The career of Sushant Singh Rajput shifted from mechanical engineering at the Delhi Technological University to the stages of Mumbai in 2006. Leaving his formal education behind, he transitioned from a background dancer and theatre performer to a prominent figure in Hindi cinema, eventually earning recognition for roles that spanned television drama and commercial film production.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1986 in Patna, Sushant Singh Rajput was the youngest of five siblings. He attended St. Karen's High School in his hometown before moving to Delhi, where he completed intermediate studies at the Kulachi Hansraj Model School. During his academic years, he developed a significant interest in physics, winning the National Olympiad in Physics before enrolling in engineering studies. He eventually abandoned his degree in mechanical engineering to pursue a trajectory in performance arts.
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Rajput entered the entertainment industry through the Ekjute theatre group under Nadira Babbar and dance training with Shiamak Davar. His screen debut occurred in 2008 with the romantic drama Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil. His subsequent work as the lead in the soap opera Pavitra Rishta, which aired from 2009 until 2011, solidified his reputation. During this period, he also participated in dance reality competitions including Zara Nachke Dikha and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.
Transition to Hindi Cinema
In 2013, Rajput transitioned to feature films with the adaptation Kai Po Che!, a role that earned him the Apsara Award for Best Male Debut in 2014. His filmography grew to include the romantic comedy Shuddh Desi Romance and the mystery film Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! in 2015. He later gained widespread attention for his portrayal of a sports figure in the biopic M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, which secured his first Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actor. Other notable film appearances included roles in PK, Kedarnath, Sonchiriya, and Chhichhore.
Death and Investigations
Sushant Singh Rajput died by suicide at his home in Bandra in June 2020 at the age of 34. Following his death, the Narcotics Control Bureau investigated the procurement of illicit substances, while the Central Bureau of Investigation took over the broader inquiry. On 22 March 2025, the Central Bureau of Investigation filed a closure report, officially ruling out foul play in his death. His final performance, Dil Bechara, was distributed posthumously on the Hotstar platform.
Fast facts
- Born: 1986, Patna
- Died: 2020, Bandra
- Education: St. Karen's High School; Delhi Technological University
- Debut Film: Kai Po Che! (2013)
- Debut Television Show: Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil (2008)
- Religion: Sikhism
- Award: Apsara Award for Best Male Debut (2014)
Questions readers ask
What was Rajput's final film release?
His last film, Dil Bechara, was released posthumously on the streaming platform Hotstar in 2020.
Was there foul play suspected in his death?
Following investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation, a closure report filed on 22 March 2025 ruled out foul play.
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