiling fan<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 |access-date=14 June 2020 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref> in his home in [[Bandra]], Mumbai.<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.}}</ref> He had reportedly shown signs of [[clinical depression]] and was suffering from [[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}}</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}}</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.}}</ref> The Mumbai Police commenced an investigation, stating that the death was being treated as a suicide.<ref>{{Cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|title=Sushant Singh Rajput death case: Police record statements of 3 psychiatrists, psychotherapist as part of probe|work=The Economic Times|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|access-date=30 July 2020}}</ref> The postmortem report stated that the cause of death was "[[asphyxia]] due to hanging.<ref>{{Cite news|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|access-date=30 July 2020|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref name="Web of theories">{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sushant-s-death-embroiled-in-a-web-of-theories/story-TEWZDqHtQRJXoN22jE5cqJ.html |title=Sushant's death embroiled in a web of theories |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=3 August 2020 |access-date=9 August 2020 |last1=Kukreja |first1=Monika Rawal |last2=Suri |first2=Rishabh}}</ref> The autopsy doctors placed 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|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 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput died 10 -12 hours before postmortem: Doctors to Mumbai Police |work=[[India Today]] |date=23 August 2020 |access-date=23 August 2020 |author=Singh, Divyesh}}</ref> No foul play was found.<ref>{{Cite news|date=28 July 2020|first=Vallabh |last=Ozarkar |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|access-date=30 July 2020|website=Mumbai Mirror}}</ref> The [[Organ (anatomy)|viscera]] report likewise ruled out foul play.<ref>{{Cite news|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|access-date=30 July 2020|website=Deccan Herald}}</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}}</ref>

On 31 July, [[Enforcement Directorate]] (ED) filed a case to investigate 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

On 3 October, Dr. Sudhir Gupta of [[All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi]], leader of a forensic medical team tasked by CBI for assistance, 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}}</ref> Gupta told [[Asian News International]] (ANI), "There were no injuries over the body other than hanging. There were no marks of struggle or 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 |author=Ghosh, Poulomi (editor)}}</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 murder.<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}}</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}}</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 Bhatt
| Debut film
| 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
| Cameo appearance
| <ref name=":23" />
|-
| ''[[Kedarnath (film)|Kedarnath]]''
| Mansoor Khan
|
| <ref name=":35" />
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | 2019
| ''[[Sonchiriya]]''
| Lakhan Singh or Lakhna
|
| rowspan="2" | <ref name=":36" />
|-
| ''[[Chhichhore]]''
| Aniruddh Pathak
|
|-
| ''[[Drive (2019 film)|Drive]]''
| Samar
|
| <ref name=":32" />
|-
! scope="row" | 2020
| ''[[Dil Bechara]]''
| Manny
| 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}}</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}}</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
| <ref name=":22" />
|-
|}

===Music videos===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Performer
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2017
| ''Paas Aao''
| [[Armaan Malik]] & [[Amaal Mallik]]
| Performed alongside ''[[Raabta (film)|Raabta]]'' co-star [[Kriti Sanon]]
| <ref name=":27" />
|-
|}

== Awards and nominations ==
[[File:Shushank Singh Rajput at filmfare.jpg|thumb|upright|240px|Rajput at ''Filmfare Awards'']]
{| 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}}</ref>
|-
| [[BIG Star Entertainment Awards]]
| Best Television Actor (Male)
| {{won}}
|<ref name=awards>{{cite web|title=Sushant Singh Rajput's Biography|url=http://www.koimoi.com/actor/sushant-singh-rajput/|publisher=koimoi|access-date=28 April 2014}}</ref>
|-
| 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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|author=Bollywood Hungama|publisher=bollywoodhungama.com}}</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}}</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|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=21 February 2014 |date=20 February 2014}}</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}}</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}}</ref>
|-
| [[Zee Cine Awards]]
| Best Actor – Male
| {{Nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://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}}</ref>
|-
| [[Stardust Awards]]
| Best Actor
| {{Nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>
|-
|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}}</ref>
|-
|}

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

==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}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh Rajput, Sushant}}
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Indian male soap opera actors]]
[[Category:Male actors from Patna]]
[[Category:Delhi Technological University alumni]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:Deaths due to asphyxia]]

{{en-Wikipedia}}

Sushant Singh Rajput

2021-10-31T13:57:24Z

Jain13tushar:

{{short description|Indian actor}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2021}}
{{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 a promotional event for ''[[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 = Asphyxia due to hanging (case under investigation)
| occupation = Actor
| years_active = 2008–2020
| alma_mater =
| height = 183 cm
}}

'''Sushant Singh Rajput''' (21 January 1986 – 14 June 2020) was an Indian actor best known for his work in [[Bollywood|Hindi cinema]].<ref name=":16" /> He starred in a number of commercially successful Bollywood films such as ''[[M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story]]'' (2016), ''[[Kedarnath (film)|Kedarnath]]'' (2018) ''and [[Chhichhore]]'' (2019). Due to his contribution to the film industry, he received a [[Screen Award]] and was nominated for the [[Filmfare Awards]] on three occasions.

Rajput started his 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 Bollywood debut in the film adaptation ''[[Kai Po Che!]]'' (2013) which became a commercial and critical success. Followed by his starring role in the romantic comedy ''[[Shuddh Desi Romance]]'' (2013) and the role of the [[Byomkesh Bakshi|titular detective]] in the action thriller ''[[Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!]]'' (2015).

He also starred in a number of other films such as the reincarnation drama ''[[Raabta (film)|Raabta]]'' (2017), the historical drama ''[[Sonchiriya]]'' (2019) and the action-thriller ''[[Drive (2019 film)|Drive]]'' (2019). His highest-grossing releases came with a supporting role in the satire ''[[PK (film)|PK]]'' (2014), and from the titular 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]] and became the winning nomination at the [[Indian Film Festival of Melbourne]]. Apart from acting, he was the founder of a non profit organization and has been credited as the co-founder of a technological startup.

Rajput died with asphyxia due to hanging at his home in [[Bandra|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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> His father is a retired technical officer and worked at Bihar State Handloom Corporation in Patna.<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}}</ref> He was the youngest of five siblings and had the nickname of 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}}</ref> One of his four sisters Mitu Singh would become a state-level cricket player.<ref name=":3" /> He attended the [[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}}</ref> His family moved to Delhi following his mother's death in 2002 where Rajput completed his schooling for intermediate studies in [[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}}</ref> He secured an admission in the Delhi College of Engineering (later renamed to [[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}}</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}}</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 afterwards, 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> He featured as a background dancer in the ''Dhoom Again'' song of ''[[Dhoom 2]]'' and in [[Ashwariya 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}}</ref> In 2006,<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}}</ref> he dropped out of his engineering course during his fourth year to begin a career in arts and performance.<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}}</ref> He moved to [[Mumbai]], took up odd jobs and small roles while 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}}</ref> In Mumbai, Rajput 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}}</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}}</ref>

Rajput was spotted by a casting team of [[Balaji Telefilms]] while he was working at the [[Prithvi Theatre]].<ref name=":0" /> He 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}}</ref><ref name=":10" /> He had secured the role of Preet Singh Juneja, the step brother 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|medium=Bollywood Hungama}}</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}}</ref>

Rajput continued to act in ''Pavitra Rishta'' from its first airing on 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> Rajput made a later reappearance in the final episode of ''Pavitra Rishta'' in 2014 after gaining critical acclaim in [[Bollywood]].<ref name=":9" />

=== 2011–2015: 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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]] was released in 2013 and became a commercial and critical 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

Before the release of his debut film ''Kai Po Che!'', Rajput was signed in by [[Raj Kumar Hirani]] for a role in the [[Aamir Khan]] starring 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> and failed to perform well in the [[box office]] but still received a positive critical reception.<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}}</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}}</ref> In September 2013, Rajput began collaborating with Shekhar Kapur for his upcoming project ''Paani'', a film set in the future which showcased a world where wars where 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/}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> In the aftermath, Rajput ended his contract with 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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Shetty|first=Karishma|date=30 May 2017|title=Sushant Singh Rajput on burying the hatchet with Aditya Chopra: That's for him to decide|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/379528/sushant-singh-rajput-his-fallout-aditya-chopra-im-completely-fearless-dont|access-date=11 September 2020|website=Pinkvilla}}</ref>

=== 2015–2018: 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}}</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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|others=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}}</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}}</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=[[CNN-News18]]|agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service]]}}</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]]}}</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}}</ref> Rajput received critical acclaim for his performance and nominations to a number of prestigious 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>
[[File:Sushant Singh Rajput & Kriti Sanon promoting their film RAABTA at Kolkata, by Sourendra Kumar Das, Sou BoyyJPG.jpg|thumb|326x326px|Rajput with [[Kriti Sanon]] at a promotional event for ''[[Raabta (film)|Raabta]]'' in Kolkata.]]
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/}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> In 2017, he was featured for first time in [[Forbes India]]'s ''Top 100 Celebrity'' list.<ref>{{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 Unsing 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.}}</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/}}</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 [[Nawazuddin Siddiqui]] and [[R. Madhavan]] and was cast in the role of an astronaut, for which he was even sent to [[NASA]] on a training module in 2017.<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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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 ''Son Chiraiya'', 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}}</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}}</ref> which subsequently received mixed reviews from critics and ended up 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> Earlier in March 2017, Rajput had also began 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}}</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}}</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}}</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=http://www.timesofisrael.com/wooed-by-israel-funding-bollywood-movie-filmed-in-tel-aviv/|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Times of Israel|language=en-US}}</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}}</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? - Entertainment News , Firstpost|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/has-sushant-singh-rajput-jacqueline-fernandez-starrer-drive-been-indefinitely-postponed-4598461.html|website=Firstpost}}</ref>
[[File:SSR & Sara Ali Khan in Kedarnath.jpg|left|thumb|Rajput and [[Sara Ali Khan]] at the set of ''[[Kedarnath (film)|Kedarnath]]'' post production.]]
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 (film)|Kerdarnath]]''.<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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

=== 2018–2020: Entrepreneurial debut and later career ===
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}}</ref> Rajput and Mathur were credited as the co-founders and set to make an investment of {{INRConvert|300|c|lk=|year=2018}} in the company.<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}}</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/}}</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}}</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}}</ref> Subsequently, Innsaei Ventures set up a fund of {{INRConvert|20|c|lk=|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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

In early 2018, Rajput begun 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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 (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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> and became the third movie featuring Rajput to gross over {{INRConvert|100|c|lk=|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}}</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}}</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/amp/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}}</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}}</ref> In September 2019, a second company named Vividrage Rhealtyx was registered with a paid up capital of {{INRConvert|1|l|lk=|year=2019}}; Rajput became one of the three directors of the company, the others being [[Rhea Chakraborty]] and Showik Chakraborty.<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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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 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}}</ref> Prior to that, on behalf of one of his fans, he donated {{INRConvert|1|c|lk=}} to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund following the [[2018 Kerala floods]].<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}}</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}}</ref> In 2019, he featured second time in Forbes' annual ''Top 100 Celebrity'' list.<ref>{{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}}</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}}</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 [[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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> During the time of 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 (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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> Reportedly, Rajput was in talks a day before his death with a director 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}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:Sushant_Singh_Rajput_with_Ankita_Lokhande_at_KAI_PO_CHE's_premiere.jpg|thumb|236x236px|Rajput with Lokhande at ''[[Kai Po Che]]''{{'}}s premiere]]
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}}</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}}</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}}</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/}}</ref> In 2012, they began living together,<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 January 2016|title=Marrying Ankita in December 2016: Sushant Singh Rajput confirms|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/getting-married-in-december-2016-sushant-singh-rajput-confirms/story-lw8J4pXcxV8WOufxLTnF7K.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> In January 2016, Rajput confirmed that a lavish wedding would take place in December,<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 January 2016|title=Marrying Ankita in December 2016: Sushant Singh Rajput confirms|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/getting-married-in-december-2016-sushant-singh-rajput-confirms/story-lw8J4pXcxV8WOufxLTnF7K.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> 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}}</ref> In an 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}}</ref>

After the breakup, Rajput's relationship status became the subject of speculation and gossip.<ref name=":29" /> He was rumored 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> That same year, he became the co-owner of ''Delhi Gladiators'', a team in [[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}}</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/}}</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.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/sushant-singh-rajput-was-obsessed-with-space-a-bright-spark-among-bollywood-stars-1.1034218|access-date=31 July 2020|website=The National}}</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}}</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 [[behavioral 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> When questioned, he reportedly unwittingly confirmed the relationship by stating that if interviewers asked questions which 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

==Death==
{{Main|Death of Sushant Singh Rajput}}
On 14 June 2020, Rajput, aged 34, was found dead, hanging from the ceiling fan<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 |access-date=14 June 2020 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref> in his home in [[Bandra]], Mumbai.<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.}}</ref> He had reportedly shown signs of [[clinical depression]] and was suffering from [[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}}</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}}</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.}}</ref> The Mumbai Police commenced an investigation, stating that the death was being treated as a suicide.<ref>{{Cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|title=Sushant Singh Rajput death case: Police record statements of 3 psychiatrists, psychotherapist as part of probe|work=The Economic Times|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|access-date=30 July 2020}}</ref> The postmortem report stated that the cause of death was "[[asphyxia]] due to hanging.<ref>{{Cite news|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|access-date=30 July 2020|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref name="Web of theories">{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sushant-s-death-embroiled-in-a-web-of-theories/story-TEWZDqHtQRJXoN22jE5cqJ.html |title=Sushant's death embroiled in a web of theories |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=3 August 2020 |access-date=9 August 2020 |last1=Kukreja |first1=Monika Rawal |last2=Suri |first2=Rishabh}}</ref> The autopsy doctors placed 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|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 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput died 10 -12 hours before postmortem: Doctors to Mumbai Police |work=[[India Today]] |date=23 August 2020 |access-date=23 August 2020 |author=Singh, Divyesh}}</ref> No foul play was found.<ref>{{Cite news|date=28 July 2020|first=Vallabh |last=Ozarkar |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|access-date=30 July 2020|website=Mumbai Mirror}}</ref> The [[Organ (anatomy)|viscera]] report likewise ruled out foul play.<ref>{{Cite news|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|access-date=30 July 2020|website=Deccan Herald}}</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}}</ref>

On 31 July, [[Enforcement Directorate]] (ED) filed a case to investigate 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

On 3 October, Dr. Sudhir Gupta of [[All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi]], leader of a forensic medical team tasked by CBI for assistance, 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}}</ref> Gupta told [[Asian News International]] (ANI), "There were no injuries over the body other than hanging. There were no marks of struggle or 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 |author=Ghosh, Poulomi (editor)}}</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 murder.<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}}</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}}</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 Bhatt
| Debut film
| 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
| Cameo appearance
| <ref name=":23" />
|-
| ''[[Kedarnath (film)|Kedarnath]]''
| Mansoor Khan
|
| <ref name=":35" />
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | 2019
| ''[[Sonchiriya]]''
| Lakhan Singh or Lakhna
|
| rowspan="2" | <ref name=":36" />
|-
| ''[[Chhichhore]]''
| Aniruddh Pathak
|
|-
| ''[[Drive (2019 film)|Drive]]''
| Samar
|
| <ref name=":32" />
|-
! scope="row" | 2020
| ''[[Dil Bechara]]''
| Manny
| 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}}</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}}</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
| <ref name=":22" />
|-
|}

===Music videos===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Performer
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2017
| ''Paas Aao''
| [[Armaan Malik]] & [[Amaal Mallik]]
| Performed alongside ''[[Raabta (film)|Raabta]]'' co-star [[Kriti Sanon]]
| <ref name=":27" />
|-
|}

== Awards and nominations ==
[[File:Shushank Singh Rajput at filmfare.jpg|thumb|upright|240px|Rajput at ''Filmfare Awards'']]
{| 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}}</ref>
|-
| [[BIG Star Entertainment Awards]]
| Best Television Actor (Male)
| {{won}}
|<ref name=awards>{{cite web|title=Sushant Singh Rajput's Biography|url=http://www.koimoi.com/actor/sushant-singh-rajput/|publisher=koimoi|access-date=28 April 2014}}</ref>
|-
| 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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|author=Bollywood Hungama|publisher=bollywoodhungama.com}}</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}}</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|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=21 February 2014 |date=20 February 2014}}</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}}</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}}</ref>
|-
| [[Zee Cine Awards]]
| Best Actor – Male
| {{Nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://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}}</ref>
|-
| [[Stardust Awards]]
| Best Actor
| {{Nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>
|-
|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}}</ref>
|-
|}

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

==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}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh Rajput, Sushant}}
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Indian male soap opera actors]]
[[Category:Male actors from Patna]]
[[Category:Delhi Technological University alumni]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:Deaths due to asphyxia]]

{{en-Wikipedia}}

Sushant Singh Rajput

2021-10-31T13:56:26Z

Jain13tushar:

{{short description|Indian actor}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2021}}
{{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 a promotional event for ''[[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 = Asphyxia due to hanging (case under investigation)
| occupation = Actor
| years_active = 2008–2020
| alma_mater =
| height = 183 cm
}}

'''Sushant Singh Rajput''' (21 January 1986 – 14 June 2020) was an Indian actor best known for his work in [[Bollywood|Hindi cinema]].<ref name=":16" /> He starred in a number of commercially successful Bollywood films such as ''[[M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story]]'' (2016), ''[[Kedarnath (film)|Kedarnath]]'' (2018) ''and [[Chhichhore]]'' (2019). Due to his contribution to the film industry, he received a [[Screen Award]] and was nominated for the [[Filmfare Awards]] on three occasions.

Rajput started his 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 Bollywood debut in the film adaptation ''[[Kai Po Che!]]'' (2013) which became a commercial and critical success. Followed by his starring role in the romantic comedy ''[[Shuddh Desi Romance]]'' (2013) and the role of the [[Byomkesh Bakshi|titular detective]] in the action thriller ''[[Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!]]'' (2015).

