Rhea Chakraborty Reflects on Jail Experience After Sushant Case

Actor Rhea Chakraborty has recently shared her experiences during her time in jail following the death of her former partner, Sushant Singh Rajput, and the subsequent legal battles she faced. Speaking at an event hosted by NDTV, Chakraborty recounted the emotional toll of the past few years, as well as a moment of levity amidst her struggles.

During her 28 days in prison, Chakraborty found solace in connecting with her fellow inmates. Upon receiving the news of her bail, she surprised those around her by performing a playful “Naagin dance.” “People asked me to dance for them. I did naagin dance on the day of my bail,” she reflected. She felt it was important to provide a moment of happiness to those she had formed bonds with, many of whom she described as innocent and hopeless in the under-trial prison system.

Impact on Family and Personal Grief

Chakraborty explained that the ordeal following Rajput’s death irreversibly changed her family dynamic. Even after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) cleared her of all charges, she found it difficult to celebrate. “I was only happy for my parents and their reputation. But we were no longer the same carefree family; that moment altered all of us completely,” she said.

The emotional weight of the case extended beyond her personal struggles, as Chakraborty emphasized that she felt her grieving process was often overlooked. “Everyone thought that only they were grieving, and forgot that the person who was the closest to him suffered the biggest loss,” she stated. Despite the public scrutiny, Chakraborty has now reached a place of acceptance, expressing that her grieving process has concluded. “I am fine,” she affirmed.

The Sushant Singh Rajput Case Overview

Sushant Singh Rajput, aged 34, was found dead in his Mumbai apartment on June 14, 2020, an event that sent shockwaves throughout India. Following his death, Chakraborty became the subject of intense media and legal scrutiny. Rajput’s father filed a complaint alleging abetment of suicide against her, which initiated investigations by multiple agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

In September 2020, both Rhea and her brother, Showik, were arrested for allegedly supplying marijuana to Rajput. However, the Bombay High Court later rejected the NCB’s claims that she had financed or facilitated Rajput’s alleged drug use, leading to her release on bail after nearly a month in custody.

In March 2025, the CBI concluded its investigation, submitting a closure report that confirmed Rajput’s death as a suicide, ruling out foul play. This report officially cleared Chakraborty of all charges, bringing an end to a lengthy and painful chapter in her life.