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

Abhishek Chaubey recalled how Sushant Singh Rajput agreed to Sonchiriya instantly and shared his cherished memories of shooting with the late actor.

3 min readMumbaiJan 10, 2026 02:15 PM IST

Sushant Singh Rajput passed away in 2020.

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.

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“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.

Anas Arif

Anas Arif is a prolific Entertainment Journalist and Cinematic Analyst at The Indian Express, where he specializes in the intersection of Indian pop culture, auteur-driven cinema, and industrial ethics. His writing is defined by a deep-seated commitment to documenting the evolving landscape of Indian entertainment through the lens of critical theory and narrative authorship. Experience & Career As a core member of The Indian Express entertainment vertical, Anas has cultivated a unique beat that prioritizes the "craft behind the celebrity." He has interviewed a vast spectrum of industry veterans, from blockbuster directors like Vijay Krishna Acharya, Sujoy Ghosh, Maneesh Sharma to experimental filmmakers and screenwriters like Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Varun Grover, Rajat Kapoor amongst several others. His career is characterized by a "Journalism of Courage" approach, where he frequently tackles the ethical implications of mainstream cinema and the socio-political subtext within popular media. He is also the host of the YouTube series Cult Comebacks, where he talks to filmmakers about movies that may not have succeeded initially but have, over time, gained a cult following. The show aims to explore films as works of art, rather than merely commercial ventures designed to earn box office revenue. Expertise & Focus Areas Anas's expertise lies in his ability to deconstruct cinematic works beyond surface-level reviews. His focus areas include: Auteur Studies: Detailed retrospectives and analyses of filmmakers such as Imtiaz Ali, Anurag Kashyap, and Neeraj Ghaywan, often exploring their central philosophies and creative evolutions. Cinematic Deconstruction: Examining technical and narrative choices, such as the use of aspect ratios in independent films (Sabar Bonda) or the structural rhythm of iconic soundtracks (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge). Industrial & Social Ethics: Fearless critique of commercial blockbusters, particularly regarding the promotion of bigoted visions or the marginalization of communities in mainstream scripts. Exclusive Long-form Interviews: Conducting high-level dialogues with actors and creators to uncover archival anecdotes and future-looking industry insights. Authoritativeness & Trust Anas Arif has established himself as a trusted voice by consistently moving away from standard PR-driven journalism. Whether he is interrogating the "mythology of Shah Rukh Khan" in modern sequels or providing a space for independent filmmakers to discuss the "arithmetic of karma," his work is rooted in objectivity and extensive research. Readers look to Anas for an educated viewpoint that treats entertainment not just as a commodity, but as a critical reflection of the country's collective conscience. ... Read More

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