He also starred in a number of other films such as the reincarnation drama ''[[Raabta (film)|Raabta]]'' (2017), the historical drama ''[[Sonchiriya]]'' (2019) and the action thriller ''[[Drive (2019 film)|Drive]]'' (2019). His highest-grossing releases came with a supporting role in the satire ''[[PK (film)|PK]]'' (2014), and from the titular 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]] and became the winning nomination at the [[Indian Film Festival of Melbourne]]. Apart from acting, he was the founder of a non profit organisation and has been credited as the co-founder of a technological startup.

Rajput died with asphyxia due to hanging at his home in [[Bandra|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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> His father is a retired technical officer and worked at Bihar State Handloom Corporation in Patna.<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}}</ref> He was the youngest of five siblings and had the nickname of 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}}</ref> One of his four sisters Mitu Singh would become a state-level cricket player.<ref name=":3" /> He attended the [[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}}</ref> His family moved to Delhi following his mother's death in 2002 where Rajput completed his schooling for intermediate studies in [[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}}</ref> He secured an admission in the Delhi College of Engineering (later renamed to [[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}}</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}}</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 afterwards, 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> He featured as a background dancer in the ''Dhoom Again'' song of ''[[Dhoom 2]]'' and in [[Ashwariya 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}}</ref> In 2006,<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}}</ref> he dropped out of his engineering course during his fourth year to begin a career in arts and performance.<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}}</ref> He moved to [[Mumbai]], took up odd jobs and small roles while 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}}</ref> In Mumbai, Rajput 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}}</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}}</ref>

Rajput was spotted by a casting team of [[Balaji Telefilms]] while he was working at the [[Prithvi Theatre]].<ref name=":0" /> He 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}}</ref><ref name=":10" /> He had secured the role of Preet Singh Juneja, the step brother 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|medium=Bollywood Hungama}}</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}}</ref>

Rajput continued to act in ''Pavitra Rishta'' from its first airing on 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> Rajput made a later reappearance in the final episode of ''Pavitra Rishta'' in 2014 after gaining critical acclaim in [[Bollywood]].<ref name=":9" />

=== 2011–2015: 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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]] was released in 2013 and became a commercial and critical 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

Before the release of his debut film ''Kai Po Che!'', Rajput was signed in by [[Raj Kumar Hirani]] for a role in the [[Aamir Khan]] starring 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> and failed to perform well in the [[box office]] but still received a positive critical reception.<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}}</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}}</ref> In September 2013, Rajput began collaborating with Shekhar Kapur for his upcoming project ''Paani'', a film set in the future which showcased a world where wars where 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/}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> In the aftermath, Rajput ended his contract with 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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Shetty|first=Karishma|date=30 May 2017|title=Sushant Singh Rajput on burying the hatchet with Aditya Chopra: That's for him to decide|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/379528/sushant-singh-rajput-his-fallout-aditya-chopra-im-completely-fearless-dont|access-date=11 September 2020|website=Pinkvilla}}</ref>

=== 2015–2018: 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}}</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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|others=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}}</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}}</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=[[CNN-News18]]|agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service]]}}</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]]}}</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}}</ref> Rajput received critical acclaim for his performance and nominations to a number of prestigious 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>
[[File:Sushant Singh Rajput & Kriti Sanon promoting their film RAABTA at Kolkata, by Sourendra Kumar Das, Sou BoyyJPG.jpg|thumb|326x326px|Rajput with [[Kriti Sanon]] at a promotional event for ''[[Raabta (film)|Raabta]]'' in Kolkata.]]
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/}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> In 2017, he was featured for first time in [[Forbes India]]'s ''Top 100 Celebrity'' list.<ref>{{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 Unsing 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.}}</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/}}</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 [[Nawazuddin Siddiqui]] and [[R. Madhavan]] and was cast in the role of an astronaut, for which he was even sent to [[NASA]] on a training module in 2017.<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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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 ''Son Chiraiya'', 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}}</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}}</ref> which subsequently received mixed reviews from critics and ended up 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> Earlier in March 2017, Rajput had also began 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}}</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}}</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}}</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=http://www.timesofisrael.com/wooed-by-israel-funding-bollywood-movie-filmed-in-tel-aviv/|access-date=15 September 2020|website=Times of Israel|language=en-US}}</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}}</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? - Entertainment News , Firstpost|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/has-sushant-singh-rajput-jacqueline-fernandez-starrer-drive-been-indefinitely-postponed-4598461.html|website=Firstpost}}</ref>
[[File:SSR & Sara Ali Khan in Kedarnath.jpg|left|thumb|Rajput and [[Sara Ali Khan]] at the set of ''[[Kedarnath (film)|Kedarnath]]'' post production.]]
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 (film)|Kerdarnath]]''.<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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

=== 2018–2020: Entrepreneurial debut and later career ===
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}}</ref> Rajput and Mathur were credited as the co-founders and set to make an investment of {{INRConvert|300|c|lk=|year=2018}} in the company.<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}}</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/}}</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}}</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}}</ref> Subsequently, Innsaei Ventures set up a fund of {{INRConvert|20|c|lk=|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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

In early 2018, Rajput begun 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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 (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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> and became the third movie featuring Rajput to gross over {{INRConvert|100|c|lk=|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}}</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}}</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/amp/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}}</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}}</ref> In September 2019, a second company named Vividrage Rhealtyx was registered with a paid up capital of {{INRConvert|1|l|lk=|year=2019}}; Rajput became one of the three directors of the company, the others being [[Rhea Chakraborty]] and Showik Chakraborty.<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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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 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}}</ref> Prior to that, on behalf of one of his fans, he donated {{INRConvert|1|c|lk=}} to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund following the [[2018 Kerala floods]].<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}}</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}}</ref> In 2019, he featured second time in Forbes' annual ''Top 100 Celebrity'' list.<ref>{{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}}</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}}</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 [[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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> During the time of 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 (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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> Reportedly, Rajput was in talks a day before his death with a director 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}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:Sushant_Singh_Rajput_with_Ankita_Lokhande_at_KAI_PO_CHE's_premiere.jpg|thumb|236x236px|Rajput with Lokhande at ''[[Kai Po Che]]''{{'}}s premiere]]
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}}</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}}</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}}</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/}}</ref> In 2012, they began living together,<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 January 2016|title=Marrying Ankita in December 2016: Sushant Singh Rajput confirms|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/getting-married-in-december-2016-sushant-singh-rajput-confirms/story-lw8J4pXcxV8WOufxLTnF7K.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> In January 2016, Rajput confirmed that a lavish wedding would take place in December,<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 January 2016|title=Marrying Ankita in December 2016: Sushant Singh Rajput confirms|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/getting-married-in-december-2016-sushant-singh-rajput-confirms/story-lw8J4pXcxV8WOufxLTnF7K.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> 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}}</ref> In an 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}}</ref>

After the breakup, Rajput's relationship status became the subject of speculation and gossip.<ref name=":29" /> He was rumored 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> That same year, he became the co-owner of ''Delhi Gladiators'', a team in [[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}}</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/}}</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.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/sushant-singh-rajput-was-obsessed-with-space-a-bright-spark-among-bollywood-stars-1.1034218|access-date=31 July 2020|website=The National}}</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}}</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 [[behavioral 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref> When questioned, he reportedly unwittingly confirmed the relationship by stating that if interviewers asked questions which 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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

==Death==
{{Main|Death of Sushant Singh Rajput}}
On 14 June 2020, Rajput, aged 34, was found dead, hanging from the ceiling fan<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 |access-date=14 June 2020 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref> in his home in [[Bandra]], Mumbai.<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.}}</ref> He had reportedly shown signs of [[clinical depression]] and was suffering from [[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}}</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}}</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.}}</ref> The Mumbai Police commenced an investigation, stating that the death was being treated as a suicide.<ref>{{Cite news|agency=Press Trust of India|title=Sushant Singh Rajput death case: Police record statements of 3 psychiatrists, psychotherapist as part of probe|work=The Economic Times|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|access-date=30 July 2020}}</ref> The postmortem report stated that the cause of death was "[[asphyxia]] due to hanging.<ref>{{Cite news|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|access-date=30 July 2020|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref name="Web of theories">{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sushant-s-death-embroiled-in-a-web-of-theories/story-TEWZDqHtQRJXoN22jE5cqJ.html |title=Sushant's death embroiled in a web of theories |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=3 August 2020 |access-date=9 August 2020 |last1=Kukreja |first1=Monika Rawal |last2=Suri |first2=Rishabh}}</ref> The autopsy doctors placed 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|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 |title=Sushant Singh Rajput died 10 -12 hours before postmortem: Doctors to Mumbai Police |work=[[India Today]] |date=23 August 2020 |access-date=23 August 2020 |author=Singh, Divyesh}}</ref> No foul play was found.<ref>{{Cite news|date=28 July 2020|first=Vallabh |last=Ozarkar |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|access-date=30 July 2020|website=Mumbai Mirror}}</ref> The [[Organ (anatomy)|viscera]] report likewise ruled out foul play.<ref>{{Cite news|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|access-date=30 July 2020|website=Deccan Herald}}</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}}</ref>

On 31 July, [[Enforcement Directorate]] (ED) filed a case to investigate 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>

On 3 October, Dr. Sudhir Gupta of [[All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi]], leader of a forensic medical team tasked by CBI for assistance, 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}}</ref> Gupta told [[Asian News International]] (ANI), "There were no injuries over the body other than hanging. There were no marks of struggle or 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 |author=Ghosh, Poulomi (editor)}}</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 murder.<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}}</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}}</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 Bhatt
| Debut film
| 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
| Cameo appearance
| <ref name=":23" />
|-
| ''[[Kedarnath (film)|Kedarnath]]''
| Mansoor Khan
|
| <ref name=":35" />
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | 2019
| ''[[Sonchiriya]]''
| Lakhan Singh or Lakhna
|
| rowspan="2" | <ref name=":36" />
|-
| ''[[Chhichhore]]''
| Aniruddh Pathak
|
|-
| ''[[Drive (2019 film)|Drive]]''
| Samar
|
| <ref name=":32" />
|-
! scope="row" | 2020
| ''[[Dil Bechara]]''
| Manny
| 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}}</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}}</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
| <ref name=":22" />
|-
|}

===Music videos===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Performer
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2017
| ''Paas Aao''
| [[Armaan Malik]] & [[Amaal Mallik]]
| Performed alongside ''[[Raabta (film)|Raabta]]'' co-star [[Kriti Sanon]]
| <ref name=":27" />
|-
|}

== Awards and nominations ==
[[File:Shushank Singh Rajput at filmfare.jpg|thumb|upright|240px|Rajput at ''Filmfare Awards'']]
{| 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}}</ref>
|-
| [[BIG Star Entertainment Awards]]
| Best Television Actor (Male)
| {{won}}
|<ref name=awards>{{cite web|title=Sushant Singh Rajput's Biography|url=http://www.koimoi.com/actor/sushant-singh-rajput/|publisher=koimoi|access-date=28 April 2014}}</ref>
|-
| 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}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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|author=Bollywood Hungama|publisher=bollywoodhungama.com}}</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}}</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|publisher=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=21 February 2014 |date=20 February 2014}}</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}}</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}}</ref>
|-
| [[Zee Cine Awards]]
| Best Actor – Male
| {{Nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://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}}</ref>
|-
| [[Stardust Awards]]
| Best Actor
| {{Nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://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}}</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}}</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}}</ref>
|-
|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}}</ref>
|-
|}

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

==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}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh Rajput, Sushant}}
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Indian male soap opera actors]]
[[Category:Male actors from Patna]]
[[Category:Delhi Technological University alumni]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:Deaths due to asphyxia]]

{{en-Wikipedia}}

Draft:Vijay Shekhar Sharma

2021-10-31T13:52:57Z

Jain13tushar: /* Review */ new section

{{AFC submission/draft}}

{{Short description|founder and CEO of Paytm}}
{{POV|date=May 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Vijay Shekhar Sharma
| image =
| alt = 
| caption = Vijay Shekhar Sharma
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1978|06|7|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Aligarh]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], India
| education =
| alma_mater = [[Delhi College of Engineering]]
| occupation = Businessman
| known_for = Founder & CEO of [[Paytm]]
| net_worth = [[United States dollar|US$]]2.3 billion (February 2021)<ref name="Forbes profile">{{cite news|title=Forbes profile: Vijay Sekhar Sharma |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/vijay-shekhar-sharma/ |work=Forbes |access-date=9 February 2021}}</ref>
| spouse = {{marriage|Mridula Parashar|2015}}
| children = 1
| awards = [[Yash Bharati]]
| website = 
}}

'''Vijay Shekhar Sharma''' (born 1978) is an Indian [[billionaire]] businessman. He is the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of financial technology company [[Paytm]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/at-37-he-has-a-billion-dollar-firm-what-vijay-sharma-overcame-1209157|title=Began College at 15, Has Billion-Dollar Firm at 37|first=Natasha|last=Jog|date=20 August 2015|work=NDTV.com}}</ref> He was ranked as India's youngest billionaire in 2017 by ''[[Forbes]]'' with a net worth of $1.3 billion.<ref name=forbes>{{Cite web|url=http://www.forbesindia.com/article/special/paytms-vijay-shekhar-sharma-ranked-indias-youngest-billionaire-in-forbess-latest-list/46399/1|title=Paytm's Vijay Shekhar Sharma ranked India's youngest billionaire in Forbes's latest list {{!}} Forbes India|last=Giri|first=Manish Kumar|website=Forbes India|language=en-US|access-date=2017-11-29}}</ref> He has been featured in ''[[Time Magazine]]''s World's 100 Most Influential People 2017 List.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The 100 Most Influential People in the World|url=https://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/|access-date=2020-04-02|website=Time|language=en-us}}</ref> He is the recipient of [[Yash Bharati]], the highest civilian honor of the [[Government of Uttar Pradesh]].<ref name="Yashbharati">{{cite news |title=Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma goes to meet UP CM Akhilesh Yadav ... in a rickshaw! |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/paytm-founder-vijay-shekhar-sharma-goes-to-meet-up-cm-akhilesh-yadav-in-a-rickshaw/articleshow/55111775.cms?from=mdr |publisher=[[The Economic Times]] |date=October 28, 2016}}</ref> In 2020, he was ranked as the #62nd richest person in India, with a net worth of US$2.35 billion, according to ''[[Forbes]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Arakali |first1=Harichandan |title=India's Richest: Paytm's Vijay Shekhar Sharma fights fierce competition |url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/india-rich-list-2020/indias-richest-paytms-vijay-shekhar-sharma-fights-fierce-competition/64093/1 |work=[[Forbes India]] |date=November 10, 2020}}</ref>

== Early life and education ==

Vijay Shekhar was born in a [[Brahmin]] family in [[Aligarh]], [[Uttarpradesh]] on 7 June 1978, the third of the four children of Sulom Prakash, a school teacher, and Asha Sharma, a home maker.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tiwari |first1=Mahesh |title=Vijay Shekhar Sharma |url=https://www.newstrend.news/477715/success-story-of-vijay-shekhar-sharma-who-is-founder-of-paytm-wallet/ |website=newstrend.news |publisher=Newstrend |access-date=29 June 2021}}</ref>

He holds a [[Bachelor of Engineering]] from [[Delhi College of Engineering]] (now [[Delhi Technological University]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/at-37-he-has-a-billion-dollar-firm-what-vijay-sharma-overcame-1209157|title=Began College at 15, Has Billion-Dollar Firm at 37.|website=NDTV.com|access-date=2016-02-02}}</ref> He did his schooling from a Hindi medium school in [[Harduaganj]], a small town near [[Aligarh]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sinha |first1=Suveen |title=How PayTM's Vijay Shekhar Sharma chased his dream instead of a degree |url=https://scroll.in/article/814462/how-paytms-vijay-shekhar-sharma-chased-his-dream-instead-of-a-degree |publisher=[[Scroll.in]] |date=August 20, 2016}}</ref>

In an interview with ''[[Bloomberg News]]'', he says, "I taught myself English by memorizing rock songs and simultaneously reading translated textbooks in English and Hindi."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-06/paytm-s-founder-says-winning-in-india-prepared-him-for-the-world|title=Paytm's Founder Says Winning in India Prepared Him for the World|date=7 October 2019|work=Bloomberg}}</ref>

== Career ==
In 1997, while in college, he started the website indiasite.net, and sold it two years later for $1 million.<ref name="tele">{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150920/jsp/graphiti/story_43299.jsp|title=The king of cash|publisher=The Telegraph|location=Calcutta}}</ref>

In 2000, he started One97 Communications which offered mobile content including news, cricket scores, ringtones, jokes and exam results. One97 is the parent company of [[Paytm]], which was launched by Vijay Shekhar Sharma in 2010.<ref name="tele" />

Paytm has over 400 million users who make 25 million transactions daily. In 2018, Sharma got [[Berkshire Hathaway]]'s [[Warren Buffett|Warren Buffet]] to invest $300 million in the company.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vijay Shekhar Sharma|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/vijay-shekhar-sharma/|access-date=2021-07-13|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref>

