Five Years Later, Sushant’s Legacy Lives Through ‘Kedarnath’, ‘Byomkesh’, ‘Kai Po Che’, ‘Chhichhore’ & More Streaming Now on OTT
Five Years Later, Sushant’s Legacy Lives Through ‘Kedarnath’, ‘Byomkesh’, ‘Kai Po Che’, ‘Chhichhore’ & More Streaming Now on OTT
From TV stardom to Bollywood brilliance, SSR’s journey continues to inspire fans worldwide
It’s been five years since the heartbreaking and untimely passing of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, but the impact he left behind remains fresh in the hearts of millions. On June 14, 2020, the news of his death shocked the nation and left an unfillable void in Indian cinema. While many questions and uncertainties still linger around the circumstances of his demise, what remains undiminished is his artistic legacy, intellectual curiosity, and the deep emotional connection he built with fans.
Sushant was more than just an actor. He was a thinker, a dreamer, a science enthusiast, and a soul with infinite curiosity. From studying astrophysics and quantum physics in his free time to discussing topics like space, consciousness, and AI, his mind always seemed to wander beyond stardom. But it was on screen where he truly came alive, delivering performances layered with honesty, vulnerability, and depth.
As we mark the fifth anniversary of his passing, here’s a look at some of Sushant’s most memorable films, each one a window into the mind and heart of a rare artist.
1. Kedarnath (2018)
Where to watch: Zee5
Set against the backdrop of the catastrophic 2013 Uttarakhand floods, Kedarnath tells the tender tale of Mansoor, a Muslim porter, and Mukku, a Hindu girl from a conservative family. As Mansoor, Sushant delivered a heartbreakingly quiet performance. With soft eyes and restrained dialogue, he embodied dignity, empathy, and unspoken love. The film tackled both environmental and social fault lines, and Sushant’s portrayal added a soulful core to this emotionally charged story.
2. Sonchiriya (2019)
Where to watch: Zee5
In Sonchiriya, Sushant transformed into Lakhna, a conflicted dacoit navigating the moral chaos of the Chambal ravines during the 1970s. Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, the film didn’t cater to the masses but rather offered a raw, immersive journey into caste, guilt, and redemption. Lakhna’s battle with his past was portrayed with haunting subtlety by Sushant, and even amidst a powerful ensemble cast, his performance stood tall. Though underrated at the box office, it’s now widely considered one of his finest works.
3. Shuddh Desi Romance (2013)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
In this quirky romantic comedy, Sushant played Raghu, a commitment-phobe navigating modern love, live-in relationships, and wedding jitters. The role gave Sushant a chance to showcase his effortless charm and comic timing. Whether it was his easy chemistry with Parineeti Chopra and Vaani Kapoor, or his portrayal of the nervous energy of today’s confused romantic, Sushant made Raghu likable and real. It was a refreshing take on Indian romance and cemented Sushant’s appeal among the youth.
4. Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
In one of his boldest career choices, Sushant took on the role of legendary Bengali sleuth Byomkesh Bakshy. Set in 1940s Calcutta, the film featured noir-style storytelling, layered plotting, and a subtle political undercurrent. To prepare, Sushant trained in Bengali mannerisms and immersed himself into the era’s ethos. While the film didn’t find massive commercial success, critics praised its atmospheric direction and Sushant’s gritty, cerebral portrayal of the young detective unraveling a sinister conspiracy.
5. Kai Po Che! (2013)
Where to watch: Netflix
Sushant’s big-screen debut remains one of his most emotionally resonant films. Based on Chetan Bhagat’s The 3 Mistakes of My Life, Kai Po Che! tells the story of three friends navigating love, dreams, and political unrest in Gujarat. As Ishaan, a passionate cricketer and mentor, Sushant displayed fierce idealism and heartbreak with remarkable nuance. His performance offered a preview of the emotional depth and charisma that would define his film career. It was a powerful start that earned him a Filmfare nomination and national recognition.
A Legacy That Transcends Cinema
Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai home in June 2020. The official post-mortem listed “asphyxia due to hanging” as the cause of death. However, the circumstances surrounding his passing remain mired in speculation and grief. What’s undeniable is that Sushant was a man of many dreams, whether it was visiting NASA, reading about wormholes, or simply gazing at the stars through his telescope.
He was one of the few mainstream actors who openly celebrated intellect and inquiry. He often shared book recommendations, spoke of gratitude journaling, and encouraged fans to stay curious. In a world of curated images, Sushant was refreshingly unfiltered and fiercely authentic.
As we remember him five years on, we are reminded not just of the characters he played, but of the lives he inspired off-screen. He was a symbol of how brilliance, humility, and kindness can coexist. And in every rewatch of Chhichhore, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, or Dil Bechara, his presence continues to comfort and captivate.
Sushant is not just missed. He is remembered with love, respect, and an eternal wish that he found peace among the stars he so dearly loved.
