June 14, 2020 — a day etched in the memory of millions of Indians. That afternoon, news that shook the nation arrived: Sushant Singh Rajput was no more.
Entertainment: Today, June 14, 2025 — a date that remains a poignant question mark in the nation's memory. Five years ago on this day, Sushant Singh Rajput — a promising, intelligent, and inspiring actor — left this world. His death was not merely a personal loss; it became a mirror reflecting the Indian film industry, the justice system, and society at large, in which we all saw our own reflections.
SSR's Death: A Day That Shook the Nation
When news of Sushant's suicide broke on June 14, 2020, hearts sank. A well-educated young man, who had left engineering to pursue acting and captivated millions with films like MS Dhoni, Kedarnath, and Chhichhore, became merely a memory. His body was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his Bandra, Mumbai apartment.
The initial post-mortem report attributed the cause of death to asphyxiation due to hanging. There were no signs of struggle or external injuries. Yet, the news ignited a storm.
FIR, Allegations, and the Politics of Investigation
In July 2020, Sushant's father, KK Singh, filed an FIR in Patna. It leveled serious allegations against Sushant's girlfriend, Rhea Chakraborty, and her family — ranging from abetment to suicide to a ₹15 crore fraud. The case quickly branched in multiple directions.
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched an investigation into financial transactions.
- The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) investigated the drug angle.
- Finally, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case in August 2020.
CBI's Lengthy Investigation and Closure Report
The CBI questioned witnesses across the country. An AIIMS medical team was called in to review the post-mortem and forensic reports. In 2020, AIIMS declared it a clear case of suicide, ruling out any "foul play." In early 2025, a senior CBI official told the Hindustan Times that no criminal conspiracy was found in Sushant's death; it remained a suicide. Rhea Chakraborty and her family were given a clean chit.
Was This Justice? Unease Remains in Society
Even though the case was legally closed following the CBI's closure report, questions linger in the minds of SSR's fans and many ordinary citizens.
- Was Sushant under mental stress?
- Was there any unseen pressure from the film industry?
- Was he surrounded by the right people?
- Answers to these questions may never be found, yet their impact continues to resonate.
Rhea Chakraborty: Emerging from Crisis, on a New Path
In 2020, Rhea Chakraborty was arrested by the NCB and spent 28 days in Mumbai's Byculla jail. She was later granted bail by the Bombay High Court, which also reprimanded the NCB for making an arrest without concrete evidence.
- Today, Rhea is returning to a normal life.
- She is a gang leader on MTV's Roadies show.
- She has launched a streetwear brand called 'Chapter 2 Drip'.
- She also hosts a podcast, 'Chapter 2,' which discusses youth issues.
Sushant: More Than an Actor, an Inspiration
Following his untimely death, Sushant was remembered not just as an actor, but as a thoughtful, inquisitive young man with a scientific mind. He had a deep interest in everything from astronomy to philosophy. The energy, curiosity, and positivity he displayed in his life remain an inspiration for millions of young people.
June 14 is now more than just a date; it's a memory — one that compels us to consider how even a shining star can break from within. Five years later, even though the legal process has concluded, SSR's dreams, laughter, and unfinished plans remain with us.
His death exposed several layers of mental health, Bollywood politics, media trials, and the justice system. Perhaps this is SSR's greatest legacy — to make us think.