==Awards and recognition==
* In 2017, he was named the youngest billionaire in India, with a net worth of $1.3 billion. He was ranked #1567in the list of [[Forbes]]'s 'The World's Billionaires' list.<ref name=forbes/>
* Sharma was in the list of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time Magazine]]'''s 100 most influential people in 2017.<ref name="time">{{Cite web|title=The 100 Most Influential People in the World|url=https://time.com/collection/2017-time-100/|access-date=2020-04-02|website=Time|language=en-us}}</ref>
* Sharma was awarded the ET Entrepreneur of the Year, by ''[[The Economic Times]]'' in 2016<ref>{{cite news|title=ET Awards for Corporate Excellence: Paytm's Vijay Shekhar Sharma chosen as Entrepreneur of the Year|url=https://www.economictimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/et-awards-for-corporate-excellence-paytms-vijay-shekhar-sharma-chosen-as-entrepreneur-of-the-year/articleshow/54647306.cms|publisher=Economic Times|access-date=3 October 2016}}</ref>
* He was ranked 4th by ''[[GQ Magazine|GQ]]'' in their listing of the 50 most influential young Indians of 2017.<ref>{{cite news |title=GQ's Most Influential Young Indians 2017: Digital Disruptors |url=https://www.gqindia.com/galleries/influential-young-indians?image=5cdc67687813c45b6a2fc04f |publisher=[[GQ (Indian edition)]] |date=July 7, 2017}}</ref>
* In 2017, he became the [[Dataquest]] IT Man of the year.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sacchdeva |first1=Malavika |title=Vijay Shekhar Sharma to be awarded as DQ IT Person of the Year at Digital Economy Conclave |url=https://www.dqindia.com/vijay-shekhar-sharma-to-be-awarded-as-dq-it-person-of-the-year-at-digital-economy-conclave/ |publisher=[[Dataquest]] |date=March 6, 2017}}</ref>
* He received an [[Honorary doctorate]] from [[Amity University, Gurgaon]], in 2016<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-airtel-s-sunil-mittal-paytm-s-vijay-shekar-given-honorary-degrees-by-amity-university-2174817|publisher=DNA INDIA.com|title=Airtel's Sunil Mittal, Paytm's Vijay Shekar given honorary degrees by Amity University}}</ref>
* Sharma was honored with the [[Yash Bharati]], the highest state civilian award of the [[Government of Uttar Pradesh]] in 2016.<ref name="Yashbharati"/>
* He was named as the Businessman of the Year at [[GQ Men of the Year Awards]] 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=GQ Awards 2016 winners list |url=https://www.india.com/viral/gq-awards-2016-winners-list-ranveer-singh-kangana-ranaut-amitabh-bachchan-win-top-honours-1519517/ |publisher=[[India.com]] |date=September 28, 2016}}</ref>
* He was conferred with the [[NDTV Indian of the Year]] in 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=NDTV confers Indian of the Year Award 2015 |url=http://www.uniindia.com/ndtv-confers-indian-of-the-year-award-2015/india/news/367076.html |publisher=[[United News of India]] |date=February 3, 2016}}</ref>
* He was named India's Hottest Business Leader under 40 by ''[[The Economic Times]]'' in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title=India's Hottest Business Leaders under 40: Paytm's Vijay Shekhar Sharma was the youngest engineer from Delhi University |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/indias-hottest-business-leaders-under-40-paytms-vijay-shekhar-sharma-was-the-youngest-engineer-from-delhi-university/articleshow/47720319.cms?from=mdr#:~:text=Sign%20in-,India's%20Hottest%20Business%20Leaders%20under%2040%3A%20Paytm's%20Vijay%20Shekhar%20Sharma,youngest%20engineer%20from%20Delhi%20University&text=The%2037%2Dyear%2Dold%20believes,of%20a%20billion%20people%20simpler! |publisher=[[The Economic Times]] |date=June 19, 2015}}</ref>

== Personal life==
He is married to Mridula Parashar Sharma<ref>{{cite news |last1=Upadhyay |first1=Harsh |last2=Tyagi |first2=Gaurav |title=Paytm founder floats 2 new entities for personal investments |url=https://entrackr.com/2020/07/paytm-founder-floats-2-new-entities-for-personal-investments/ |publisher=Entrackr |date=July 2, 2020}}</ref> and they have a child.<ref name="Forbes profile"/> His father was a school teacher.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Punj |first1=Shwweta |title=In college, I didn't understand what the teacher was saying: Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/anniversary/story/20210104-in-college-i-didn-t-understand-what-the-teacher-was-saying-1753034-2020-12-27 |publisher=[[India Today]] |date=January 4, 2021}}</ref> He cites [[Alibaba Group|Alibaba's]] founder [[Jack Ma]] and [[Masayoshi Son]] of [[Softbank]], as his inspirations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/27892f4e-83f3-11e5-8e80-1574112844fd.html|title=Vijay Sharma, Paytm: an for India|work=Financial Times}}</ref>

== Other work ==
Sharma has been named as the [[UN Environment Program|UN Environment]]'s 'Patron for Clean Air', where he helps to drive environmental action and awareness, and advocate for the goals of [[United Nations Environment Programme|United Nations Environment]]'s global Breathe Life campaign.<ref>{{cite news |title=Paytm's Vijay Shekhar Sharma named UN Environment's Patron for Clean Air |url=https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/paytms-vijay-shekhar-sharma-named-un-environments-patron-for-clean-air/61924650 |publisher=[[The Economic Times]] |date=December 5, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Vijay Shekhar Sharma |url=https://www.unep.org/people/vijay-shekhar-sharma |website=Unep.org |date=2021}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|India}}
* [[List of Indian entrepreneurs]]
* [[List of Internet entrepreneurs]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sharma, Vijay Shekhar}}
[[Category:Businesspeople from Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1978 births]]
[[Category:Delhi Technological University alumni]]
[[Category:Indian billionaires]]
[[Category:Indian company founders]]

== Review ==

Do review this

Draft:Vijay Shekhar Sharma

2021-10-31T13:48:41Z

Jain13tushar: Created page with "{{AFC submission/draft}}  {{Short description|founder and CEO of Paytm}} {{POV|date=May 2021}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}} {{Infobox pers..."

Ritesh Agarwal

2021-10-31T13:43:07Z

Jain13tushar:

{{short description|Indian}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
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| image = OYO, owo Ritesh Agrawal.jpg
| caption = Agarwal in 2019
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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|11|16|df=y}}
| birth_place =[[Rayagada| Bissam Cuttack]]
| alma_mater =
| net_worth = (₹7253 Crores)
| occupation = [[CEO]] and Founder of [[Oyo Rooms|OYO]]
| years_active = 2012–present
| organization = [[OYO Rooms]]
| notable_works =
| title = Group [[CEO]] OF [[OYO Rooms|OYO]]
| nickname =
| awards = [[Thiel Fellowship]]
| website =
| signature =
}}{{Undisclosed paid|See User talk:Kulwinder Rishi|date=July 2021}}{{Advert|date=July 2021}}

'''Ritesh Agarwal'''(born 16 November 1993) is an [[List of Indian people by net worth|Indian entrepreneur]] and the Founder and CEO of [[Oyo Rooms|OYO Rooms]]. He is known as the second youngest billionaire in 2021 in India. <ref>{{Cite web|title=How Rich Is Kylie Jenner After the End of ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’?|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rich-kylie-jenner-end-keeping-110000351.html|access-date=2021-10-01|website=finance.yahoo.com|language=en}}</ref> However, Agarwal is not on either Forbes or Business Insider billionaires list.<ref name="LM" /><ref name="TN" /> Agarwal is also a recipient of the Business World Young Entrepreneur Award.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ritesh Agarwal |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/ritesh-agarwal/?sh=6116303c11cb |website=Forbes |access-date=27 November 2020}}</ref>

==Early years==
Ritesh Agarwal was born in [[Bissam Cuttack]] town of [[Odisha]] state, [[India]] and brought up in [[Titilagarh]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/interesting-facts-about-oyo-founder-ritesh-agarwal/articleshow/70417612.cms|title=Here are 6 interesting facts you didn't know about OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal|website=Business Insider|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729005356/https://www.businessinsider.in/interesting-facts-about-oyo-founder-ritesh-agarwal/articleshow/70417612.cms|archive-date=29 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Runaway-to-riches-OYO-Rooms-founders-story/articleshow/49243804.cms|title=21-Yr-Old Start-Up Entrepreneur Ritesh Agarwal Started By Selling SIM Cards In Rayagada|date=6 October 2015|work=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818171117/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Runaway-to-riches-OYO-Rooms-founders-story/articleshow/49243804.cms|archive-date=18 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/start-ups/his-rs-30-lakh-stake-in-oyo-would-have-been-thousands-of-crores-today-but-1564039376738.html|title=His ₹30 lakh stake in Oyo would have been thousands of crores today but...|date=25 July 2019|website=[[livemint]]|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729065521/https://www.livemint.com/companies/start-ups/his-rs-30-lakh-stake-in-oyo-would-have-been-thousands-of-crores-today-but-1564039376738.html|archive-date=29 July 2019|access-date=29 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/for-oyos-ritesh-agarwal-there-is-more-room-for-growth/article25041007.ece|title=For OYO's Ritesh Agarwal, there is more room for growth|last=Chengappa|first=Sangeetha|website=@businessline|language=en|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721010902/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/for-oyos-ritesh-agarwal-there-is-more-room-for-growth/article25041007.ece|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/business/oyo-raises-0.2-billion-fund-how-24-year-old-ritesh-agarwal-turned-his-idea-into-indias-second-most-valuable-start-up-5273221.html|title=OYO raises $1 billion fund: How 24-year-old Ritesh Agarwal turned his idea into India's second most valuable start-up|website=Firstpost|access-date=29 July 2019}}</ref> Ritesh comes from a family that used to run a small shop in Southern Orissa.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ritesh Agarwal: Interesting facts about oyo founder ritesh agarwal |url=https://www.businessinsider.in/interesting-facts-about-oyo-founder-ritesh-agarwal/articleshow/70417612.cms |work=Business Insider}}</ref> At the age of 13, he started selling SIM cards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/sim-card-seller-college-dropout-millionaire-at-22-boy-from-naxal-area-scripts-incredible-story/articleshow/64678808.cms|title=SIM card seller, college dropout, millionaire at 22: Boy from Naxal area scripts incredible story|date=25 June 2018|work=The Economic Times|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513083721/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/sim-card-seller-college-dropout-millionaire-at-22-boy-from-naxal-area-scripts-incredible-story/articleshow/64678808.cms|archive-date=13 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> He graduated from St. Johns Senior Secondary School and moved to [[Delhi]] in 2011 for college.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/travel-hospitality/423828-too-many-entrepreneurs-give-up-says-oyo-ceo-ritesh-agarwal|title=Too many entrepreneurs give up, says Oyo CEO Ritesh Agarwal|last=Jr|first=Bernd Debusmann|website=ArabianBusiness.com|language=en|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715154314/https://www.arabianbusiness.com/travel-hospitality/423828-too-many-entrepreneurs-give-up-says-oyo-ceo-ritesh-agarwal|archive-date=15 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> He dropped out of college, and was selected for the [[Thiel Fellowship]] in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/30/lessons-from-peter-thiel-helped-ritesh-agarwal-build-indias-oyo.html|title=Peter Thiel's advice helped this 25-year-old build one of India's most valuable start-ups|first=Karen|last=Gilchrist|date=30 January 2019|website=CNBC|access-date=26 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614104046/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/30/lessons-from-peter-thiel-helped-ritesh-agarwal-build-indias-oyo.html|archive-date=14 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/entrepreneurship/ritesh-agarwal-a-young-indian-entrepreneur-selected-for-thiel-fellowship/articleshow/20003560.cms|title=Ritesh Agarwal, a young Indian entrepreneur selected for 'Thiel Fellowship'|last=Nair|first=Radhika P.|date=11 May 2013|work=The Economic Times|access-date=20 January 2020}}</ref>

==Career==
Agarwal started a budget accommodation portal, Oravel Stays, for booking budget hotels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/-if-you-meet-a-17-or-18-year-old-entrepreneur-just-invest-in-their-firm-1562613919475.html|title=If you meet a 17- or 18-year-old entrepreneur, just invest in their firm|date=9 July 2019|language=en|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729010354/https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/-if-you-meet-a-17-or-18-year-old-entrepreneur-just-invest-in-their-firm-1562613919475.html|archive-date=29 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/new-cayman-base-to-bring-funds-to-oyo/articleshow/70253747.cms|title=Ritesh Agarwal's Cayman based firm to bring funds to Oyo|date=17 July 2019|work=The Economic Times|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720093159/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/new-cayman-base-to-bring-funds-to-oyo/articleshow/70253747.cms|archive-date=20 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> It was accepted into the accelerator program by Venture Nursery in September 2012, and later was one of the winners of the 2013 [[Thiel Fellowship]] program, receiving a grant of $100,000.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/meet-oyo-rooms-ritesh-agarwal-the-dropout-who-dined-with-peter-thiel/articleshow/48536789.cms|title=Meet OYO Rooms' Ritesh Agarwal: The dropout who dined with Peter Thiel|last=Menon|first=Rashmi|date=19 August 2015|work=The Economic Times|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729054437/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/meet-oyo-rooms-ritesh-agarwal-the-dropout-who-dined-with-peter-thiel/articleshow/48536789.cms|archive-date=29 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Companies/ZbqDGYUN0yfhtB2syOIDVP/Oravel-founder-Ritesh-Agarwal-wins-Thiel-Fellowship.html|title=Oravel founder Ritesh Agarwal wins Thiel Fellowship|last=Bergen|first=Mark|date=10 May 2013|website=[[Livemint]]|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720180638/https://www.livemint.com/Companies/ZbqDGYUN0yfhtB2syOIDVP/Oravel-founder-Ritesh-Agarwal-wins-Thiel-Fellowship.html|archive-date=20 July 2019|access-date=29 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The company was launched as OYO Rooms in May 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/sme/ritesh-agarwals-oyo-softbank-set-up-investment-vehicle-seek-cci-approval-for-increasing-stake-in-oravel-stays/1645590/|title=Ritesh Agarwal's OYO, SoftBank set up investment vehicle, seek CCI approval for increasing stake in Oravel Stays|date=16 July 2019|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729010354/https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/sme/ritesh-agarwals-oyo-softbank-set-up-investment-vehicle-seek-cci-approval-for-increasing-stake-in-oravel-stays/1645590/|archive-date=29 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/oyo-manages-more-rooms-in-china-than-in-india/articleshow/66725906.cms|title=OYO manages more rooms in China than in India|last=Gooptu|first=Biswarup|date=21 November 2018|work=The Economic Times|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729054438/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/oyo-manages-more-rooms-in-china-than-in-india/articleshow/66725906.cms|archive-date=29 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/this-is-how-24-year-old-ritesh-agarwal-built-oyo-rooms-a-5-billion-hotel-chain-in-just-five-years/1327354/|title=This is how 24 year-old Ritesh Agarwal built OYO Rooms a $5 billion hotel chain in just five years|date=26 September 2018|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US|access-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729062517/https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/this-is-how-24-year-old-ritesh-agarwal-built-oyo-rooms-a-5-billion-hotel-chain-in-just-five-years/1327354/|archive-date=29 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

By September 2018, the company raised $1 billion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Home-Page/mOub1Fgn8EDw9gtYigaqHN/How-24yearold-Ritesh-Agarwal-built-Oyo-into-a-5-billion-s.html|title=How 24-year-old Ritesh Agarwal built Oyo into a $5 billion startup in just 5 years|last=Bloomberg|first=Saritha Rai|date=26 September 2018|website=www.livemint.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416074446/https://www.livemint.com/Home-Page/mOub1Fgn8EDw9gtYigaqHN/How-24yearold-Ritesh-Agarwal-built-Oyo-into-a-5-billion-s.html|archive-date=16 April 2019|access-date=29 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2019, it was reported that Agarwal purchased $2 billion in shares in the company, tripling his stake.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/start-ups/oyo-founder-ritesh-agarwal-to-triple-his-stake-with-2-bn-share-buyback-1563529810359.html|title=Oyo founder Ritesh Agarwal to triple his stake with $2 bn share buyback|last=Chaudhary|first=Deepti|date=19 July 2019|language=en|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721010858/https://www.livemint.com/companies/start-ups/oyo-founder-ritesh-agarwal-to-triple-his-stake-with-2-bn-share-buyback-1563529810359.html|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://social.techcrunch.com/2019/07/19/indias-oyo-valued-at-10b-after-founder-purchases-2b-in-shares/|title=India's Oyo valued at $10B after founder purchases $2B in shares|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US|access-date=21 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/oyo-founder-ritesh-agarwal-to-buy-back-shares-from-early-investors-for-usd-2-bn/articleshow/70291363.cms|title=OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal to buy back shares from early investors for USD 2 bn - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806182235/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/oyo-founder-ritesh-agarwal-to-buy-back-shares-from-early-investors-for-usd-2-bn/articleshow/70291363.cms|archive-date=6 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

His net worth in 2020 was estimated to be approximately $1.1 billion (₹7253 crore) according to Hurun Rich List 2020. As of February 2020, he is the second youngest self-made billionaire in the world after [[Kylie Jenner]].<ref name="LM">{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/people/oyo-s-ritesh-agarwal-is-the-world-s-second-youngest-self-made-billionaire-11582782072380.html|title=Oyo's Ritesh Agarwal is the world's second youngest self-made billionaire|first=Nikhil|last=Agarwal|date=27 February 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=28 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="TN">{{cite news |last1=Tyagi |first1=Harshita |title=This 26-yr-old Indian just became world's 2nd youngest self-made billionaire |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/companies/article/this-26-yr-old-indian-just-became-worlds-2nd-youngest-self-made-billionaire/558457 |access-date=27 November 2020 |work=Times Now |date=27 February 2020}}</ref>

He is listed in the Forbes 30 under 30 list for Asia.<ref>{{cite news |title=30 Under 30 2016 Asia: Consumer Tech |url=https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30-asia-2016/consumer-tech/#71f50e337827 |work=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>

==Controversies==
Agarwal signed agreements through his company OYO with hotel owners in the US in which the buildings of the owners will be rebranded under the OYO name in exchange of compensation and guaranteed revenue, but left out the information that OYO is not authorised to operate franchise business in the state of California for which in March 2019, OYO was fined $200,000 by California regulators. The company also received a [[cease and desist]] order from Washington, after regulators found OYO made offers to many hotel owners and managers, without proper registration.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jeans |first1=David |title=Softbank-Backed Hotel Unicorn Oyo Faces Regulatory Smackdown In Multiple U.S. States |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidjeans/2020/04/23/softbank-backed-hotel-unicorn-oyo-faces-regulatory-smackdown-in-multiple-us-states/?sh=a57280061c3e |access-date=21 March 2021 |work=Forbes |date=23 April 2020 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Allegations of fraud ===
In September 2020, a case was lodged against Agarwal in Dera Bassi by a Chandigarh-based businessman for fraud and conspiracy under IPC 420 (cheating) 120 B (criminal conspiracy).<ref>{{cite news |title=Oyo founder booked for fraud, company refutes charges |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/oyo-founder-ritesh-agarwal-booked-for-fraud-criminal-conspiracy/story-azHBHSNyk4EjTNqCbNgC8I.html |access-date=21 March 2021 |work=Hindustan Times |date=14 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref>

OYO faced backlash from 10,000 hotel owners in India. According to them, OYO takes up half or more of the revenues through fees that are not disclosed at the time when the hotels join OYO.

