Sushant Singh Rajput was 34. (Express photo by Dilip Kagda)
The news of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput killing himself has shocked the Indian film industry.
Sushant’s body was found at his Bandra home, Mumbai police confirmed.
Sushant Singh Rajput, who made his acting debut with Star Plus TV show Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil (2008), shot to fame with Zee TV’s popular soap opera Pavitra Rishta. His role of Manav in the Ekta Kapoor serial earned him several awards including Indian Television Academy Awards and BIG Star Entertainment Awards.
Sushant also participated in some reality shows including Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4 where he emerged as the first runner-up. He soon made his transition to Bollywood with Kai Po Che (2013) which got him several debut awards.
In a career spanning over a decade, Sushant also became a part of hit projects like Detective Byomkesh Bakshy, Kedarnath, Sonchiriya and Chhichhore among more. His portrayal of former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni in the biopic M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story remained one of the highlights of his career.
The actor was last seen in Netflix film Drive. His upcoming film, the Hindi remake of Hollywood hit The Fault In Our Stars, is in post-production.
Naveen Polishetty, who shared screen space with Sushant Singh Rajput in Chhichhore, reacted to the news of his co-star’s death. He said, “I have just received a call about Sushant’s death. I am extremely heartbroken. I met him on the sets of Chhichhore. He did not make me feel like it was my first film and by the end of the film, he became like a brother to me. The manner in which we have lost him is shocking. I feel numb at this point and am not in a position to talk more. I really wish he finds peace.”
Venkatesh shared on Twitter, "Deeply saddened to hear about @itsSSR. This is a mighty loss to the industry for we have lost a such a young talent too soon. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. #ripsushant"
Actor Manoj Bajpayee expressed his shock on Twitter. He shared, “Falling short of words to describe the shock and grief I am in right now!! Just one question why Sushant ?? My heart goes out to his family who lost their young one!! Will wait to cook Bihari mutton for you my friend!! Rest in peace !!!!!Yours dadda!!!”
Usha Nadkarni, who played Sushant Singh Rajput's mother in Pavitra Rishta, was in tears over the actor's untimely demise. She told indianexpress.com, "Why did he do this? Sushant had managed to achieve all that he dreamt of. A successful career in Bollywood, a house in Bandra, luxurious cars - he had everything. I cannot bring to myself why would he take this decision. He was such a young boy."
While the two were not in touch after he left the show, Usha shared that they were very close while on the show. "He played my son on Pavitra Rishta and trust me, we had the same bond off screen too. We had so much fun shooting together. He was a very loving person, and I have so many beautiful memories with him. It's heartbreaking."
Tollywood actor Kalyanram Nandamuri took to Twitter to express his grief over the news of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. “A young talent has been lost. Felt very sad to hear the news about #SushantSingh Rajput. Extending my condolences to his family. RIP,” he tweeted.
Gautam Gulati, Vikrant Massey, Gauahar Khan and others asked people to stop circulating Sushant Singh Rajput's photo.
Sharing a picture on Instagram, Rohit Roy wrote, "Who would have thought that behind that cherubic smile that could warm the coldest hearts lay a troubled soul.. RIP my friend 😢 Don’t have words to express my grief.. sad, shocking, unbelievable #gonetoosoon #numb"
"Shocked beyond words to learn about #SushanthSinghRajput's untimely demise. A powerhouse of talent... Too young to go... May his soul find peace and light. My deepest condolences and strength to the family to cope with this tragic loss," Mahesh Babu wrote in a tweet.