Highlights
On June 14, 2020, the world lost a talented and versatile actor, Sushant Singh Rajput. His sudden demise left a void in the Indian film industry and among his fans worldwide. As we remember him on his death anniversary, let’s take a look at the top five films that defined his career, showcasing his remarkable acting prowess and versatility.
1. MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)
Budget: ₹104 crore
Box Office: ₹216 crore
This biographical sports drama is arguably the most celebrated film of Sushant Singh Rajput‘s career. Directed by Neeraj Pandey, the movie chronicles the life of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former captain of the Indian national cricket team. Sushant’s portrayal of Dhoni was met with critical acclaim for its authenticity and depth, capturing the essence of the cricketing legend. The film was a commercial success, solidifying Sushant’s place in Bollywood.
2. Kai Po Che! (2013)
Budget: ₹30 crore
Box Office: ₹83 crore
Sushant Singh Rajput made a stellar Bollywood debut with this film, directed by Abhishek Kapoor. Based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel “The 3 Mistakes of My Life,” the film is set against the backdrop of the Gujarat riots and focuses on the friendship between three men. Sushant played the role of Ishaan Bhatt, a failed cricketer who dreams of nurturing young talents. His performance was heartfelt and genuine, earning him several accolades and the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.
3. Chhichhore (2019)
Budget: ₹53 crore
Box Office: ₹215 crore
A heartwarming and nostalgic comedy-drama, “Chhichhore” was directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The film revolves around a group of friends from college who reunite after many years when one of their children attempts suicide. Sushant played the dual role of Aniruddh “Anni” Pathak, both as a college student and a middle-aged father. The film’s message about handling failure resonated with audiences, and it was both a critical and commercial success.
4. Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015)
Budget: ₹35 crore
Box Office: ₹36 crore
In this period crime thriller directed by Dibakar Banerjee, Sushant played the titular role of Detective Byomkesh Bakshy, a character based on the fictional detective created by Bengali writer Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay. Set in 1940s Calcutta, the film follows Byomkesh as he unravels a complex conspiracy. Although the film had a modest box office performance, Sushant’s portrayal of the sharp and intuitive detective was praised for its intensity and nuance.
5. Kedarnath (2018)
Budget: ₹35 crore
Box Office: ₹120 crore
Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, “Kedarnath” is a romantic drama set against the backdrop of the 2013 Uttarakhand floods. Sushant played Mansoor Khan, a Muslim porter who falls in love with a Hindu pilgrim, played by Sara Ali Khan in her debut role. The film showcased Sushant‘s ability to convey deep emotions and his chemistry with Sara was widely appreciated. The film’s stunning visuals and poignant storyline contributed to its box office success.
Honorable Mentions
While these five films are standout achievements in Sushant Singh Rajput’s career, it’s important to also remember his roles in films like “PK” (2014), where he had a brief but memorable appearance, and “Sonchiriya” (2019), a gritty dacoit drama that further demonstrated his range as an actor.
Sushant Singh Rajput‘s journey from television to becoming one of Bollywood’s beloved stars is a testament to his talent and hard work. His films continue to be celebrated, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of his fans. As we remember him today, we honor his contribution to cinema and cherish the memories he left behind on screen.