According to an October 2019 report, police cases were filed against OYO by hotel operators in Bangalore, Mysuru, and other cities of Karnataka accusing Agarwal of fraud. The latter, however, successfully appealed for a stay order on one case in Bangalore.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hotel operators who partnered with Oyo call it 'biggest online fraud', demand criminal probe against Softbank-backed startup now poised to raise $1.5 bn - Business News, Firstpost |url=https://www.firstpost.com/business/hotel-operators-who-partnered-with-oyo-call-it-biggest-online-fraud-demand-criminal-probe-against-softbank-backed-startup-7462021.html |access-date=21 March 2021 |work=Firstpost |date=8 October 2019}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Twitter|id=riteshagar}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Agarwal, Ritesh}}
[[Category:1993 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian businesspeople]]
[[Category:People from Rayagada district]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Odisha]]
[[Category:Thiel fellows]]

Ritesh Agarwal

2021-10-31T13:41:48Z

Jain13tushar:

Ankit Fadia

2021-10-31T13:28:09Z

Jain13tushar:

{{short description|Indian author and speaker (born 20 july 1999)}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Cleanup rewrite|date=February 2020}}
{{Confusing|date=February 2020}}
}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox writer 
| image =
| image_size =
| caption = Fadia at the launch of himself
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1989}}<ref name="birthyear" />
| birth_place = [[Ahmedabad]], India
| occupation = Author & speaker
| education =
| alma_mater = D Public School
| genre = Technology, entertainer
| notableworks = ''FASTER: 100 Ways To Improve Your Digital life'' ''SOCIAL: 50 Ways To Improve Your Professional Life''
| website =
| name = Ankit Fadia
}}
'''Ankit Fadia''' (born 24 May 1985)<ref name="birthyear">{{cite web|title=celebsagewiki|url=https://www.celebsagewiki.com/ankit-fadia|accessdate=31 October 2021}}</ref> is an Indian author, speaker, television host, a security [[charlatan]],<ref name="youtube.com" /> and self-proclaimed [[White_hat_(computer_security)|white-hat computer hacker]]. His work mostly involves OS and networking tips and tricks and proxy websites'''.<ref name="Times of India">{{cite web |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/How-to-live-appily-ever-after/articleshow/40713468.cms |title='How to live... 'appily' ever after' |work= The Times of India|access-date= 18 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/article48684.ece |title= Inside account |author= Priyadarshini Pandey |access-date= 26 February 2013 |date= 14 November 2009 | newspaper = The Hindu | location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi-times/Ankit-Fadia-Everything-official-about-him/articleshow/414502089.cms |access-date = 6 December 2006| title = Ankit Fadia: Everything official about him| work= [[The Times of India]] |date= 3 September 2001}}</ref>'''

A number of his claims regarding his achievements have been disputed by others within the security industry, and he was mocked with a "Security [[Charlatan]] of the Year" award at [[DEF CON]] 20 in 2012.<ref name="youtube.com" /> [[Attrition (website)|Attrition.org]] also reviewed his alleged credentials and included him on their Security Charlatans list,<ref name=":0" /> calling into question the veracity of his marketing statements. He has been accused of [[plagiarism]] in his work.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Errata: Ankit Fadia – "Unofficial Guide to Ethical Hacking" 32% Plagiarized |url= http://attrition.org/errata/charlatan/ankit_fadia/unofficial.html |website = attrition.org |access-date= 19 September 2015}}</ref> His claims of hacking feats have since been trashed by many [[Computer magazine|magazines]].<ref>{{Cite web |title= Ethical hacker Ankit Fadia is a fake |url= http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/ethical-hacker-ankit-fadia-is-a-fake| work=Sunday Guardian|access-date= 19 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Shunol Doke |title= Ankit Fadia's website hacked again – Tech2 |url= http://tech.firstpost.com/news-analysis/ankit-fadias-website-hacked-again-41559.html |date=18 September 2012 |access-date= 29 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= Forbes India Magazine – Ankit Fadia Revealed |url= http://forbesindia.com/article/beyond-business/ankit-fadia-revealed/34793/0 |website= forbesindia.com |access-date= 19 September 2015}}</ref>

== Early life ==
At the age of 10, his parents gifted him a computer and he says he started taking an interest in [[hacker|hacking]] after a year of playing video games when he read a newspaper article on the subject.<ref name="rediff_kashmiri_2002">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/search/2002/apr/18ankit.htm |title=Rediff Guide to the Net: Features: 16-year-old hacker Ankit Fadia outsmarts Kashmiri separatists |work=Rediff.com|date=18 April 2002 |access-date=26 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="Success Decoded">{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140112/jsp/graphiti/17757828.jsp |title=Success Decoded |work=The Telegraph|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref> He soon started a website ''hackingtruths.box.sk'' where he wrote hacking [[tutorial]]s, which acquired many readers and encouraged him to write a book.<ref name="rediff_kashmiri_2002"/><ref name="BBC_2002">{{cite news | date = 17 April 2002 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1934874.stm | title = Indian hacker turns cyber cop | work = BBC News | access-date = 26 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/04/19/stories/2003041901390700.htm | date = 19 April 2003 | title = E2 labs to combat cyber crime in Hyderabad | work = Business Line | access-date = 19 December 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030413/cth1.htm | date = 13 April 2003 | author=Manoj Kumar | title = Teen hacker who is sought after by FBI | publisher = The Tribune, Chandigarh | access-date = 19 August 2006 }}</ref> The book received favorable responses in India, made Fadia popular in the country, and turned his hobby into a full-time profession.<ref name="Success Decoded" /> However, he was also accused of [[plagiarism]].<ref name="sunday_guardian_2012"/>

== Career ==
He wrote more books on computer security, and spoke at several seminars across schools and colleges in India.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article497533.ece | title = Caught in the web | author = K. Jeshi | newspaper = The Hindu | date = 3 July 2010 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> In addition, he started providing his own computer security courses, including the "Ankit Fadia Certified Ethical Hacker" programme.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070204/asp/calcutta/story_7327984.asp |title=The inheritance of food | newspaper = The Telegraph |date= 4 February 2007 |access-date=1 March 2013 }}</ref>

In 2009, Fadia stated that he was working in New York as an Internet security expert for "prestigious companies".<ref name="TH_hack_2009">{{cite news | url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/11/16/stories/2009111650950300.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130501010452/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/11/16/stories/2009111650950300.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 1 May 2013 | title = How the hack he does it! | date = 16 November 2009 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | newspaper = [[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> Fadia also [[celebrity branding|endorsed]] the Flying Machine jeans brand of [[Arvind Mills]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-10-21/news/27587443_1_youth-icon-brand-ambassador-mtv-india | title = Flying Machine endorsement: Ethical Hacker Fadia replaces Abhishek Bacchan | date = 21 October 2012 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | newspaper = [[The Economic Times]] | author = Ratna Bhushan }}</ref>

Fadia was dismissed by security and cryptography enthusiasts as a 'faker' making tall claims, who attributed his success to the [tech-illiterate] media.<ref name="sunday_guardian_2012">{{cite news | url = http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/ethical-hacker-ankit-fadia-is-a-fake | title = Ethical hacker Ankit Fadia is a fake | date = 19 February 2012 | access-date = 26 February 2013 | newspaper = The Sunday Guardian | author = Shubhankar Adhikari }}</ref> A security professional, who uses the handle @FakeAnkitFadia on Twitter, told ''The Sunday Guardian'', "The first book that Fadia 'wrote' at the age of 14, ''The Unofficial Guide to Ethical Hacking'', was a little over 32% [plagiarised] from other security publications and websites."<ref name="SMH_2003">{{cite news | title=Hacktivism through the eyes of an infiltrator | url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/08/04/1059849331034.html | author=Suelette Dreyfus | date = 5 August 2003 | access-date = 26 February 2013 | work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> Fadia has dismissed the critics who question his credibility as an expert, saying "If I had been fake, my growth would have stopped 10 years ago".<ref>{{cite news|title=A clean hacker|author=Rana Siddiqui Zaman|date=22 January 2010|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai, India}}</ref>

== Debunked hacking claims ==
In 2002, Fadia claimed that at the age of 17, he had defaced the website of an Indian magazine.<ref name="BBC_2002"/> Subsequently, he named the magazine as the Indian edition of [[CHIP (magazine)|CHIP magazine]], and stated that the editor had offered him a job when informed about the defacement.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/inside-account/article48684.ece | title=Inside Account | author = Priyadarshini Paitandy | date=14 September 2009 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2012, the [[Forbes India]] executive editor Charles Assisi (who was editor of CHIP India at the time of the supposed incident), denied that such an incident ever took place after verifying with his predecessor and successor at the magazine as well.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ankit Fadia Revealed|url=http://forbesindia.com/article/beyond-business/ankit-fadia-revealed/34793/0|author=Charles Assissi|work=[[Forbes India]]|date=27 February 2013|access-date=27 February 2013}}</ref>

In a 2002 interview published on [[rediff.com]], and online hacking with Mashup(Sourav) from [[Bongaon]], [[Kolkata]], he stated that at the age of 16, he foiled an attempt by the [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|Kashmiri separatist]] hackers to [[website defacement|deface]] an Indian website.<ref name="rediff_kashmiri_2002"/> He stated he gathered information about the attackers, [[eavesdropping|eavesdropped]] on their [[online chat]] using one of their identities, and then mailed the transcript to a US spy organisation that had hired him.<ref name="thestar_2005">{{cite news | url = http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/2/27/nation/10276403&sec=nation | title = Teen helping adults fight 'bad guys' | author = M. Krishnamoorthy | newspaper = [[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] | date = 27 February 2005 | access-date = 26 February 2013 }}</ref> He did not divulge the name of the organization he worked for, citing security reasons.<ref name="BBC_2002"/> The Pakistani hacker group Anti-India Crew (AIC) questioned Fadia's claims: along with WFD, the AIC hacked the Indian government website epfindia.gov.in, dedicating it to Fadia, mocking his capabilities.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://hindu.com/2002/04/28/stories/2002042800921000.htm | title=This hacker has a different message | author=K. Srinivas Reddy | date=28 April 2002 | access-date=26 February 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221233959/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2002/04/28/stories/2002042800921000.htm | archive-date=21 December 2008 | url-status=live | work= [[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> AIC also announced that it would be defacing the website of the [[Central Board of Excise and Customs|CBEC]] (www.cbec.gov.in) within the next two days, and challenged Fadia to prevent it by patching the vulnerability but Fadia couldn't.<ref name="TheHindu_CBEC">{{cite news | url=http://hindu.com/2002/04/30/stories/2002043002271300.htm | title=Hacker threat to CBEC website | author=K. Srinivas Reddy | date=30 April 2002 | access-date=26 February 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081221234004/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2002/04/30/stories/2002043002271300.htm | archive-date=21 December 2008 | url-status=live | work=[[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India}}</ref>

In 2003, Fadia claimed to have infiltrated a group of hackers and stated that the Pakistani intelligence agencies were paying "[[westerners]]" to [[Website defacement|deface]] Indian websites with anti-India or pro-Pakistan content.<ref name="SMH_2003"/>

Fadia's own website has been hacked multiple times.<ref name="sunday_guardian_2012"/> In 2009, he blamed the defacement on a vulnerability in the servers of his [[webhost]] net4india. Independent security experts contested his claim, stating that the problem was a loophole in his own website's code. His website was hacked by an Indian [[hacker]] Himanshu Sharma, where he accepted the challenge from Ankit Fadia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Is Ankit Fadia selling Viagra? |url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/dec/081209-ankit-fadia-hacker-hacked.htm |author=MiD DAY |date=8 December 2009 |access-date=26 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213004836/http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/dec/081209-ankit-fadia-hacker-hacked.htm |archive-date=13 December 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, his website was defaced twice by hackers. In the first instance, the hackers rubbished his claims and stated that he was fooling people.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Ankit-Fadia-s-Website-Suspended-After-Being-Defaced-by-Ganster-291673.shtml | title=Ankit Fadia's site Suspended After Being Hacked by Ganster | publisher = Softpedia | author = Eduard Kovacs | date = 12 September 2012 | access-date = 26 February 2013 }}</ref> Another hacker compromised it in response to a challenge that was issued by Fadia on the ''Tech Toyz'' show on CNBC-TV18.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a93qi17GqMU&feature=player_embedded|title=Tech Toyz Hacking Special Episode Part III|date=10 August 2011}}</ref>{{Synthesis inline|date=March 2013}}

In 2012, [[DEF CON]] awarded him with the "Security Charlatan of the Year" award<ref name="youtube.com">{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIzvTwFwaYI&t=33m3s|title=DEFCON 20: DC RECOGNIZE Awards|date=16 November 2012|via=YouTube|access-date=28 September 2015}}</ref> citing him to be a fraudster and his presentations outdated. The website attrition.org mentions him as a security charlatan<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = attrition.org Errata – Charlatans|url = http://attrition.org/errata/charlatan/|website = attrition.org|access-date = 19 September 2015}}</ref> and accuses him of plagiarism in his work.

During September 2015, Fadia's official Facebook page posted a certificate which claimed that Fadia was appointed as the brand ambassador for Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]]'s pet project, the [[Digital_India|Digital India Initiative]]. The government had then announced that it would pluck out young tech entrepreneurs to be its brand ambassadors which included the ilk of [[Sachin Bansal]] and [[Binny Bansal]] of [[Flipkart]], [[Snapdeal]]'s [[Kunal Bahl]] and [[Micromax]]'s Rahul Sharma.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/ankit-fadia-claims-to-be-appointed-brand-ambassador-of-digital-india-government-denies-3671967.html|title=Ankit Fadia: Claims to be appointed brand ambassador of Digital India, Government denies- Technology News, Firstpost|date=29 September 2015}}</ref> According to a report in India Today, government sources said there is "No such move to appoint a brand ambassador as reported".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/delhi/story/ankit-fadia-not-a-digital-india-ambassador-clarifies-government-265341-2015-09-29|title=Govt tries to clarify Ankit Fadia not a Digital India ambassador, adds to confusion|date=29 September 2015}}</ref>

==Television and web shows==

* MTV What The Hack

In 2008 he started a television show on [[MTV India]] called ''[[MTV What the Hack!]]'', which he co-hosted with José Covaco. In October 2009 [[MTV India]] announced the launch of Fadia's new TV show on MTV, where Fadia gave tips on how to make use of the Internet, and answered people's questions. <ref name="Dnaindia.com">{{cite web |url= http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_from-this-diwali-mtv-will-be-more-than-just-music_1298240 |title= From this Diwali, MTV will be more than just music – Money – DNA |work= Daily News and Analysis |date=12 October 2009 |access-date= 8 January 2012}}</ref> Internet users could email their problems to MTV India and Fadia gave them a solution on the show.<ref name="MTV India">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtvindia.com/news/news.php?id=3419|title=VJs, Music, Videos, Blogs, Games, Wallpapers, Interviews, Performances, Shows, Fun and more|publisher=MTV India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091121015512/http://www.mtvindia.com/news/news.php?id=3419|archive-date=21 November 2009}}</ref>

* Unzipped By Dell

In 2012, [[Dell]] India partnered with Ankit Fadia to create a series of nearly 50 videos, each of 1 minute duration to show tips and tricks for the use of computers and mobile phones. These videos were shown on the Dell India Facebook page with an average of one video per week. People also had the opportunity to ask tech queries of Fadia on topics like photography, video making, music composing, navigation assistance, gaming, messaging and others.<ref name="India Infoline News Service">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news/dell-india-in-association-with-ankit-fadia-presents-unzipped-by-dell-and-ankit-fadia-5555289971_1.html |title=Dell India in association with Ankit Fadia presents "Unzipped: By Dell and Ankit Fadia |publisher=India Infoline News Service |access-date=21 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://efytimes.com/e1/95718/Dell-India-In-Association-With-Ankit-Fadia-Presents-Unzipped-By-Dell-And-Ankit-Fadia |title=Dell India in association with Ankit Fadia presents "Unzipped: By Dell and Ankit Fadia |publisher=EFYTimes.com |access-date=21 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205230534/http://efytimes.com/e1/95718/Dell-India-In-Association-With-Ankit-Fadia-Presents-Unzipped-By-Dell-And-Ankit-Fadia |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/UnzippedbyDell |title=Unzipped by Dell Facebook Page |via=Facebook|access-date=21 September 2012}}{{Primary source inline|date=September 2020}}</ref>

* Geek on the Loose

In 2013, Ankit Fadia started a [[YouTube]] show ''Geek on the Loose'', in collaboration with PING networks where he shared technology-related tips, tricks and apps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Short-cuts-for-the-tech-savvy/2013/07/18/article1688412.ece |title=Short-cuts for the tech savvy |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=21 September 2012}}</ref> The show was based on situations mentioned in his book FASTER: 100 Ways To Improve Your Digital Life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/books/ankit-fadia-aims-at-stretching-technology-limits/article1-1108564.aspx |title=Ankit Fadia aims at stretching technology limits |work=Hindustan Times|access-date=21 September 2012}}</ref> The show has got more than 750,000+ views on YouTube.<ref name="Geek on the Loose">{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/user/geekontheloose/about |via= YouTube |title= Geek on the Loose}}</ref>

