Having returned from NASA, Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput gives lowdown of prep for his space odyssey 'Chandamama Door Ke'
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 14, 2017)

Sushant Singh Rajput's Chandamama Door Ke is India's first space odyssey, which traces the journey of a team of astronauts whose mission brings the country together.

The actor, who plays an astronaut in the Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan-directed drama, recently returned from the US after an intense training session at NASA's Space & Rocket Centre in Alabama.

"I'm an engineering student. So, I am finally getting the chance to put all my studies to practice in this film," says Sushant Singh Rajput. The actor reveals that his training included regimens such as flying a space shuttle simulator and a multi-axis trainer. He says he also experienced zero gravity as part of his training.

Rajput adds, "The training sessions were surreal. But I realise the training for this film is an ongoing process. Movies have, so far, given us a glamorous view of space, but our attempt will be to make it as authentic as possible."

So engrossed is he with the space drama that he has bought multiple books on the subject and even purchased a high-end telescope. "I have got a few more gadgets as well," he says, adding, "I have a dedicated room in my house, where I prepare for this film. It's my very own workstation which helps me sink into my character."

John Palmer of The Day After Tomorrow fame, who has been roped in to handle the special effects of the film, was present with Rajput during his training. Palmer says, "Sushant is the most physically dynamic actor I have worked with."