On June 14, 2020, Indian cinema lost a rising star, a philosopher, and a performer — Sushant Singh Rajput. Five years later, the sorrow of his passing is still palpable, and the love of fans around the world is still intact. From television shows to blockbuster films to arthouse cinema, SSR carved his own path to fame — one that pushed against industry conventions.
To remember him, we shine a light on some of his kernel performances, now streaming on OTTplay Premium, that continue to inspire, uplift, and resonate.
Pavitra Rishta – The Rise Of A Star
Before Bollywood reached out to him, Sushant had already become a household name on Indian television as Manav Deshmukh in Pavitra Rishta. The simplicity, emotional restraint, and quiet strength Sushant brought to the character redefined the “ideal man” on screen.
His powerful chemistry with co-star Ankita Lokhande and the realism of his portrayal made Manav immortal in Indian TV history. Even today, clips of his dialogues go viral — creating waves of nostalgia and reverence.
PK – A Small Role with a Big Impact
In Rajkumar Hirani’s satirical masterpiece PK, Sushant played Sarfaraz Yousuf, a Pakistani student in love with an Indian girl (Anushka Sharma). Though his screen time was limited, his emotional depth left a lasting impression.
Sarfaraz’s honesty and pain served as a moral and emotional anchor for the film, a reminder that Sushant could illuminate joy without stealing the spotlight.
Kedarnath – A Portrait Of Quiet Devotion
Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, Kedarnath featured Sushant as Mansoor, a humble Muslim porter who falls in love with a rich Hindu girl (Sara Ali Khan). His performance was subtle, restrained, and deeply empathetic — a reflection of his own quiet strength.
Mansoor wasn’t just a character — he symbolised selfless love, and his arc feels especially poignant in light of Sushant’s vulnerable, untimely death.
Sonchiriya – A Performance That Demanded Closer Inspection
Arguably Sushant’s most underrated role, Sonchiriya saw him portray Lakhna, a morally conflicted dacoit in Chambal. It was a departure from the romantic hero image — this was gritty, philosophical, layered acting.
With controlled dialect, body language, and internalised emotion, he gave one of the most powerful performances of his generation. While the film underperformed commercially, it has since earned cult status, with Sushant’s Lakhna considered a landmark role.
More Than An Actor — An Introspective Thinker
Away from the screen, Sushant was a curious mind, a bibliophile, a space enthusiast, and a deeply philosophical soul. He wasn’t chasing stardom — he was chasing purpose.
He made every role matter, regardless of box office metrics. His death left a colossal gap in the industry. But his work — visceral, introspective, and honest — continues to shine through our screens.
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Box Office Worldwide Verdict
Five years since Sushant Singh Rajput’s passing, and it still doesn’t feel right. His absence brings sorrow, but his performances continue to nourish hearts, ignite minds, and shine from every corner of the screen.
Whether it’s Manav, Sarfaraz, Mansoor, or Lakhna, each role forms part of a beautiful, unfinished story.
He wasn’t just an actor. He was an emotion, a philosophy, and a celestial being who left far too soon — but never truly left us.
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