== Awards and recognition ==
* IT Youth Award from the Singapore Computer Society (2005)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scs.org.sg/news_centre/Press%20Release%202012/Press%20Release_IT%20Leader%20Awards%202012.pdf |title=Media Release IT Leader Awards 2012 |publisher=Singapore Computer Society |access-date=23 September 2014}}</ref>
* Global Ambassador for Cyber Security (National Telecom Awards 2011)<ref>[http://www.cmaievents.com/awardees2011.php The CMAI 5th National Awards]. Cmaievents.com (8 June 2011). Retrieved 2 August 2013.</ref>
* Global Shaper, [[World Economic Forum]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalshapers.org/shapers/ankit-fadia |title=Ankit Fadia{{!}}World Economic Forum: Global Shapers |publisher=World Economic Forum |access-date=23 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205121332/http://www.globalshapers.org/shapers/ankit-fadia |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Apart from aforementioned positive endorsements, Fadia's fabricated hacking claims garnered him some negative criticism too. He was nominated among the list of security charlatans in 2012. He was eventually awarded the same.
* [[DEF CON|DEF CON 20]] Security [[Charlatan]] of the year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/758921/ankit-fadias-biggest-hack-getting-modi-government-to-make-him-a-brand-ambassador|title=Ankit Fadia's biggest hack: Getting Modi government to make him a brand ambassador|last=Daniyal|first=Shoaib|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US|access-date=26 February 2019}}</ref><ref name="youtube.com"/><ref>[http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=128306 Clarification on Appointment of Brand Ambassadors]. Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, 29 September 2015.</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Fadia, Ankit}}
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian technology writers]]
[[Category:Delhi Public School alumni]]

Ankit Fadia

2021-10-31T11:11:09Z

Jain13tushar:

{{short description|Indian author and speaker (born 20 july 1999)}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Cleanup rewrite|date=February 2020}}
{{Confusing|date=February 2020}}
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{{Use Indian English|date=October 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox writer 
| image =
| image_size =
| caption = Fadia at the launch of himself
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1989}}<ref name="birthyear" />
| birth_place = [[Ahmedabad]], India
| occupation = Author & speaker
| education =
| alma_mater = D Public School
| genre = Technology, entertainer
| notableworks = ''FASTER: 100 Ways To Improve Your Digital life'' ''SOCIAL: 50 Ways To Improve Your Professional Life''
| website =
| name = Ankit Fadia
}}
'''Ankit Fadia''' (born 24 May 1985)<ref name=celebsagewiki>{{cite web|title=celebsagewiki|url=https://www.celebsagewiki.com/ankit-fadia|accessdate=31 October 2021}}</ref> is an Indian author, speaker, television host, a security [[charlatan]],<ref name="youtube.com" /> and self-proclaimed [[White_hat_(computer_security)|white-hat computer hacker]]. His work mostly involves OS and networking tips and tricks and proxy websites'''.<ref name="Times of India">{{cite web |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/How-to-live-appily-ever-after/articleshow/40713468.cms |title='How to live... 'appily' ever after' |work= The Times of India|access-date= 18 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/article48684.ece |title= Inside account |author= Priyadarshini Pandey |access-date= 26 February 2013 |date= 14 November 2009 | newspaper = The Hindu | location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi-times/Ankit-Fadia-Everything-official-about-him/articleshow/414502089.cms |access-date = 6 December 2006| title = Ankit Fadia: Everything official about him| work= [[The Times of India]] |date= 3 September 2001}}</ref>'''

A number of his claims regarding his achievements have been disputed by others within the security industry, and he was mocked with a "Security [[Charlatan]] of the Year" award at [[DEF CON]] 20 in 2012.<ref name="youtube.com" /> [[Attrition (website)|Attrition.org]] also reviewed his alleged credentials and included him on their Security Charlatans list,<ref name=":0" /> calling into question the veracity of his marketing statements. He has been accused of [[plagiarism]] in his work.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Errata: Ankit Fadia – "Unofficial Guide to Ethical Hacking" 32% Plagiarized |url= http://attrition.org/errata/charlatan/ankit_fadia/unofficial.html |website = attrition.org |access-date= 19 September 2015}}</ref> His claims of hacking feats have since been trashed by many [[Computer magazine|magazines]].<ref>{{Cite web |title= Ethical hacker Ankit Fadia is a fake |url= http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/ethical-hacker-ankit-fadia-is-a-fake| work=Sunday Guardian|access-date= 19 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Shunol Doke |title= Ankit Fadia's website hacked again – Tech2 |url= http://tech.firstpost.com/news-analysis/ankit-fadias-website-hacked-again-41559.html |date=18 September 2012 |access-date= 29 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= Forbes India Magazine – Ankit Fadia Revealed |url= http://forbesindia.com/article/beyond-business/ankit-fadia-revealed/34793/0 |website= forbesindia.com |access-date= 19 September 2015}}</ref>

== Early life ==
At the age of 10, his parents gifted him a computer and he says he started taking an interest in [[hacker|hacking]] after a year of playing video games when he read a newspaper article on the subject.<ref name="rediff_kashmiri_2002">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/search/2002/apr/18ankit.htm |title=Rediff Guide to the Net: Features: 16-year-old hacker Ankit Fadia outsmarts Kashmiri separatists |work=Rediff.com|date=18 April 2002 |access-date=26 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="Success Decoded">{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140112/jsp/graphiti/17757828.jsp |title=Success Decoded |work=The Telegraph|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref> He soon started a website ''hackingtruths.box.sk'' where he wrote hacking [[tutorial]]s, which acquired many readers and encouraged him to write a book.<ref name="rediff_kashmiri_2002"/><ref name="BBC_2002">{{cite news | date = 17 April 2002 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1934874.stm | title = Indian hacker turns cyber cop | work = BBC News | access-date = 26 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/04/19/stories/2003041901390700.htm | date = 19 April 2003 | title = E2 labs to combat cyber crime in Hyderabad | work = Business Line | access-date = 19 December 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030413/cth1.htm | date = 13 April 2003 | author=Manoj Kumar | title = Teen hacker who is sought after by FBI | publisher = The Tribune, Chandigarh | access-date = 19 August 2006 }}</ref> The book received favorable responses in India, made Fadia popular in the country, and turned his hobby into a full-time profession.<ref name="Success Decoded" /> However, he was also accused of [[plagiarism]].<ref name="sunday_guardian_2012"/>

== Career ==
He wrote more books on computer security, and spoke at several seminars across schools and colleges in India.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article497533.ece | title = Caught in the web | author = K. Jeshi | newspaper = The Hindu | date = 3 July 2010 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> In addition, he started providing his own computer security courses, including the "Ankit Fadia Certified Ethical Hacker" programme.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070204/asp/calcutta/story_7327984.asp |title=The inheritance of food | newspaper = The Telegraph |date= 4 February 2007 |access-date=1 March 2013 }}</ref>

In 2009, Fadia stated that he was working in New York as an Internet security expert for "prestigious companies".<ref name="TH_hack_2009">{{cite news | url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/11/16/stories/2009111650950300.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130501010452/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/11/16/stories/2009111650950300.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 1 May 2013 | title = How the hack he does it! | date = 16 November 2009 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | newspaper = [[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> Fadia also [[celebrity branding|endorsed]] the Flying Machine jeans brand of [[Arvind Mills]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-10-21/news/27587443_1_youth-icon-brand-ambassador-mtv-india | title = Flying Machine endorsement: Ethical Hacker Fadia replaces Abhishek Bacchan | date = 21 October 2012 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | newspaper = [[The Economic Times]] | author = Ratna Bhushan }}</ref>

Fadia was dismissed by security and cryptography enthusiasts as a 'faker' making tall claims, who attributed his success to the [tech-illiterate] media.<ref name="sunday_guardian_2012">{{cite news | url = http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/ethical-hacker-ankit-fadia-is-a-fake | title = Ethical hacker Ankit Fadia is a fake | date = 19 February 2012 | access-date = 26 February 2013 | newspaper = The Sunday Guardian | author = Shubhankar Adhikari }}</ref> A security professional, who uses the handle @FakeAnkitFadia on Twitter, told ''The Sunday Guardian'', "The first book that Fadia 'wrote' at the age of 14, ''The Unofficial Guide to Ethical Hacking'', was a little over 32% [plagiarised] from other security publications and websites."<ref name="SMH_2003">{{cite news | title=Hacktivism through the eyes of an infiltrator | url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/08/04/1059849331034.html | author=Suelette Dreyfus | date = 5 August 2003 | access-date = 26 February 2013 | work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> Fadia has dismissed the critics who question his credibility as an expert, saying "If I had been fake, my growth would have stopped 10 years ago".<ref>{{cite news|title=A clean hacker|author=Rana Siddiqui Zaman|date=22 January 2010|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai, India}}</ref>

== Debunked hacking claims ==
In 2002, Fadia claimed that at the age of 17, he had defaced the website of an Indian magazine.<ref name="BBC_2002"/> Subsequently, he named the magazine as the Indian edition of [[CHIP (magazine)|CHIP magazine]], and stated that the editor had offered him a job when informed about the defacement.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/inside-account/article48684.ece | title=Inside Account | author = Priyadarshini Paitandy | date=14 September 2009 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2012, the [[Forbes India]] executive editor Charles Assisi (who was editor of CHIP India at the time of the supposed incident), denied that such an incident ever took place after verifying with his predecessor and successor at the magazine as well.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ankit Fadia Revealed|url=http://forbesindia.com/article/beyond-business/ankit-fadia-revealed/34793/0|author=Charles Assissi|work=[[Forbes India]]|date=27 February 2013|access-date=27 February 2013}}</ref>

In a 2002 interview published on [[rediff.com]], and online hacking with Mashup(Sourav) from [[Bongaon]], [[Kolkata]], he stated that at the age of 16, he foiled an attempt by the [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|Kashmiri separatist]] hackers to [[website defacement|deface]] an Indian website.<ref name="rediff_kashmiri_2002"/> He stated he gathered information about the attackers, [[eavesdropping|eavesdropped]] on their [[online chat]] using one of their identities, and then mailed the transcript to a US spy organisation that had hired him.<ref name="thestar_2005">{{cite news | url = http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/2/27/nation/10276403&sec=nation | title = Teen helping adults fight 'bad guys' | author = M. Krishnamoorthy | newspaper = [[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] | date = 27 February 2005 | access-date = 26 February 2013 }}</ref> He did not divulge the name of the organization he worked for, citing security reasons.<ref name="BBC_2002"/> The Pakistani hacker group Anti-India Crew (AIC) questioned Fadia's claims: along with WFD, the AIC hacked the Indian government website epfindia.gov.in, dedicating it to Fadia, mocking his capabilities.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://hindu.com/2002/04/28/stories/2002042800921000.htm | title=This hacker has a different message | author=K. Srinivas Reddy | date=28 April 2002 | access-date=26 February 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221233959/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2002/04/28/stories/2002042800921000.htm | archive-date=21 December 2008 | url-status=live | work= [[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> AIC also announced that it would be defacing the website of the [[Central Board of Excise and Customs|CBEC]] (www.cbec.gov.in) within the next two days, and challenged Fadia to prevent it by patching the vulnerability but Fadia couldn't.<ref name="TheHindu_CBEC">{{cite news | url=http://hindu.com/2002/04/30/stories/2002043002271300.htm | title=Hacker threat to CBEC website | author=K. Srinivas Reddy | date=30 April 2002 | access-date=26 February 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081221234004/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2002/04/30/stories/2002043002271300.htm | archive-date=21 December 2008 | url-status=live | work=[[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India}}</ref>

In 2003, Fadia claimed to have infiltrated a group of hackers and stated that the Pakistani intelligence agencies were paying "[[westerners]]" to [[Website defacement|deface]] Indian websites with anti-India or pro-Pakistan content.<ref name="SMH_2003"/>

Fadia's own website has been hacked multiple times.<ref name="sunday_guardian_2012"/> In 2009, he blamed the defacement on a vulnerability in the servers of his [[webhost]] net4india. Independent security experts contested his claim, stating that the problem was a loophole in his own website's code. His website was hacked by an Indian [[hacker]] Himanshu Sharma, where he accepted the challenge from Ankit Fadia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Is Ankit Fadia selling Viagra? |url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/dec/081209-ankit-fadia-hacker-hacked.htm |author=MiD DAY |date=8 December 2009 |access-date=26 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213004836/http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/dec/081209-ankit-fadia-hacker-hacked.htm |archive-date=13 December 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, his website was defaced twice by hackers. In the first instance, the hackers rubbished his claims and stated that he was fooling people.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Ankit-Fadia-s-Website-Suspended-After-Being-Defaced-by-Ganster-291673.shtml | title=Ankit Fadia's site Suspended After Being Hacked by Ganster | publisher = Softpedia | author = Eduard Kovacs | date = 12 September 2012 | access-date = 26 February 2013 }}</ref> Another hacker compromised it in response to a challenge that was issued by Fadia on the ''Tech Toyz'' show on CNBC-TV18.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a93qi17GqMU&feature=player_embedded|title=Tech Toyz Hacking Special Episode Part III|date=10 August 2011}}</ref>{{Synthesis inline|date=March 2013}}

In 2012, [[DEF CON]] awarded him with the "Security Charlatan of the Year" award<ref name="youtube.com">{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIzvTwFwaYI&t=33m3s|title=DEFCON 20: DC RECOGNIZE Awards|date=16 November 2012|via=YouTube|access-date=28 September 2015}}</ref> citing him to be a fraudster and his presentations outdated. The website attrition.org mentions him as a security charlatan<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = attrition.org Errata – Charlatans|url = http://attrition.org/errata/charlatan/|website = attrition.org|access-date = 19 September 2015}}</ref> and accuses him of plagiarism in his work.

During September 2015, Fadia's official Facebook page posted a certificate which claimed that Fadia was appointed as the brand ambassador for Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]]'s pet project, the [[Digital_India|Digital India Initiative]]. The government had then announced that it would pluck out young tech entrepreneurs to be its brand ambassadors which included the ilk of [[Sachin Bansal]] and [[Binny Bansal]] of [[Flipkart]], [[Snapdeal]]'s [[Kunal Bahl]] and [[Micromax]]'s Rahul Sharma.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/ankit-fadia-claims-to-be-appointed-brand-ambassador-of-digital-india-government-denies-3671967.html|title=Ankit Fadia: Claims to be appointed brand ambassador of Digital India, Government denies- Technology News, Firstpost|date=29 September 2015}}</ref> According to a report in India Today, government sources said there is "No such move to appoint a brand ambassador as reported".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/delhi/story/ankit-fadia-not-a-digital-india-ambassador-clarifies-government-265341-2015-09-29|title=Govt tries to clarify Ankit Fadia not a Digital India ambassador, adds to confusion|date=29 September 2015}}</ref>

==Television and web shows==

* MTV What The Hack

In 2008 he started a television show on [[MTV India]] called ''[[MTV What the Hack!]]'', which he co-hosted with José Covaco. In October 2009 [[MTV India]] announced the launch of Fadia's new TV show on MTV, where Fadia gave tips on how to make use of the Internet, and answered people's questions. <ref name="Dnaindia.com">{{cite web |url= http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_from-this-diwali-mtv-will-be-more-than-just-music_1298240 |title= From this Diwali, MTV will be more than just music – Money – DNA |work= Daily News and Analysis |date=12 October 2009 |access-date= 8 January 2012}}</ref> Internet users could email their problems to MTV India and Fadia gave them a solution on the show.<ref name="MTV India">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtvindia.com/news/news.php?id=3419|title=VJs, Music, Videos, Blogs, Games, Wallpapers, Interviews, Performances, Shows, Fun and more|publisher=MTV India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091121015512/http://www.mtvindia.com/news/news.php?id=3419|archive-date=21 November 2009}}</ref>

* Unzipped By Dell

In 2012, [[Dell]] India partnered with Ankit Fadia to create a series of nearly 50 videos, each of 1 minute duration to show tips and tricks for the use of computers and mobile phones. These videos were shown on the Dell India Facebook page with an average of one video per week. People also had the opportunity to ask tech queries of Fadia on topics like photography, video making, music composing, navigation assistance, gaming, messaging and others.<ref name="India Infoline News Service">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news/dell-india-in-association-with-ankit-fadia-presents-unzipped-by-dell-and-ankit-fadia-5555289971_1.html |title=Dell India in association with Ankit Fadia presents "Unzipped: By Dell and Ankit Fadia |publisher=India Infoline News Service |access-date=21 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://efytimes.com/e1/95718/Dell-India-In-Association-With-Ankit-Fadia-Presents-Unzipped-By-Dell-And-Ankit-Fadia |title=Dell India in association with Ankit Fadia presents "Unzipped: By Dell and Ankit Fadia |publisher=EFYTimes.com |access-date=21 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205230534/http://efytimes.com/e1/95718/Dell-India-In-Association-With-Ankit-Fadia-Presents-Unzipped-By-Dell-And-Ankit-Fadia |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/UnzippedbyDell |title=Unzipped by Dell Facebook Page |via=Facebook|access-date=21 September 2012}}{{Primary source inline|date=September 2020}}</ref>

* Geek on the Loose

In 2013, Ankit Fadia started a [[YouTube]] show ''Geek on the Loose'', in collaboration with PING networks where he shared technology-related tips, tricks and apps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Short-cuts-for-the-tech-savvy/2013/07/18/article1688412.ece |title=Short-cuts for the tech savvy |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=21 September 2012}}</ref> The show was based on situations mentioned in his book FASTER: 100 Ways To Improve Your Digital Life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/books/ankit-fadia-aims-at-stretching-technology-limits/article1-1108564.aspx |title=Ankit Fadia aims at stretching technology limits |work=Hindustan Times|access-date=21 September 2012}}</ref> The show has got more than 750,000+ views on YouTube.<ref name="Geek on the Loose">{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/user/geekontheloose/about |via= YouTube |title= Geek on the Loose}}</ref>

