Sushant Singh Rajput was 34. (Photo: Express Archive)
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.
Actor Tisca Chopra on Instagram expressed how "deeply shocked" she is at the passing of Sushant Singh Rajput. "We will never know what drove him to this. But what we do know is that this is a time to reach out to near and dear ones and tell them they are needed and loved deeply. And dear Sushant, hope you are surrounded by angels who soothe your aching soul. RIP" Chopra wrote.
Yami Gautam took to Instagram and wrote, "Never knew Sushant personally & yet devastated & still shocked...heart-breaking .. the pain & grief of family members must be beyond words..Rest in peace, Sushant. Prayers & Strength"
Sharing a picture of Sushant Singh Rajput, Neha Sharma wrote, "I didn’t know him personally but extremely shocked and saddened by the news of Sushant’s passing. This is a horrible tragedy and is a huge loss for all the lives he touched. This is also a reminder that we need to take care of our mental health as much as physical health and let’s reach out and make sure that our loved ones know we are there for them.Sushant was a rare talent and will be missed by so many of us. Here’s requesting everyone to be sensitive and let’s ensure we allow his family and everyone close to him to grieve and mourn in private. May his soul rest in peace."
YouTuber Prajakta Koli took to Instagram and promised 'to lend an ear' because she feels most of us need to be heard.
Farah Khan, remembering Sushant Singh Rajput, shared adorable photos on Instagram. "Can’t still believe.. but I know somewhere your mother is hugging you n keeping you safe. Be at peace my dearest," she mentioned.
In a video, Sanjana Sanghi remembered Sushant Singh Rajput, her co-star in debut film Dil Bechara. She said, "He used to tell me after every schedule that he wants to see me go far and I have infinite potential. We spoke about what we want to do for education for children in India. I promise you that everyone is going to be grateful for the work you have left behind."
Armaan Malik remembered Sushant Singh Rajput in a post on Instagram.
In a long note, Dipika Kakar Ibrahim spoke about how she was an admirer and a fan of Sushant Sing Rajput, starting from Pavitra Rishta then Kai Po Che, MS Dhoni The Untold Story and so on. "I really don't know what lead Sushant into depression and then into this drastic step, but this is a shock for all of us. I will miss him. Stay strong, stay safe and please talk. You are precious to your parents and loved ones," she wrote in the post.
Sharing a photo of Sushant Singh Rajput on Instagram, Kubbra Sait wrote, "No. Let’s rewind. If only I could hear you play the guitar again. If only I could see you cackle and rope me in with your hug. If only. You are special, and will always be... no matter where you are. Rest In Peace @sushantsinghrajput"
Kritika Kamra took to Instagram and wrote, "Sushant was as brilliant as the stars that always mesmerised him. Curious, generous, kind and spirited. Performed with all his heart. Danced like he owned the stage. Hugged tight and long. We will celebrate his work and cherish the characters he became. I will also never forget his child-like energy, his sense of wonder and that charming smile."
She continued, "Sushant was a thinker and a believer. He was fascinated by the possibilities of science and the power of faith alike. I always found that amazing! Sparse conversations I had with him over the years have been playing in my head.. He went to NASA for a workshop and I remember him showing me an email he received from the team praising him. He was ecstatic. Another time, he made me experience the moon landing through VR all while explaining what I was seeing. He would play Pink Floyd in the background and have passionate conversations.. and at parties, pull everyone to dance whenever a 90s Bollywood song came on. Every time we met, he was warm and genuine. So rare. We weren’t close friends but these nuggets of memories will remain. You’re special Sushant! Shine on in the unknown."
"I’m stunned beyond words. What an Incredible Loss, an Incredible Mind and an Incredible Talent. Will miss seeing stars from the telescope on ur terrace, our Astrophysics and NASA conversations, Dance competitions, Cricket celebrations and Ghazal nights. I’m gonna miss you @sushantsinghrajput TOO MUCH! Gone too soon. I love you. Rest in peace my friend. My condolences and strength to the family #sushantsinghrajput #RIP #gonetoosoon #heartbroken," Preity Zinta said via Instagram.
Vir Das shared on Twitter, "Sushant Singh Rajput was a complete outsider who made it from background dancer to a movie star through hard work and talent. That's an amazing and unique true story. Take a moment to remember that above everything. For outsiders, actors struggling, for anyone. That's a legacy."
Neha Dhupita posted on Instagram, "Have a pain in my gutt as I write this. I was somewhere between a fan and a friend. Such a lovely talented young man you were #sushantsinghrajput and you decided to go away too soon. My condolences to the family. Can’t imagine what they must be going thru and can’t even begin to imagine what you must have gone thru. We are all so sorry."
Sharing the above photo, Harshvardhan Kapoor wrote on Instagram, "Struggling to come to terms with this one. Kai po che, Dhoni, Kedarnath and more. you will always be an inspiration for young aspirants. this was from a really memorable night at Huma’s. he made us all laugh so much that night, will be difficult sleeping tonight. RIP bro. hope you’re smiling down on us."
Priyanka Chopra took to Instagram and wrote, "I’m stunned. You must have been in so much pain. I hope you are at peace wherever you are my friend. Gone too soon. Ill never forget our conversations about astrophysics at sunrise..Words cease to make sense. RIP Sushant. My condolences to the family and everyone grieving this huge loss."
"Dear Sushant, there was so much more you had to offer. Perhaps the world was not up to your beliefs.. you should not have gone like this ...but then you were an old wise soul in a restless young body. Often the heavens cannot handle that," Shekhar Kapur said via Twitter.