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Rhea Chakraborty recalls how the Sushant Singh Rajput case left her family scarred forever, saying they “were no longer the same carefree family” even after her clean chit.

Rhea Chakraborty opened up about how the Sushant Singh Rajput case left her family broken and permanently changed, recalling the moment they cried after she got a clean chit.
Actress Rhea Chakraborty has spoken candidly about the lasting impact the Sushant Singh Rajput case had on her family, revealing how the years-long ordeal permanently changed them. Speaking at a recent NDTV event, she recalled the emotional rollercoaster her family went through and how even after being given a clean chit, the pain remained.
Rhea revealed that her entire family broke down when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) finally cleared her of all charges. “Everyone in my house cried that day. I hugged my brother and broke down. When I looked at my parents, I realised we had all changed forever. We were no longer the same carefree family. That moment altered us permanently,” she said.
The actress explained that her mother was the first to hear the news, but she initially refused to believe it. “My mother first heard it on television, but I brushed it off, assuming the media was being inaccurate as usual. It was only after my lawyer confirmed the news that I allowed myself to believe it.”
For Rhea, the closure brought more relief for her parents than for herself. “When I got a clean chit, I wasn’t happy. At the core of it, I knew someone very close to me was gone, and nothing could change that. But I was relieved for my parents. They live in society and constantly face people. For them, things had become very difficult. I thought maybe now they could move around a little more freely,” she shared.
She also reflected on how the traumatic episode changed her parents’ outlook forever. “People said he did not go because of you. I always knew I hadn’t done anything. But even when the clean chit came, I couldn’t feel happy. I was only happy for my parents,” she said, stressing how much of the burden they carried.
At one point, Rhea admitted that she had always stood by her truth, but the media trial and prolonged investigation weighed heavily on the family. “We were no longer the same carefree family,” she noted, describing how their life had shifted into one marked by constant scrutiny and emotional strain.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) detained Rhea on September 8, 2020, in connection with allegations of supplying drugs to Sushant Singh Rajput. She spent nearly a month in custody before being granted bail on October 7, 2020. The case, which drew nationwide attention, eventually concluded on March 22, 2025, when the CBI submitted its closure report, ruling out foul play, confirming Sushant’s death as suicide, and exonerating Rhea of all charges.
Looking back, Rhea said the relief she felt wasn’t for herself but for her family. “Everyone in my house cried that day. I hugged my brother and broke down. When I looked at my parents, I realised we had all changed forever. We were no longer the same carefree family. That moment altered us permanently.”
Her words capture the enduring scars of one of the most high-profile cases in recent memory — a reminder that beyond headlines and investigations, families are left to deal with wounds that may never fully heal.
Sushant Singh Rajput’s Death and Its Aftermath
Sushant Singh Rajput, one of Bollywood’s most promising actors, was found dead in his Mumbai residence on June 14, 2020. His sudden death shocked the nation and triggered a massive wave of speculation, media trials, and conspiracy theories.
Before the controversy and heartbreak, Sushant Singh Rajput had built an extraordinary career that inspired millions. He first won hearts with his breakout performance in the television series Pavitra Rishta, before making a stellar film debut in Kai Po Che! (2013).
He went on to star in acclaimed films like Shuddh Desi Romance (2013), Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015), and Kedarnath (2018). But it was his portrayal of Indian cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) that cemented his place as one of the most versatile and bankable stars of his generation.
Sushant’s final release, Dil Bechara (2020), adapted from The Fault in Our Stars, became an emotional farewell for his fans, who celebrated his charisma, sensitivity, and talent on screen one last time.
Despite his remarkable success, his untimely death has left an irreplaceable void in Indian cinema. For many, he remains a symbol of both aspiration and tragedy, remembered for his luminous performances as well as the unanswered questions that followed his passing.
DISCLAIMER: This news piece may be triggering. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata).

Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun…Read More
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun… Read More
September 21, 2025, 22:00 IST