== Awards and recognition ==
* IT Youth Award from the Singapore Computer Society (2005)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scs.org.sg/news_centre/Press%20Release%202012/Press%20Release_IT%20Leader%20Awards%202012.pdf |title=Media Release IT Leader Awards 2012 |publisher=Singapore Computer Society |access-date=23 September 2014}}</ref>
* Global Ambassador for Cyber Security (National Telecom Awards 2011)<ref>[http://www.cmaievents.com/awardees2011.php The CMAI 5th National Awards]. Cmaievents.com (8 June 2011). Retrieved 2 August 2013.</ref>
* Global Shaper, [[World Economic Forum]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalshapers.org/shapers/ankit-fadia |title=Ankit Fadia{{!}}World Economic Forum: Global Shapers |publisher=World Economic Forum |access-date=23 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205121332/http://www.globalshapers.org/shapers/ankit-fadia |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Apart from aforementioned positive endorsements, Fadia's fabricated hacking claims garnered him some negative criticism too. He was nominated among the list of security charlatans in 2012. He was eventually awarded the same.
* [[DEF CON|DEF CON 20]] Security [[Charlatan]] of the year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/758921/ankit-fadias-biggest-hack-getting-modi-government-to-make-him-a-brand-ambassador|title=Ankit Fadia's biggest hack: Getting Modi government to make him a brand ambassador|last=Daniyal|first=Shoaib|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US|access-date=26 February 2019}}</ref><ref name="youtube.com"/><ref>[http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=128306 Clarification on Appointment of Brand Ambassadors]. Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, 29 September 2015.</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fadia, Ankit}}
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian technology writers]]
[[Category:Delhi Public School alumni]]

Ankit Fadia

2021-10-31T11:07:21Z

Jain13tushar:

{{short description|Indian author and speaker (born 20 july 1999)}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Cleanup rewrite|date=February 2020}}
{{Confusing|date=February 2020}}
}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox writer 
| image =
| image_size =
| caption = Fadia at the launch of himself
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1989}}<ref name="birthyear" />
| birth_place = [[Ahmedabad]], India
| occupation = Author & speaker
| education =
| alma_mater = D Public School
| genre = Technology, entertainer
| notableworks = ''FASTER: 100 Ways To Improve Your Digital life'' ''SOCIAL: 50 Ways To Improve Your Professional Life''
| website =
| name = Ankit Fadia
}}
'''Ankit Fadia''' (born 24 May 1985)<ref name=celebsagewiki>{{cite web|title=celebsagewiki|url=https://www.celebsagewiki.com/ankit-fadia|accessdate=31 October 2021}} is an Indian author, speaker, television host, a security [[charlatan]],<ref name="youtube.com" /> and self-proclaimed [[White_hat_(computer_security)|white-hat computer hacker]]. His work mostly involves OS and networking tips and tricks and proxy websites'''.<ref name="Times of India">{{cite web |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/How-to-live-appily-ever-after/articleshow/40713468.cms |title='How to live... 'appily' ever after' |work= The Times of India|access-date= 18 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/article48684.ece |title= Inside account |author= Priyadarshini Pandey |access-date= 26 February 2013 |date= 14 November 2009 | newspaper = The Hindu | location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi-times/Ankit-Fadia-Everything-official-about-him/articleshow/414502089.cms |access-date = 6 December 2006| title = Ankit Fadia: Everything official about him| work= [[The Times of India]] |date= 3 September 2001}}</ref>'''

A number of his claims regarding his achievements have been disputed by others within the security industry, and he was mocked with a "Security [[Charlatan]] of the Year" award at [[DEF CON]] 20 in 2012.<ref name="youtube.com" /> [[Attrition (website)|Attrition.org]] also reviewed his alleged credentials and included him on their Security Charlatans list,<ref name=":0" /> calling into question the veracity of his marketing statements. He has been accused of [[plagiarism]] in his work.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Errata: Ankit Fadia – "Unofficial Guide to Ethical Hacking" 32% Plagiarized |url= http://attrition.org/errata/charlatan/ankit_fadia/unofficial.html |website = attrition.org |access-date= 19 September 2015}}</ref> His claims of hacking feats have since been trashed by many [[Computer magazine|magazines]].<ref>{{Cite web |title= Ethical hacker Ankit Fadia is a fake |url= http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/ethical-hacker-ankit-fadia-is-a-fake| work=Sunday Guardian|access-date= 19 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Shunol Doke |title= Ankit Fadia's website hacked again – Tech2 |url= http://tech.firstpost.com/news-analysis/ankit-fadias-website-hacked-again-41559.html |date=18 September 2012 |access-date= 29 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= Forbes India Magazine – Ankit Fadia Revealed |url= http://forbesindia.com/article/beyond-business/ankit-fadia-revealed/34793/0 |website= forbesindia.com |access-date= 19 September 2015}}</ref>

== Early life ==
At the age of 10, his parents gifted him a computer and he says he started taking an interest in [[hacker|hacking]] after a year of playing video games when he read a newspaper article on the subject.<ref name="rediff_kashmiri_2002">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/search/2002/apr/18ankit.htm |title=Rediff Guide to the Net: Features: 16-year-old hacker Ankit Fadia outsmarts Kashmiri separatists |work=Rediff.com|date=18 April 2002 |access-date=26 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="Success Decoded">{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140112/jsp/graphiti/17757828.jsp |title=Success Decoded |work=The Telegraph|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref> He soon started a website ''hackingtruths.box.sk'' where he wrote hacking [[tutorial]]s, which acquired many readers and encouraged him to write a book.<ref name="rediff_kashmiri_2002"/><ref name="BBC_2002">{{cite news | date = 17 April 2002 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1934874.stm | title = Indian hacker turns cyber cop | work = BBC News | access-date = 26 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/04/19/stories/2003041901390700.htm | date = 19 April 2003 | title = E2 labs to combat cyber crime in Hyderabad | work = Business Line | access-date = 19 December 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030413/cth1.htm | date = 13 April 2003 | author=Manoj Kumar | title = Teen hacker who is sought after by FBI | publisher = The Tribune, Chandigarh | access-date = 19 August 2006 }}</ref> The book received favorable responses in India, made Fadia popular in the country, and turned his hobby into a full-time profession.<ref name="Success Decoded" /> However, he was also accused of [[plagiarism]].<ref name="sunday_guardian_2012"/>

== Career ==
He wrote more books on computer security, and spoke at several seminars across schools and colleges in India.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article497533.ece | title = Caught in the web | author = K. Jeshi | newspaper = The Hindu | date = 3 July 2010 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> In addition, he started providing his own computer security courses, including the "Ankit Fadia Certified Ethical Hacker" programme.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070204/asp/calcutta/story_7327984.asp |title=The inheritance of food | newspaper = The Telegraph |date= 4 February 2007 |access-date=1 March 2013 }}</ref>

In 2009, Fadia stated that he was working in New York as an Internet security expert for "prestigious companies".<ref name="TH_hack_2009">{{cite news | url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/11/16/stories/2009111650950300.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130501010452/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/11/16/stories/2009111650950300.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 1 May 2013 | title = How the hack he does it! | date = 16 November 2009 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | newspaper = [[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> Fadia also [[celebrity branding|endorsed]] the Flying Machine jeans brand of [[Arvind Mills]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-10-21/news/27587443_1_youth-icon-brand-ambassador-mtv-india | title = Flying Machine endorsement: Ethical Hacker Fadia replaces Abhishek Bacchan | date = 21 October 2012 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | newspaper = [[The Economic Times]] | author = Ratna Bhushan }}</ref>

Fadia was dismissed by security and cryptography enthusiasts as a 'faker' making tall claims, who attributed his success to the [tech-illiterate] media.<ref name="sunday_guardian_2012">{{cite news | url = http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/ethical-hacker-ankit-fadia-is-a-fake | title = Ethical hacker Ankit Fadia is a fake | date = 19 February 2012 | access-date = 26 February 2013 | newspaper = The Sunday Guardian | author = Shubhankar Adhikari }}</ref> A security professional, who uses the handle @FakeAnkitFadia on Twitter, told ''The Sunday Guardian'', "The first book that Fadia 'wrote' at the age of 14, ''The Unofficial Guide to Ethical Hacking'', was a little over 32% [plagiarised] from other security publications and websites."<ref name="SMH_2003">{{cite news | title=Hacktivism through the eyes of an infiltrator | url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/08/04/1059849331034.html | author=Suelette Dreyfus | date = 5 August 2003 | access-date = 26 February 2013 | work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> Fadia has dismissed the critics who question his credibility as an expert, saying "If I had been fake, my growth would have stopped 10 years ago".<ref>{{cite news|title=A clean hacker|author=Rana Siddiqui Zaman|date=22 January 2010|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai, India}}</ref>

== Debunked hacking claims ==
In 2002, Fadia claimed that at the age of 17, he had defaced the website of an Indian magazine.<ref name="BBC_2002"/> Subsequently, he named the magazine as the Indian edition of [[CHIP (magazine)|CHIP magazine]], and stated that the editor had offered him a job when informed about the defacement.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/inside-account/article48684.ece | title=Inside Account | author = Priyadarshini Paitandy | date=14 September 2009 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2012, the [[Forbes India]] executive editor Charles Assisi (who was editor of CHIP India at the time of the supposed incident), denied that such an incident ever took place after verifying with his predecessor and successor at the magazine as well.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ankit Fadia Revealed|url=http://forbesindia.com/article/beyond-business/ankit-fadia-revealed/34793/0|author=Charles Assissi|work=[[Forbes India]]|date=27 February 2013|access-date=27 February 2013}}</ref>

In a 2002 interview published on [[rediff.com]], and online hacking with Mashup(Sourav) from [[Bongaon]], [[Kolkata]], he stated that at the age of 16, he foiled an attempt by the [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|Kashmiri separatist]] hackers to [[website defacement|deface]] an Indian website.<ref name="rediff_kashmiri_2002"/> He stated he gathered information about the attackers, [[eavesdropping|eavesdropped]] on their [[online chat]] using one of their identities, and then mailed the transcript to a US spy organisation that had hired him.<ref name="thestar_2005">{{cite news | url = http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/2/27/nation/10276403&sec=nation | title = Teen helping adults fight 'bad guys' | author = M. Krishnamoorthy | newspaper = [[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] | date = 27 February 2005 | access-date = 26 February 2013 }}</ref> He did not divulge the name of the organization he worked for, citing security reasons.<ref name="BBC_2002"/> The Pakistani hacker group Anti-India Crew (AIC) questioned Fadia's claims: along with WFD, the AIC hacked the Indian government website epfindia.gov.in, dedicating it to Fadia, mocking his capabilities.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://hindu.com/2002/04/28/stories/2002042800921000.htm | title=This hacker has a different message | author=K. Srinivas Reddy | date=28 April 2002 | access-date=26 February 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221233959/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2002/04/28/stories/2002042800921000.htm | archive-date=21 December 2008 | url-status=live | work= [[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> AIC also announced that it would be defacing the website of the [[Central Board of Excise and Customs|CBEC]] (www.cbec.gov.in) within the next two days, and challenged Fadia to prevent it by patching the vulnerability but Fadia couldn't.<ref name="TheHindu_CBEC">{{cite news | url=http://hindu.com/2002/04/30/stories/2002043002271300.htm | title=Hacker threat to CBEC website | author=K. Srinivas Reddy | date=30 April 2002 | access-date=26 February 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081221234004/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2002/04/30/stories/2002043002271300.htm | archive-date=21 December 2008 | url-status=live | work=[[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India}}</ref>

In 2003, Fadia claimed to have infiltrated a group of hackers and stated that the Pakistani intelligence agencies were paying "[[westerners]]" to [[Website defacement|deface]] Indian websites with anti-India or pro-Pakistan content.<ref name="SMH_2003"/>

Fadia's own website has been hacked multiple times.<ref name="sunday_guardian_2012"/> In 2009, he blamed the defacement on a vulnerability in the servers of his [[webhost]] net4india. Independent security experts contested his claim, stating that the problem was a loophole in his own website's code. His website was hacked by an Indian [[hacker]] Himanshu Sharma, where he accepted the challenge from Ankit Fadia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Is Ankit Fadia selling Viagra? |url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/dec/081209-ankit-fadia-hacker-hacked.htm |author=MiD DAY |date=8 December 2009 |access-date=26 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213004836/http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/dec/081209-ankit-fadia-hacker-hacked.htm |archive-date=13 December 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, his website was defaced twice by hackers. In the first instance, the hackers rubbished his claims and stated that he was fooling people.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Ankit-Fadia-s-Website-Suspended-After-Being-Defaced-by-Ganster-291673.shtml | title=Ankit Fadia's site Suspended After Being Hacked by Ganster | publisher = Softpedia | author = Eduard Kovacs | date = 12 September 2012 | access-date = 26 February 2013 }}</ref> Another hacker compromised it in response to a challenge that was issued by Fadia on the ''Tech Toyz'' show on CNBC-TV18.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a93qi17GqMU&feature=player_embedded|title=Tech Toyz Hacking Special Episode Part III|date=10 August 2011}}</ref>{{Synthesis inline|date=March 2013}}

In 2012, [[DEF CON]] awarded him with the "Security Charlatan of the Year" award<ref name="youtube.com">{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIzvTwFwaYI&t=33m3s|title=DEFCON 20: DC RECOGNIZE Awards|date=16 November 2012|via=YouTube|access-date=28 September 2015}}</ref> citing him to be a fraudster and his presentations outdated. The website attrition.org mentions him as a security charlatan<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = attrition.org Errata – Charlatans|url = http://attrition.org/errata/charlatan/|website = attrition.org|access-date = 19 September 2015}}</ref> and accuses him of plagiarism in his work.

During September 2015, Fadia's official Facebook page posted a certificate which claimed that Fadia was appointed as the brand ambassador for Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]]'s pet project, the [[Digital_India|Digital India Initiative]]. The government had then announced that it would pluck out young tech entrepreneurs to be its brand ambassadors which included the ilk of [[Sachin Bansal]] and [[Binny Bansal]] of [[Flipkart]], [[Snapdeal]]'s [[Kunal Bahl]] and [[Micromax]]'s Rahul Sharma.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/ankit-fadia-claims-to-be-appointed-brand-ambassador-of-digital-india-government-denies-3671967.html|title=Ankit Fadia: Claims to be appointed brand ambassador of Digital India, Government denies- Technology News, Firstpost|date=29 September 2015}}</ref> According to a report in India Today, government sources said there is "No such move to appoint a brand ambassador as reported".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/delhi/story/ankit-fadia-not-a-digital-india-ambassador-clarifies-government-265341-2015-09-29|title=Govt tries to clarify Ankit Fadia not a Digital India ambassador, adds to confusion|date=29 September 2015}}</ref>

==Television and web shows==

* MTV What The Hack

In 2008 he started a television show on [[MTV India]] called ''[[MTV What the Hack!]]'', which he co-hosted with José Covaco. In October 2009 [[MTV India]] announced the launch of Fadia's new TV show on MTV, where Fadia gave tips on how to make use of the Internet, and answered people's questions. <ref name="Dnaindia.com">{{cite web |url= http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_from-this-diwali-mtv-will-be-more-than-just-music_1298240 |title= From this Diwali, MTV will be more than just music – Money – DNA |work= Daily News and Analysis |date=12 October 2009 |access-date= 8 January 2012}}</ref> Internet users could email their problems to MTV India and Fadia gave them a solution on the show.<ref name="MTV India">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtvindia.com/news/news.php?id=3419|title=VJs, Music, Videos, Blogs, Games, Wallpapers, Interviews, Performances, Shows, Fun and more|publisher=MTV India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091121015512/http://www.mtvindia.com/news/news.php?id=3419|archive-date=21 November 2009}}</ref>

* Unzipped By Dell

In 2012, [[Dell]] India partnered with Ankit Fadia to create a series of nearly 50 videos, each of 1 minute duration to show tips and tricks for the use of computers and mobile phones. These videos were shown on the Dell India Facebook page with an average of one video per week. People also had the opportunity to ask tech queries of Fadia on topics like photography, video making, music composing, navigation assistance, gaming, messaging and others.<ref name="India Infoline News Service">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news/dell-india-in-association-with-ankit-fadia-presents-unzipped-by-dell-and-ankit-fadia-5555289971_1.html |title=Dell India in association with Ankit Fadia presents "Unzipped: By Dell and Ankit Fadia |publisher=India Infoline News Service |access-date=21 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://efytimes.com/e1/95718/Dell-India-In-Association-With-Ankit-Fadia-Presents-Unzipped-By-Dell-And-Ankit-Fadia |title=Dell India in association with Ankit Fadia presents "Unzipped: By Dell and Ankit Fadia |publisher=EFYTimes.com |access-date=21 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205230534/http://efytimes.com/e1/95718/Dell-India-In-Association-With-Ankit-Fadia-Presents-Unzipped-By-Dell-And-Ankit-Fadia |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/UnzippedbyDell |title=Unzipped by Dell Facebook Page |via=Facebook|access-date=21 September 2012}}{{Primary source inline|date=September 2020}}</ref>

* Geek on the Loose

In 2013, Ankit Fadia started a [[YouTube]] show ''Geek on the Loose'', in collaboration with PING networks where he shared technology-related tips, tricks and apps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Short-cuts-for-the-tech-savvy/2013/07/18/article1688412.ece |title=Short-cuts for the tech savvy |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=21 September 2012}}</ref> The show was based on situations mentioned in his book FASTER: 100 Ways To Improve Your Digital Life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/books/ankit-fadia-aims-at-stretching-technology-limits/article1-1108564.aspx |title=Ankit Fadia aims at stretching technology limits |work=Hindustan Times|access-date=21 September 2012}}</ref> The show has got more than 750,000+ views on YouTube.<ref name="Geek on the Loose">{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/user/geekontheloose/about |via= YouTube |title= Geek on the Loose}}</ref>

== Awards and recognition ==
* IT Youth Award from the Singapore Computer Society (2005)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scs.org.sg/news_centre/Press%20Release%202012/Press%20Release_IT%20Leader%20Awards%202012.pdf |title=Media Release IT Leader Awards 2012 |publisher=Singapore Computer Society |access-date=23 September 2014}}</ref>
* Global Ambassador for Cyber Security (National Telecom Awards 2011)<ref>[http://www.cmaievents.com/awardees2011.php The CMAI 5th National Awards]. Cmaievents.com (8 June 2011). Retrieved 2 August 2013.</ref>
* Global Shaper, [[World Economic Forum]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalshapers.org/shapers/ankit-fadia |title=Ankit Fadia{{!}}World Economic Forum: Global Shapers |publisher=World Economic Forum |access-date=23 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205121332/http://www.globalshapers.org/shapers/ankit-fadia |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Apart from aforementioned positive endorsements, Fadia's fabricated hacking claims garnered him some negative criticism too. He was nominated among the list of security charlatans in 2012. He was eventually awarded the same.
* [[DEF CON|DEF CON 20]] Security [[Charlatan]] of the year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/758921/ankit-fadias-biggest-hack-getting-modi-government-to-make-him-a-brand-ambassador|title=Ankit Fadia's biggest hack: Getting Modi government to make him a brand ambassador|last=Daniyal|first=Shoaib|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US|access-date=26 February 2019}}</ref><ref name="youtube.com"/><ref>[http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=128306 Clarification on Appointment of Brand Ambassadors]. Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, 29 September 2015.</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fadia, Ankit}}
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian technology writers]]
[[Category:Delhi Public School alumni]]

