‘Sushant Singh Rajput was a better choice than Bandra Boys’: Abhishek Chaubey says the late actor had ‘something desi about him’

Sushant Singh Rajput's career best performance was in Abhishek Chaubey's Sonchiriya.

In 2019, director Abhishek Chaubey presented an existential take on the bandits of Chambal with what many consider his career-best film, Sonchiriya. On the surface, it was a period actioner, but on closer look, it could be read as a reflective exploration of dharma and salvation. In the film, Sushant Singh Rajput essayed the role of Lakhna Singh, a conflicted bandit, arguably giving his most understated performance . However, despite its critical merits, the film failed at the box office and was deemed a commercial disaster. Over time, though, it has achieved cult status, particularly after Sushant’s untimely passing, as audiences have rediscovered it as a hidden gem.

Recently, in an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, Chaubey spoke about why he decided to cast Sushant in the film. He explained that the late actor possessed a ‘desi’ vibe that many star kids from Bandra and his contemporaries lacked. “The reason was very simple. We discussed his name among us and came to an agreement that there was something desi about Sushant. You know, with the other stars, these Bandra boys,  I mean, not that they can’t do it, but it’s a longer journey to get from who they are to that world. For Sushant, it would be easier. He comes from a small town and has some idea of the kind of world we’re talking about.”

Sushant Singh Rajput said yes to the film instantly.

Chaubey also revealed that Sushant agreed to the project immediately, sharing his excitement about collaborating. “Luckily for us, he said yes instantaneously. I went to meet him at four o’clock one evening while he was shooting, and the very next day, at four o’clock, he was sitting in our office and said yes to the film.” Reflecting on memories of shooting with Sushant, Chaubey recalled the actor’s fascination with astronomy, recounting an extraordinary incident during filming.

“There was some celestial event while we were shooting. And this guy, Sushant, had this huge telescope. Not the kind you keep at home as a hobby because it looks good. This was a proper, professional telescope. It had to be dismantled and brought on a truck from Bombay. A couple of young scientists came to the set to install it, in the camp, on the lawn outside where we were staying. And that’s what he would do. After the shoot packed up, you’d see him lying on the lawn, eyes glued, looking at planets. One day, everybody went and did that with him.”

Sushant Singh Rajput passed away in 2020 in Mumbai.