June 14, 2025, marks five years since Bollywood lost one of its most talented and loved actors – Sushant Singh Rajput. From decoding quantum physics on social media to quoting Rumi in interviews, Sushant was more than just an actor; he left a lasting impact through his immense knowledge of philosophy, astronomy, and poetry. He was indeed a rare blend of wisdom and stardom. From television to silver screen, Sushant has kept his legacy alive through his work. Here’s a look at a few iconic roles that made him one of the most promising actors in the industry.
1. M.S.Dhoni – M.S.Dhoni : The Untold Story (2016)
Playing Mahendra Singh Dhoni, one of the cricketing legends and the captain cool of India was no easy feat. But Sushant embodied the character with such great detail and brilliance – be it the calm demeanour, success and failure, the undeniable charm which gained him much critical and commercial acclaim. The film was celebrated for how Sushant portrayed Dhoni in the most human way possible rather than turning him into a larger-than-life hero.
2. Anirudh Pathak – Chhichhore (2019)
In this slice of life film on college life, love success and failure, Sushant played Anirudh, a former hostel misfit turned father, an underdog who along with his friends were considered ‘losers’. When Anirudh’s own son attempts to take his life, he takes him on a journey of his own and how he turned his defeats into victory with his ‘losers’ by his side. Sushant in this film became that one mentor, an inner voive that well all need when life hits hard. His one line – Tumhara result decide nahi karta hai ki tum loser ho ki nahi … tumhari koshish decide karti hai is enough to get one through the darkest of days.
3. Ishaan Bhatt – Kai Po Che (2013)
Through his debut in Kai Po Che Sushant proved that he wasn’t just a TV actor trying to make it in Bollywood, he was meant for the silver screen. Ishaan, a former cricketer tuned coach, was full of contradictions, fiery, flawed, individualistic, vulnerable and determined. The performance he delivered, especially towards the film’s ending, made his screen presence even more magnetic.
4. Detective Byomkesh Bakshy -Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015)
This was a period thriller and a bold detour from other roles that Sushant had adopted. It was a space that hadn’t been explored by many in Bollywood. Playing the young Bengali sleuth during 1940s British India was different from the boyish charm in Kai Po Che or Shudh Desi Romance. Here we had Byomkesh who was mature, sometimes over-confident and a deeply human character on a hunt for truth. The way he delivered more through his eyes than words, the Bengali accent, sharp intuition all contributed to the film’s success.
5. Manny – Dil Bechara (2020)
Based on the Hollywood romantic drama, Fault In Our Stars, Dil Bechara in hindsight feels like a very emotional goodbye, a farewell of a star gone too soon. Through Immanuel Rajkumar Junior, Sushant gave a strikingly heartbreaking performance in his ever-charming way. Manny is a cancer survivor with only and only infectious zest for life. Theres a scene in the movie when Manny says Janam kab lena hai aur marna kab hai … hum decide nahi kar sakte … par kaise jeena hai … woh hum decide kar sakte hai feels beautifully painful and one can’t help but remember the late actor with a smile. It was Sushant’s final love letter to his fans. He may be gone but through his dialogues, dance, iconic smirk and charm – he lives on.
Also Read: Remembering Sushant Singh Rajput: The actor wanted to party with Shah Rukh Khan and he did it