Ankit Fadia

2021-10-31T11:02:13Z

Jain13tushar:

{{short description|Indian author and speaker (born 20 july 1999)}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Cleanup rewrite|date=February 2020}}
{{Confusing|date=February 2020}}
}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox writer 
| image =
| image_size =
| caption = Fadia at the launch of himself
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1989}}<ref name="birthyear" />
| birth_place = [[Ahmedabad]], India
| occupation = Author & speaker
| education =
| alma_mater = D Public School
| genre = Technology, entertainer
| notableworks = ''FASTER: 100 Ways To Improve Your Digital life'' ''SOCIAL: 50 Ways To Improve Your Professional Life''
| website =
| name = Ankit Fadia
}}
'''Ankit Fadia''' (born 24 May 1985) is an Indian author, speaker, television host, a security [[charlatan]],<ref name="youtube.com" /> and self-proclaimed [[White_hat_(computer_security)|white-hat computer hacker]]. His work mostly involves OS and networking tips and tricks and proxy websites'''.<ref name="Times of India">{{cite web |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/How-to-live-appily-ever-after/articleshow/40713468.cms |title='How to live... 'appily' ever after' |work= The Times of India|access-date= 18 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/article48684.ece |title= Inside account |author= Priyadarshini Pandey |access-date= 26 February 2013 |date= 14 November 2009 | newspaper = The Hindu | location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi-times/Ankit-Fadia-Everything-official-about-him/articleshow/414502089.cms |access-date = 6 December 2006| title = Ankit Fadia: Everything official about him| work= [[The Times of India]] |date= 3 September 2001}}</ref>'''

A number of his claims regarding his achievements have been disputed by others within the security industry, and he was mocked with a "Security [[Charlatan]] of the Year" award at [[DEF CON]] 20 in 2012.<ref name="youtube.com" /> [[Attrition (website)|Attrition.org]] also reviewed his alleged credentials and included him on their Security Charlatans list,<ref name=":0" /> calling into question the veracity of his marketing statements. He has been accused of [[plagiarism]] in his work.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Errata: Ankit Fadia – "Unofficial Guide to Ethical Hacking" 32% Plagiarized |url= http://attrition.org/errata/charlatan/ankit_fadia/unofficial.html |website = attrition.org |access-date= 19 September 2015}}</ref> His claims of hacking feats have since been trashed by many [[Computer magazine|magazines]].<ref>{{Cite web |title= Ethical hacker Ankit Fadia is a fake |url= http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/ethical-hacker-ankit-fadia-is-a-fake| work=Sunday Guardian|access-date= 19 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Shunol Doke |title= Ankit Fadia's website hacked again – Tech2 |url= http://tech.firstpost.com/news-analysis/ankit-fadias-website-hacked-again-41559.html |date=18 September 2012 |access-date= 29 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= Forbes India Magazine – Ankit Fadia Revealed |url= http://forbesindia.com/article/beyond-business/ankit-fadia-revealed/34793/0 |website= forbesindia.com |access-date= 19 September 2015}}</ref>

== Early life ==
At the age of 10, his parents gifted him a computer and he says he started taking an interest in [[hacker|hacking]] after a year of playing video games when he read a newspaper article on the subject.<ref name="rediff_kashmiri_2002">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/search/2002/apr/18ankit.htm |title=Rediff Guide to the Net: Features: 16-year-old hacker Ankit Fadia outsmarts Kashmiri separatists |work=Rediff.com|date=18 April 2002 |access-date=26 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="Success Decoded">{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140112/jsp/graphiti/17757828.jsp |title=Success Decoded |work=The Telegraph|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref> He soon started a website ''hackingtruths.box.sk'' where he wrote hacking [[tutorial]]s, which acquired many readers and encouraged him to write a book.<ref name="rediff_kashmiri_2002"/><ref name="BBC_2002">{{cite news | date = 17 April 2002 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1934874.stm | title = Indian hacker turns cyber cop | work = BBC News | access-date = 26 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/04/19/stories/2003041901390700.htm | date = 19 April 2003 | title = E2 labs to combat cyber crime in Hyderabad | work = Business Line | access-date = 19 December 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030413/cth1.htm | date = 13 April 2003 | author=Manoj Kumar | title = Teen hacker who is sought after by FBI | publisher = The Tribune, Chandigarh | access-date = 19 August 2006 }}</ref> The book received favorable responses in India, made Fadia popular in the country, and turned his hobby into a full-time profession.<ref name="Success Decoded" /> However, he was also accused of [[plagiarism]].<ref name="sunday_guardian_2012"/>

== Career ==
He wrote more books on computer security, and spoke at several seminars across schools and colleges in India.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article497533.ece | title = Caught in the web | author = K. Jeshi | newspaper = The Hindu | date = 3 July 2010 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> In addition, he started providing his own computer security courses, including the "Ankit Fadia Certified Ethical Hacker" programme.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070204/asp/calcutta/story_7327984.asp |title=The inheritance of food | newspaper = The Telegraph |date= 4 February 2007 |access-date=1 March 2013 }}</ref>

In 2009, Fadia stated that he was working in New York as an Internet security expert for "prestigious companies".<ref name="TH_hack_2009">{{cite news | url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/11/16/stories/2009111650950300.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130501010452/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/11/16/stories/2009111650950300.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 1 May 2013 | title = How the hack he does it! | date = 16 November 2009 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | newspaper = [[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> Fadia also [[celebrity branding|endorsed]] the Flying Machine jeans brand of [[Arvind Mills]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-10-21/news/27587443_1_youth-icon-brand-ambassador-mtv-india | title = Flying Machine endorsement: Ethical Hacker Fadia replaces Abhishek Bacchan | date = 21 October 2012 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | newspaper = [[The Economic Times]] | author = Ratna Bhushan }}</ref>

Fadia was dismissed by security and cryptography enthusiasts as a 'faker' making tall claims, who attributed his success to the [tech-illiterate] media.<ref name="sunday_guardian_2012">{{cite news | url = http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/ethical-hacker-ankit-fadia-is-a-fake | title = Ethical hacker Ankit Fadia is a fake | date = 19 February 2012 | access-date = 26 February 2013 | newspaper = The Sunday Guardian | author = Shubhankar Adhikari }}</ref> A security professional, who uses the handle @FakeAnkitFadia on Twitter, told ''The Sunday Guardian'', "The first book that Fadia 'wrote' at the age of 14, ''The Unofficial Guide to Ethical Hacking'', was a little over 32% [plagiarised] from other security publications and websites."<ref name="SMH_2003">{{cite news | title=Hacktivism through the eyes of an infiltrator | url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/08/04/1059849331034.html | author=Suelette Dreyfus | date = 5 August 2003 | access-date = 26 February 2013 | work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> Fadia has dismissed the critics who question his credibility as an expert, saying "If I had been fake, my growth would have stopped 10 years ago".<ref>{{cite news|title=A clean hacker|author=Rana Siddiqui Zaman|date=22 January 2010|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai, India}}</ref>

== Debunked hacking claims ==
In 2002, Fadia claimed that at the age of 17, he had defaced the website of an Indian magazine.<ref name="BBC_2002"/> Subsequently, he named the magazine as the Indian edition of [[CHIP (magazine)|CHIP magazine]], and stated that the editor had offered him a job when informed about the defacement.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/inside-account/article48684.ece | title=Inside Account | author = Priyadarshini Paitandy | date=14 September 2009 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2012, the [[Forbes India]] executive editor Charles Assisi (who was editor of CHIP India at the time of the supposed incident), denied that such an incident ever took place after verifying with his predecessor and successor at the magazine as well.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ankit Fadia Revealed|url=http://forbesindia.com/article/beyond-business/ankit-fadia-revealed/34793/0|author=Charles Assissi|work=[[Forbes India]]|date=27 February 2013|access-date=27 February 2013}}</ref>

In a 2002 interview published on [[rediff.com]], and online hacking with Mashup(Sourav) from [[Bongaon]], [[Kolkata]], he stated that at the age of 16, he foiled an attempt by the [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|Kashmiri separatist]] hackers to [[website defacement|deface]] an Indian website.<ref name="rediff_kashmiri_2002"/> He stated he gathered information about the attackers, [[eavesdropping|eavesdropped]] on their [[online chat]] using one of their identities, and then mailed the transcript to a US spy organisation that had hired him.<ref name="thestar_2005">{{cite news | url = http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/2/27/nation/10276403&sec=nation | title = Teen helping adults fight 'bad guys' | author = M. Krishnamoorthy | newspaper = [[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] | date = 27 February 2005 | access-date = 26 February 2013 }}</ref> He did not divulge the name of the organization he worked for, citing security reasons.<ref name="BBC_2002"/> The Pakistani hacker group Anti-India Crew (AIC) questioned Fadia's claims: along with WFD, the AIC hacked the Indian government website epfindia.gov.in, dedicating it to Fadia, mocking his capabilities.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://hindu.com/2002/04/28/stories/2002042800921000.htm | title=This hacker has a different message | author=K. Srinivas Reddy | date=28 April 2002 | access-date=26 February 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221233959/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2002/04/28/stories/2002042800921000.htm | archive-date=21 December 2008 | url-status=live | work= [[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> AIC also announced that it would be defacing the website of the [[Central Board of Excise and Customs|CBEC]] (www.cbec.gov.in) within the next two days, and challenged Fadia to prevent it by patching the vulnerability but Fadia couldn't.<ref name="TheHindu_CBEC">{{cite news | url=http://hindu.com/2002/04/30/stories/2002043002271300.htm | title=Hacker threat to CBEC website | author=K. Srinivas Reddy | date=30 April 2002 | access-date=26 February 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081221234004/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2002/04/30/stories/2002043002271300.htm | archive-date=21 December 2008 | url-status=live | work=[[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India}}</ref>

In 2003, Fadia claimed to have infiltrated a group of hackers and stated that the Pakistani intelligence agencies were paying "[[westerners]]" to [[Website defacement|deface]] Indian websites with anti-India or pro-Pakistan content.<ref name="SMH_2003"/>

Fadia's own website has been hacked multiple times.<ref name="sunday_guardian_2012"/> In 2009, he blamed the defacement on a vulnerability in the servers of his [[webhost]] net4india. Independent security experts contested his claim, stating that the problem was a loophole in his own website's code. His website was hacked by an Indian [[hacker]] Himanshu Sharma, where he accepted the challenge from Ankit Fadia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Is Ankit Fadia selling Viagra? |url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/dec/081209-ankit-fadia-hacker-hacked.htm |author=MiD DAY |date=8 December 2009 |access-date=26 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213004836/http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/dec/081209-ankit-fadia-hacker-hacked.htm |archive-date=13 December 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, his website was defaced twice by hackers. In the first instance, the hackers rubbished his claims and stated that he was fooling people.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Ankit-Fadia-s-Website-Suspended-After-Being-Defaced-by-Ganster-291673.shtml | title=Ankit Fadia's site Suspended After Being Hacked by Ganster | publisher = Softpedia | author = Eduard Kovacs | date = 12 September 2012 | access-date = 26 February 2013 }}</ref> Another hacker compromised it in response to a challenge that was issued by Fadia on the ''Tech Toyz'' show on CNBC-TV18.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a93qi17GqMU&feature=player_embedded|title=Tech Toyz Hacking Special Episode Part III|date=10 August 2011}}</ref>{{Synthesis inline|date=March 2013}}

In 2012, [[DEF CON]] awarded him with the "Security Charlatan of the Year" award<ref name="youtube.com">{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIzvTwFwaYI&t=33m3s|title=DEFCON 20: DC RECOGNIZE Awards|date=16 November 2012|via=YouTube|access-date=28 September 2015}}</ref> citing him to be a fraudster and his presentations outdated. The website attrition.org mentions him as a security charlatan<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = attrition.org Errata – Charlatans|url = http://attrition.org/errata/charlatan/|website = attrition.org|access-date = 19 September 2015}}</ref> and accuses him of plagiarism in his work.

During September 2015, Fadia's official Facebook page posted a certificate which claimed that Fadia was appointed as the brand ambassador for Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]]'s pet project, the [[Digital_India|Digital India Initiative]]. The government had then announced that it would pluck out young tech entrepreneurs to be its brand ambassadors which included the ilk of [[Sachin Bansal]] and [[Binny Bansal]] of [[Flipkart]], [[Snapdeal]]'s [[Kunal Bahl]] and [[Micromax]]'s Rahul Sharma.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/ankit-fadia-claims-to-be-appointed-brand-ambassador-of-digital-india-government-denies-3671967.html|title=Ankit Fadia: Claims to be appointed brand ambassador of Digital India, Government denies- Technology News, Firstpost|date=29 September 2015}}</ref> According to a report in India Today, government sources said there is "No such move to appoint a brand ambassador as reported".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/delhi/story/ankit-fadia-not-a-digital-india-ambassador-clarifies-government-265341-2015-09-29|title=Govt tries to clarify Ankit Fadia not a Digital India ambassador, adds to confusion|date=29 September 2015}}</ref>

==Television and web shows==

* MTV What The Hack

In 2008 he started a television show on [[MTV India]] called ''[[MTV What the Hack!]]'', which he co-hosted with José Covaco. In October 2009 [[MTV India]] announced the launch of Fadia's new TV show on MTV, where Fadia gave tips on how to make use of the Internet, and answered people's questions. <ref name="Dnaindia.com">{{cite web |url= http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_from-this-diwali-mtv-will-be-more-than-just-music_1298240 |title= From this Diwali, MTV will be more than just music – Money – DNA |work= Daily News and Analysis |date=12 October 2009 |access-date= 8 January 2012}}</ref> Internet users could email their problems to MTV India and Fadia gave them a solution on the show.<ref name="MTV India">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtvindia.com/news/news.php?id=3419|title=VJs, Music, Videos, Blogs, Games, Wallpapers, Interviews, Performances, Shows, Fun and more|publisher=MTV India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091121015512/http://www.mtvindia.com/news/news.php?id=3419|archive-date=21 November 2009}}</ref>

* Unzipped By Dell

In 2012, [[Dell]] India partnered with Ankit Fadia to create a series of nearly 50 videos, each of 1 minute duration to show tips and tricks for the use of computers and mobile phones. These videos were shown on the Dell India Facebook page with an average of one video per week. People also had the opportunity to ask tech queries of Fadia on topics like photography, video making, music composing, navigation assistance, gaming, messaging and others.<ref name="India Infoline News Service">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news/dell-india-in-association-with-ankit-fadia-presents-unzipped-by-dell-and-ankit-fadia-5555289971_1.html |title=Dell India in association with Ankit Fadia presents "Unzipped: By Dell and Ankit Fadia |publisher=India Infoline News Service |access-date=21 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://efytimes.com/e1/95718/Dell-India-In-Association-With-Ankit-Fadia-Presents-Unzipped-By-Dell-And-Ankit-Fadia |title=Dell India in association with Ankit Fadia presents "Unzipped: By Dell and Ankit Fadia |publisher=EFYTimes.com |access-date=21 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205230534/http://efytimes.com/e1/95718/Dell-India-In-Association-With-Ankit-Fadia-Presents-Unzipped-By-Dell-And-Ankit-Fadia |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/UnzippedbyDell |title=Unzipped by Dell Facebook Page |via=Facebook|access-date=21 September 2012}}{{Primary source inline|date=September 2020}}</ref>

* Geek on the Loose

In 2013, Ankit Fadia started a [[YouTube]] show ''Geek on the Loose'', in collaboration with PING networks where he shared technology-related tips, tricks and apps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Short-cuts-for-the-tech-savvy/2013/07/18/article1688412.ece |title=Short-cuts for the tech savvy |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=21 September 2012}}</ref> The show was based on situations mentioned in his book FASTER: 100 Ways To Improve Your Digital Life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/books/ankit-fadia-aims-at-stretching-technology-limits/article1-1108564.aspx |title=Ankit Fadia aims at stretching technology limits |work=Hindustan Times|access-date=21 September 2012}}</ref> The show has got more than 750,000+ views on YouTube.<ref name="Geek on the Loose">{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/user/geekontheloose/about |via= YouTube |title= Geek on the Loose}}</ref>

== Awards and recognition ==
* IT Youth Award from the Singapore Computer Society (2005)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scs.org.sg/news_centre/Press%20Release%202012/Press%20Release_IT%20Leader%20Awards%202012.pdf |title=Media Release IT Leader Awards 2012 |publisher=Singapore Computer Society |access-date=23 September 2014}}</ref>
* Global Ambassador for Cyber Security (National Telecom Awards 2011)<ref>[http://www.cmaievents.com/awardees2011.php The CMAI 5th National Awards]. Cmaievents.com (8 June 2011). Retrieved 2 August 2013.</ref>
* Global Shaper, [[World Economic Forum]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalshapers.org/shapers/ankit-fadia |title=Ankit Fadia{{!}}World Economic Forum: Global Shapers |publisher=World Economic Forum |access-date=23 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205121332/http://www.globalshapers.org/shapers/ankit-fadia |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Apart from aforementioned positive endorsements, Fadia's fabricated hacking claims garnered him some negative criticism too. He was nominated among the list of security charlatans in 2012. He was eventually awarded the same.
* [[DEF CON|DEF CON 20]] Security [[Charlatan]] of the year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/758921/ankit-fadias-biggest-hack-getting-modi-government-to-make-him-a-brand-ambassador|title=Ankit Fadia's biggest hack: Getting Modi government to make him a brand ambassador|last=Daniyal|first=Shoaib|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US|access-date=26 February 2019}}</ref><ref name="youtube.com"/><ref>[http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=128306 Clarification on Appointment of Brand Ambassadors]. Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, 29 September 2015.</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fadia, Ankit}}
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian technology writers]]
[[Category:Delhi Public School alumni]]

