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Remembering Sushant Singh Rajput: Every year, his birth anniversary is celebrated with deep respect and fondness by fans, and in 2023, the Luna Society International declared January 21st as Sushant’s Moon Day.
Sushant Singh Rajput’s passion for knowledge, his curiosity about the universe and his love for art and science made him stand out. (Image: shwetasinghkirti/Instagram)
Sushant Singh Rajput, a name that still echoes in the hearts of millions, was born on January 21, 1986, in Patna, Bihar. His tragic passing in 2020 left a void in the entertainment industry, but his legacy continues to shine brightly.
Every year, his birth anniversary is celebrated with deep respect and fondness by fans, and in 2023, the Luna Society International declared January 21st as Sushant’s Moon Day. This tribute not only honours his contributions to the cinema but also recognises his immense love for space exploration. Sushant Singh Rajput was not just an actor but an inspiration to many.
His passion for knowledge, his curiosity about the universe and his love for art and science made him stand out. His journey, both in cinema and in life, continues to inspire many.
Today, on his birth anniversary and Sushant’s Moon Day, let’s dig deeper into his contributions to cinema, his films and songs that will continue to resonate with generations to come.
What Is Sushant Moon Day?
On January 21, 2023, the Luna Society International announced the first New Moon of the year as “Sushant’s Moon Day” in memory of Sushant Singh Rajput. This special occasion was inspired by Sushant’s passion for space and his intellectual curiosity about the universe.
He was deeply fascinated by astronomy and space exploration. Rajput had purchased land on the Moon, in the Mare Muscoviense region and expressed his aspirations of being part of NASA’s 2024 moon mission.
His admiration for the stars and his desire to explore beyond Earth was well-known, which made the decision to commemorate his birth anniversary as Sushant’s Moon – a perfect tribute to his lifelong dreams.
“January 21, 2023, has been set as the first observance of “Sushant’s Moon,” proclaimed to celebrate the life of the late Bollywood superstar and space enthusiast Sushant Singh Rajput. The legendary star, known in filmland circles simply as SSR, would have celebrated his 37th birthday on that date. He died under what many believe to have been mysterious circumstances on June 14, 2020,” reads the official website of Luna Society International.
Sushant Singh Rajput’s Journey
Sushant Singh Rajput started his career in showbiz as a dancer and later joined a theatre group by Nadira Babbar. He began his career in television with the popular show Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil (2008).
However, it was his role as Manav in the soap opera Pavitra Rishta (2009–2011) that gave him widespread recognition. His portrayal of the kind-hearted mechanic, who marries Archana, played by Ankita Lokhande, made him a household name in India.
Sushant transitioned from television to films with remarkable ease and his film debut came in 2013 with the critically acclaimed movie Kai Po Che! Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, Kai Po Che! was based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel The 3 Mistakes of My Life. Sushant’s role as Ishaan, a passionate cricketer, was deeply appreciated and he showed his natural acting talent with a compelling performance. The film marked the beginning of his successful career in Bollywood.
He went on to star in several noteworthy films, including the biographical drama M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016), where he portrayed the Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
In Chhichhore (2019), Sushant took on the role of a middle-aged man reflecting on his college days and the power of friendship. His other successful films include Kedarnath (2018), Sonchiriya (2019), Raabta (2017), and Detective Byomkesh Bakshi! (2015) and Dil Bechara (2020) among others.
Sushant Singh Rajput: Top Movies
MS Dhoni: The Untold Story
Released in 2016, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story was a gripping biographical drama helmed by Neeraj Pandey. The film focused on the life of the Indian cricket legend, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, shedding light on his early struggles, rise to fame and iconic moments as the captain of India’s cricket team.
With Sushant Singh Rajput in the titular role, the film also featured stellar performances by Disha Patani, Kiara Advani and Anupam Kher. This heartfelt portrayal of Dhoni’s journey captured the spirit of cricket and the man behind the legend.
Kedarnath
Next came Kedarnath, a romantic drama set against the backdrop of the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, directed by Abhishek Kapoor. The film, featuring Sara Ali Khan alongside Sushant, beautifully blended love with tragedy. It told the story of a Hindu-Brahmin woman falling in love with a Muslim man, played by Rajput, amidst the chaos of the natural disaster.
