Sushant Singh Rajput evades questions about former lover Ankita Lokhande, but does not mind discussing his chemistry with Kriti Sanon and why he quit social media
Gaurav Dubey (MID-DAY; June 12, 2016)

Sushant Singh Rajput has been away from Mumbai for over two months. The actor has been shooting in Budapest for Homi Adajania’s Raabta, which has Dinesh Vijan making his directorial debut. Buzz about Rajput’s break-up with girlfriend and live-in partner, Ankita Lokhande, surfaced as soon as he took off for Budapest. In recent times, the actor has created more buzz about the upheaval on the personal front. But he prefers to be guarded about his equation with Ankita. Edited excerpts from an interview:

Being away for so long, the Raabta unit must feel like family now.
Definitely. The entire cast and crew have come close. It surely does not feel that I have been away for long. We have done some amazing work and I am sure it has to do with the bond we share. Dinoo and Homi are like my brothers. We discuss everything — from work to the wildest thing that you can think of.

This is your second romantic film after Shuddh Desi Romance (2013). How comfortable are you doing intimate scenes?
Raabta is my first quintessential romantic film. I have been close to the script for a long time. Seeing it translate from script to film is surreal. Dinoo is an extremely passionate filmmaker and he is making this film in a way that we can all be proud of. There are many things that I am trying for the first time and I am enjoying the process.

There has been curiosity about your upcoming projects with Omung Kumar and Sajid Nadiadwala.
Dhoni is going to release in September, which I am eagerly waiting for. Raabta wraps up soon. My next film is a wonderful script that Homi Adajania will direct again. There are a couple of other interesting films I have signed. I have to wait for the production houses to give out official statements.

With your newly-acquired single status, are you in a better frame of mind professionally and personally?
My personal life does not interfere with my work. No external factor can affect my work at any level.

There have been rumours about you moving into a new home.
It’s not a rumour. It’s true that I have moved to Bandra.

Why have you taken a break from social media?
I felt like I was behaving like Pavlov’s dog to my cell phone alerts. So, I decided to be away from social media for a while. I will be back as soon as I finish Raabta.


What’s your relationship status with Ankita Lokhande? Are you two going to reconcile?
I have decided to not discuss my personal life for the time being. Not that I ever had a problem, but I don’t want myself to be discussed for anything other than my work.

A lot is being said about your camaraderie with Kriti Sanon.
I have been told that Kriti and I have good chemistry on screen and everyone seems to be excited with what we have shot so far. She has drive to give her best in every shot and I am sure she is going to surprise everybody with the way she has performed in Raabta.