Ankit Fadia

2021-10-31T11:00:50Z

Jain13tushar:

{{short description|Indian author and speaker (born 20 july 1999)}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Cleanup rewrite|date=February 2020}}
{{Confusing|date=February 2020}}
}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox writer 
| image =
| image_size =
| caption = Fadia at the launch of himself
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1989}}<ref name="birthyear" />
| birth_place = [[Ahmedabad]], India
| occupation = Author & speaker
| education =
| alma_mater = D Public School
| genre = Technology, entertainer
| notableworks = ''FASTER: 100 Ways To Improve Your Digital life'' ''SOCIAL: 50 Ways To Improve Your Professional Life''
| website =
| name = Ankit Fadia
}}
'''Ankit Fadia''' (born 24 May 1985)<ref name="birthyear"> is an Indian author, speaker, television host, a security [[charlatan]],<ref name="youtube.com" /> and self-proclaimed [[White_hat_(computer_security)|white-hat computer hacker]]. His work mostly involves OS and networking tips and tricks and proxy websites'''.<ref name="Times of India">{{cite web |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/How-to-live-appily-ever-after/articleshow/40713468.cms |title='How to live... 'appily' ever after' |work= The Times of India|access-date= 18 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/article48684.ece |title= Inside account |author= Priyadarshini Pandey |access-date= 26 February 2013 |date= 14 November 2009 | newspaper = The Hindu | location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi-times/Ankit-Fadia-Everything-official-about-him/articleshow/414502089.cms |access-date = 6 December 2006| title = Ankit Fadia: Everything official about him| work= [[The Times of India]] |date= 3 September 2001}}</ref>'''

A number of his claims regarding his achievements have been disputed by others within the security industry, and he was mocked with a "Security [[Charlatan]] of the Year" award at [[DEF CON]] 20 in 2012.<ref name="youtube.com" /> [[Attrition (website)|Attrition.org]] also reviewed his alleged credentials and included him on their Security Charlatans list,<ref name=":0" /> calling into question the veracity of his marketing statements. He has been accused of [[plagiarism]] in his work.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Errata: Ankit Fadia – "Unofficial Guide to Ethical Hacking" 32% Plagiarized |url= http://attrition.org/errata/charlatan/ankit_fadia/unofficial.html |website = attrition.org |access-date= 19 September 2015}}</ref> His claims of hacking feats have since been trashed by many [[Computer magazine|magazines]].<ref>{{Cite web |title= Ethical hacker Ankit Fadia is a fake |url= http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/ethical-hacker-ankit-fadia-is-a-fake| work=Sunday Guardian|access-date= 19 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Shunol Doke |title= Ankit Fadia's website hacked again – Tech2 |url= http://tech.firstpost.com/news-analysis/ankit-fadias-website-hacked-again-41559.html |date=18 September 2012 |access-date= 29 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= Forbes India Magazine – Ankit Fadia Revealed |url= http://forbesindia.com/article/beyond-business/ankit-fadia-revealed/34793/0 |website= forbesindia.com |access-date= 19 September 2015}}</ref>

== Early life ==
At the age of 10, his parents gifted him a computer and he says he started taking an interest in [[hacker|hacking]] after a year of playing video games when he read a newspaper article on the subject.<ref name="rediff_kashmiri_2002">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/search/2002/apr/18ankit.htm |title=Rediff Guide to the Net: Features: 16-year-old hacker Ankit Fadia outsmarts Kashmiri separatists |work=Rediff.com|date=18 April 2002 |access-date=26 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="Success Decoded">{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140112/jsp/graphiti/17757828.jsp |title=Success Decoded |work=The Telegraph|access-date=21 September 2014}}</ref> He soon started a website ''hackingtruths.box.sk'' where he wrote hacking [[tutorial]]s, which acquired many readers and encouraged him to write a book.<ref name="rediff_kashmiri_2002"/><ref name="BBC_2002">{{cite news | date = 17 April 2002 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1934874.stm | title = Indian hacker turns cyber cop | work = BBC News | access-date = 26 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/04/19/stories/2003041901390700.htm | date = 19 April 2003 | title = E2 labs to combat cyber crime in Hyderabad | work = Business Line | access-date = 19 December 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030413/cth1.htm | date = 13 April 2003 | author=Manoj Kumar | title = Teen hacker who is sought after by FBI | publisher = The Tribune, Chandigarh | access-date = 19 August 2006 }}</ref> The book received favorable responses in India, made Fadia popular in the country, and turned his hobby into a full-time profession.<ref name="Success Decoded" /> However, he was also accused of [[plagiarism]].<ref name="sunday_guardian_2012"/>

== Career ==
He wrote more books on computer security, and spoke at several seminars across schools and colleges in India.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article497533.ece | title = Caught in the web | author = K. Jeshi | newspaper = The Hindu | date = 3 July 2010 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> In addition, he started providing his own computer security courses, including the "Ankit Fadia Certified Ethical Hacker" programme.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070204/asp/calcutta/story_7327984.asp |title=The inheritance of food | newspaper = The Telegraph |date= 4 February 2007 |access-date=1 March 2013 }}</ref>

In 2009, Fadia stated that he was working in New York as an Internet security expert for "prestigious companies".<ref name="TH_hack_2009">{{cite news | url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/11/16/stories/2009111650950300.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130501010452/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/11/16/stories/2009111650950300.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 1 May 2013 | title = How the hack he does it! | date = 16 November 2009 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | newspaper = [[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> Fadia also [[celebrity branding|endorsed]] the Flying Machine jeans brand of [[Arvind Mills]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-10-21/news/27587443_1_youth-icon-brand-ambassador-mtv-india | title = Flying Machine endorsement: Ethical Hacker Fadia replaces Abhishek Bacchan | date = 21 October 2012 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | newspaper = [[The Economic Times]] | author = Ratna Bhushan }}</ref>

Fadia was dismissed by security and cryptography enthusiasts as a 'faker' making tall claims, who attributed his success to the [tech-illiterate] media.<ref name="sunday_guardian_2012">{{cite news | url = http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/ethical-hacker-ankit-fadia-is-a-fake | title = Ethical hacker Ankit Fadia is a fake | date = 19 February 2012 | access-date = 26 February 2013 | newspaper = The Sunday Guardian | author = Shubhankar Adhikari }}</ref> A security professional, who uses the handle @FakeAnkitFadia on Twitter, told ''The Sunday Guardian'', "The first book that Fadia 'wrote' at the age of 14, ''The Unofficial Guide to Ethical Hacking'', was a little over 32% [plagiarised] from other security publications and websites."<ref name="SMH_2003">{{cite news | title=Hacktivism through the eyes of an infiltrator | url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/08/04/1059849331034.html | author=Suelette Dreyfus | date = 5 August 2003 | access-date = 26 February 2013 | work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> Fadia has dismissed the critics who question his credibility as an expert, saying "If I had been fake, my growth would have stopped 10 years ago".<ref>{{cite news|title=A clean hacker|author=Rana Siddiqui Zaman|date=22 January 2010|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai, India}}</ref>

== Debunked hacking claims ==
In 2002, Fadia claimed that at the age of 17, he had defaced the website of an Indian magazine.<ref name="BBC_2002"/> Subsequently, he named the magazine as the Indian edition of [[CHIP (magazine)|CHIP magazine]], and stated that the editor had offered him a job when informed about the defacement.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/inside-account/article48684.ece | title=Inside Account | author = Priyadarshini Paitandy | date=14 September 2009 | access-date = 1 March 2013 | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2012, the [[Forbes India]] executive editor Charles Assisi (who was editor of CHIP India at the time of the supposed incident), denied that such an incident ever took place after verifying with his predecessor and successor at the magazine as well.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ankit Fadia Revealed|url=http://forbesindia.com/article/beyond-business/ankit-fadia-revealed/34793/0|author=Charles Assissi|work=[[Forbes India]]|date=27 February 2013|access-date=27 February 2013}}</ref>

In a 2002 interview published on [[rediff.com]], and online hacking with Mashup(Sourav) from [[Bongaon]], [[Kolkata]], he stated that at the age of 16, he foiled an attempt by the [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|Kashmiri separatist]] hackers to [[website defacement|deface]] an Indian website.<ref name="rediff_kashmiri_2002"/> He stated he gathered information about the attackers, [[eavesdropping|eavesdropped]] on their [[online chat]] using one of their identities, and then mailed the transcript to a US spy organisation that had hired him.<ref name="thestar_2005">{{cite news | url = http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/2/27/nation/10276403&sec=nation | title = Teen helping adults fight 'bad guys' | author = M. Krishnamoorthy | newspaper = [[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] | date = 27 February 2005 | access-date = 26 February 2013 }}</ref> He did not divulge the name of the organization he worked for, citing security reasons.<ref name="BBC_2002"/> The Pakistani hacker group Anti-India Crew (AIC) questioned Fadia's claims: along with WFD, the AIC hacked the Indian government website epfindia.gov.in, dedicating it to Fadia, mocking his capabilities.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://hindu.com/2002/04/28/stories/2002042800921000.htm | title=This hacker has a different message | author=K. Srinivas Reddy | date=28 April 2002 | access-date=26 February 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221233959/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2002/04/28/stories/2002042800921000.htm | archive-date=21 December 2008 | url-status=live | work= [[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India}}</ref> AIC also announced that it would be defacing the website of the [[Central Board of Excise and Customs|CBEC]] (www.cbec.gov.in) within the next two days, and challenged Fadia to prevent it by patching the vulnerability but Fadia couldn't.<ref name="TheHindu_CBEC">{{cite news | url=http://hindu.com/2002/04/30/stories/2002043002271300.htm | title=Hacker threat to CBEC website | author=K. Srinivas Reddy | date=30 April 2002 | access-date=26 February 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081221234004/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2002/04/30/stories/2002043002271300.htm | archive-date=21 December 2008 | url-status=live | work=[[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India}}</ref>

In 2003, Fadia claimed to have infiltrated a group of hackers and stated that the Pakistani intelligence agencies were paying "[[westerners]]" to [[Website defacement|deface]] Indian websites with anti-India or pro-Pakistan content.<ref name="SMH_2003"/>

Fadia's own website has been hacked multiple times.<ref name="sunday_guardian_2012"/> In 2009, he blamed the defacement on a vulnerability in the servers of his [[webhost]] net4india. Independent security experts contested his claim, stating that the problem was a loophole in his own website's code. His website was hacked by an Indian [[hacker]] Himanshu Sharma, where he accepted the challenge from Ankit Fadia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Is Ankit Fadia selling Viagra? |url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/dec/081209-ankit-fadia-hacker-hacked.htm |author=MiD DAY |date=8 December 2009 |access-date=26 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213004836/http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/dec/081209-ankit-fadia-hacker-hacked.htm |archive-date=13 December 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, his website was defaced twice by hackers. In the first instance, the hackers rubbished his claims and stated that he was fooling people.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Ankit-Fadia-s-Website-Suspended-After-Being-Defaced-by-Ganster-291673.shtml | title=Ankit Fadia's site Suspended After Being Hacked by Ganster | publisher = Softpedia | author = Eduard Kovacs | date = 12 September 2012 | access-date = 26 February 2013 }}</ref> Another hacker compromised it in response to a challenge that was issued by Fadia on the ''Tech Toyz'' show on CNBC-TV18.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a93qi17GqMU&feature=player_embedded|title=Tech Toyz Hacking Special Episode Part III|date=10 August 2011}}</ref>{{Synthesis inline|date=March 2013}}

In 2012, [[DEF CON]] awarded him with the "Security Charlatan of the Year" award<ref name="youtube.com">{{cite av media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIzvTwFwaYI&t=33m3s|title=DEFCON 20: DC RECOGNIZE Awards|date=16 November 2012|via=YouTube|access-date=28 September 2015}}</ref> citing him to be a fraudster and his presentations outdated. The website attrition.org mentions him as a security charlatan<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = attrition.org Errata – Charlatans|url = http://attrition.org/errata/charlatan/|website = attrition.org|access-date = 19 September 2015}}</ref> and accuses him of plagiarism in his work.

During September 2015, Fadia's official Facebook page posted a certificate which claimed that Fadia was appointed as the brand ambassador for Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]]'s pet project, the [[Digital_India|Digital India Initiative]]. The government had then announced that it would pluck out young tech entrepreneurs to be its brand ambassadors which included the ilk of [[Sachin Bansal]] and [[Binny Bansal]] of [[Flipkart]], [[Snapdeal]]'s [[Kunal Bahl]] and [[Micromax]]'s Rahul Sharma.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/ankit-fadia-claims-to-be-appointed-brand-ambassador-of-digital-india-government-denies-3671967.html|title=Ankit Fadia: Claims to be appointed brand ambassador of Digital India, Government denies- Technology News, Firstpost|date=29 September 2015}}</ref> According to a report in India Today, government sources said there is "No such move to appoint a brand ambassador as reported".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/delhi/story/ankit-fadia-not-a-digital-india-ambassador-clarifies-government-265341-2015-09-29|title=Govt tries to clarify Ankit Fadia not a Digital India ambassador, adds to confusion|date=29 September 2015}}</ref>

==Television and web shows==

* MTV What The Hack

In 2008 he started a television show on [[MTV India]] called ''[[MTV What the Hack!]]'', which he co-hosted with José Covaco. In October 2009 [[MTV India]] announced the launch of Fadia's new TV show on MTV, where Fadia gave tips on how to make use of the Internet, and answered people's questions. <ref name="Dnaindia.com">{{cite web |url= http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_from-this-diwali-mtv-will-be-more-than-just-music_1298240 |title= From this Diwali, MTV will be more than just music – Money – DNA |work= Daily News and Analysis |date=12 October 2009 |access-date= 8 January 2012}}</ref> Internet users could email their problems to MTV India and Fadia gave them a solution on the show.<ref name="MTV India">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtvindia.com/news/news.php?id=3419|title=VJs, Music, Videos, Blogs, Games, Wallpapers, Interviews, Performances, Shows, Fun and more|publisher=MTV India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091121015512/http://www.mtvindia.com/news/news.php?id=3419|archive-date=21 November 2009}}</ref>

* Unzipped By Dell

In 2012, [[Dell]] India partnered with Ankit Fadia to create a series of nearly 50 videos, each of 1 minute duration to show tips and tricks for the use of computers and mobile phones. These videos were shown on the Dell India Facebook page with an average of one video per week. People also had the opportunity to ask tech queries of Fadia on topics like photography, video making, music composing, navigation assistance, gaming, messaging and others.<ref name="India Infoline News Service">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news/dell-india-in-association-with-ankit-fadia-presents-unzipped-by-dell-and-ankit-fadia-5555289971_1.html |title=Dell India in association with Ankit Fadia presents "Unzipped: By Dell and Ankit Fadia |publisher=India Infoline News Service |access-date=21 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://efytimes.com/e1/95718/Dell-India-In-Association-With-Ankit-Fadia-Presents-Unzipped-By-Dell-And-Ankit-Fadia |title=Dell India in association with Ankit Fadia presents "Unzipped: By Dell and Ankit Fadia |publisher=EFYTimes.com |access-date=21 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205230534/http://efytimes.com/e1/95718/Dell-India-In-Association-With-Ankit-Fadia-Presents-Unzipped-By-Dell-And-Ankit-Fadia |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/UnzippedbyDell |title=Unzipped by Dell Facebook Page |via=Facebook|access-date=21 September 2012}}{{Primary source inline|date=September 2020}}</ref>

* Geek on the Loose

In 2013, Ankit Fadia started a [[YouTube]] show ''Geek on the Loose'', in collaboration with PING networks where he shared technology-related tips, tricks and apps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Short-cuts-for-the-tech-savvy/2013/07/18/article1688412.ece |title=Short-cuts for the tech savvy |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=21 September 2012}}</ref> The show was based on situations mentioned in his book FASTER: 100 Ways To Improve Your Digital Life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/books/ankit-fadia-aims-at-stretching-technology-limits/article1-1108564.aspx |title=Ankit Fadia aims at stretching technology limits |work=Hindustan Times|access-date=21 September 2012}}</ref> The show has got more than 750,000+ views on YouTube.<ref name="Geek on the Loose">{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/user/geekontheloose/about |via= YouTube |title= Geek on the Loose}}</ref>

== Awards and recognition ==
* IT Youth Award from the Singapore Computer Society (2005)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scs.org.sg/news_centre/Press%20Release%202012/Press%20Release_IT%20Leader%20Awards%202012.pdf |title=Media Release IT Leader Awards 2012 |publisher=Singapore Computer Society |access-date=23 September 2014}}</ref>
* Global Ambassador for Cyber Security (National Telecom Awards 2011)<ref>[http://www.cmaievents.com/awardees2011.php The CMAI 5th National Awards]. Cmaievents.com (8 June 2011). Retrieved 2 August 2013.</ref>
* Global Shaper, [[World Economic Forum]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalshapers.org/shapers/ankit-fadia |title=Ankit Fadia{{!}}World Economic Forum: Global Shapers |publisher=World Economic Forum |access-date=23 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205121332/http://www.globalshapers.org/shapers/ankit-fadia |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Apart from aforementioned positive endorsements, Fadia's fabricated hacking claims garnered him some negative criticism too. He was nominated among the list of security charlatans in 2012. He was eventually awarded the same.
* [[DEF CON|DEF CON 20]] Security [[Charlatan]] of the year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/758921/ankit-fadias-biggest-hack-getting-modi-government-to-make-him-a-brand-ambassador|title=Ankit Fadia's biggest hack: Getting Modi government to make him a brand ambassador|last=Daniyal|first=Shoaib|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US|access-date=26 February 2019}}</ref><ref name="youtube.com"/><ref>[http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=128306 Clarification on Appointment of Brand Ambassadors]. Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, 29 September 2015.</ref>

==References==
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[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian technology writers]]
[[Category:Delhi Public School alumni]]