The inter-faith love story offered a powerful message of resilience, while the devastating floods added a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. Sushant’s performance was a perfect blend of vulnerability and strength.
Chhichhore
In 2019, Sushant showcased his comedic side in Chhichhore, a film that was both heartfelt and humorous. Made on a budget of Rs 50 crores, the film went on to earn a whopping Rs 215 crores worldwide, solidifying its status as a blockbuster. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Chhichhore explored the college life of a group of friends and the challenges they face in adulthood.
Sushant’s portrayal of Anni, a character who transitions from a carefree college student to a responsible father, was both relatable and emotional. The film went on to win the National Award for Best Hindi Film in 2019, cementing its legacy in Indian cinema.
Kai Po Che!
Sushant’s entry into Bollywood was nothing short of spectacular with Kai Po Che!, released in 2013. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor and based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel The 3 Mistakes of My Life, the film marked a strong debut for Rajput. He shared the screen with Rajkummar Rao and Amit Sadh, and the trio’s performances were praised for their authenticity and emotional depth.
The film captured the story of three friends navigating personal and political challenges in Gujarat, with Rajput’s portrayal of Ishaan standing out as a particularly memorable performance. The film was a commercial success and established Rajput as a talented newcomer.
Dil Bechara
Dil Bechara was Sushant’s final film, and it left a lasting emotional impact on audiences worldwide. Directed by Mukesh Chhabra, this 2020 release was an adaptation of John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. The film follows the journey of Kizie and Manny, two young people battling cancer and finding love in the midst of their struggles.
With Sanjana Sanghi as the female lead, Sushant’s portrayal of Manny resonated deeply with viewers, especially as it was released after his untimely passing. Despite being delayed due to the pandemic, Dil Bechara received critical acclaim.
Sushant Singh Rajput: Top Songs
Khairiyat (Chhichhore)
The emotional ballad Khairiyat from the film Chhichhore became a massive hit, amassing over 61 crore views on YouTube. Sung by the versatile Arijit Singh and composed by Pritam, the track was beautifully picturised on Sushant and Shraddha Kapoor.
The song explores the theme of love at first sight, a tender and fleeting moment that stays etched in one’s memory. Its melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a favourite among fans, forever tying it to the film’s emotional journey.
Namo Namo (Kedarnath)
From the movie Kedarnath, Namo Namo is a devotional song that pays tribute to Lord Shiva. The track, sung by Amit Trivedi and composed by him as well, stands tall with 17 crore views on YouTube. Written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, the song captures the spirit of the film, which is set against the backdrop of the tragic 2013 Kedarnath floods.
The song beautifully depicts a day in the life of Sushant’s character, a Muslim pithoo and evokes a sense of serenity, faith and devotion that aligns perfectly with the film’s narrative.
Makhna (Drive)
Makhna from the movie Drive is a fun, peppy track that instantly grabs attention with its upbeat rhythm. Featuring Sushant Singh Rajput and Jacqueline Fernandez, along with their onscreen companions Vikramjeet Virk and Sapna Pabbi, the song has racked up an impressive 29 crore views on YouTube.
The song, sung by Tanishk Bagchi, Yasser Desai and Asees Kaur, was penned by Ozil Dalal and Tanishk himself. Its playful vibe made it an instant chartbuster, perfectly complementing the thrilling heist drama.
Jab Tak (M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story)
In M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, the romantic ballad Jab Tak perfectly encapsulates the courtship of India’s beloved cricketer, MS Dhoni. Composed by Amaal Mallik and sung by Armaan Malik, the song has garnered 15 crore views on music platforms.
The track’s soothing melody and heartfelt lyrics reflect the deep emotional connection between Dhoni and his then-girlfriend, bringing to life a pivotal moment in the film. Its melody lingers long after the song ends, making it a timeless favourite.
Kaun Tujhe (MS Dhoni: The Untold Story)
Another iconic track from M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story is Kaun Tujhe. Sung by the melodious Palak Muchhal and composed by Amaal Mallik, this soulful song narrates the poignant love story of Dhoni’s first girlfriend, who tragically lost her life in an accident.
The song, beautifully picturised on Sushant and Disha Patani, adds an emotional layer to the narrative, with its lyrics resonating deeply with anyone who has experienced the sorrow of lost love.
