Rumi Jaffery Slams Harassment of Rhea Chakraborty After Sushant Singh Rajput Death

Six years after the passing of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, Hindi film writer-director Rumi Jaffery has openly criticized the public spectacle, hatred, and targeted harassment directed at Rajput's girlfriend, Rhea Chakraborty. Speaking about the aftermath of the actor's death, the Maharashtra-based filmmaker spoke out against the unfair media trial and toxic public discourse that Chakraborty was subjected to.

Jaffery recalled his deep personal friendship with Rajput, stating that the late actor was much more than just a professional colleague. According to the filmmaker, Rajput had become an integral part of his household, developing incredibly close ties with Jaffery, his wife, and his children.

In reflections shared with Variety India, the filmmaker noted that Rajput and Chakraborty frequently visited his home, often spending almost every evening there. During these visits, the group would spend long hours discussing various film ideas, future plans, and endless movies they wanted to make together. Jaffery described these gatherings as some of the memories he cherishes the most, asking, "Kahaan gayi woh shaamein" (Where have those evenings gone)?

Jaffery strongly condemned the "tamasha" (spectacle) and intense hatred that erupted after Rajput's passing, particularly the targeting of Chakraborty. He highlighted the unfair backlash and severe public trial she faced from the media and the public during that turbulent period.

While the general audience knew Rajput through his performances in successful Hindi films such as "Kai Po Che!", "MS Dhoni: The Untold Story", "Kedarnath", "Chhichhore", and "Dil Bechara", Jaffery remembered a man whose interests stretched far beyond cinema. According to the filmmaker, Rajput possessed a highly curious mind, constantly sought new experiences and knowledge, and was always eager to learn.