The shocking and untimely death of Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020 left the nation in grief. Renowned for his impactful roles in films such as Kedarnath and Kai Po Che!, his passing stunned the entire film industry. Recently, actor Manoj Bajpayee, who shared the screen with Sushant in Sonchiriya, reminisced about the late actor, reflecting on their time together and offering a heartfelt tribute to his talent and spirit. Bajpayee, known for his versatile performances, spoke about the deep impact Sushant's death had on him and the industry at large.
Manoj Bajpayee, an experienced actor who has long navigated the ups and downs of the film industry, recently shared the valuable advice he offered to Sushant Singh Rajput during their time together. Having witnessed the pressures of fame firsthand, Bajpayee encouraged Sushant to stay grounded and focused. He emphasized the need for mental strength and advised Sushant to remain true to his craft, despite the external noise.
Speaking to Mid-Day, Manoj recalled, "We used to have chats about the industry and its politics. I always told him to keep thick skin, nahi toh yeh jaan maar degi tumhari."
He explained how he had developed a thick skin after facing numerous rejections throughout his career. "It was a part of my life, but many of my friends couldn’t handle rejections like I did," he added.
Despite the tough and competitive nature of the industry, Manoj recalled moments of camaraderie with Sushant on the Sonchiriya set. "He was a moody guy, and so am I," Manoj recalled. He fondly remembered Sushant calling him just before the pandemic hit, saying, "Manoj bhai, I really crave the mutton you cook, so next time when you make it, please invite me over."
Manoj reminisced about Sushant's intellectual nature, calling him "a brilliant mind." He mentioned that Sushant was a passionate reader, often seen engrossed in books both on and off the set.
"He had great knowledge of quantum physics and would often compare it to spiritualism," Manoj noted. He went on to say that Sushant wasn’t "a mad guy," but instead, "he was fairly well-versed in too many things." Manoj added.
Manoj shared the profound emotional impact Sushant's death had on him, saying, "I have to admit, his passing affected me deeply, and I felt a sense of sadness for three months, as though I had known him personally and intimately." He also remarked that the truth behind Sushant's death remains unknown, with investigations still ongoing.
"Even the CBI is yet to come to a conclusion." He said.
As Manoj fondly recalls his late co-star, he stressed that Sushant’s legacy should focus on his significant contributions to the industry, rather than being defined solely by his tragic demise.
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