Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 21, 2017)

Earlier this year, Sushant Singh Rajput who had trained at NASA’s US Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville, Alabama, for National Award-winning filmmaker Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan’s upcoming space adventure, Chandamama Door Ke, wanted to give young children an opportunity to visit it under his education programme. He recently sponsored a trip to the US Space Camp Center for two children, Bhooshan Sawant and Selywn Makwana. Bhooshan, his 14-year-old find was adjudged “best trainee camper” from a group of 12 students, nine of whom were from Costa Rica and one from Spain.

The 31-year-old actor selected the kids through an interview conducted at a suburban five-star a few months ago. “We were all seated in a room and Sushant sir was speaking to each one individually. He asked some questions based on our favorite subjects, mine being mathematics, geography and science. I was questioned on Newton’s three laws of motion and on astronomy, planets and plants. I gave all the right answers and was very confident but I had no idea that if selected, I would get an opportunity to go to the US. I was thrilled when my principal told me that I was to go to NASA,” informs the ninth standard student of a Khar school.

Space Camp is a unique experience whereby children work as a team and confront mission scenarios that require dynamic problem solving and critical thinking skills. Through the week, camp trainees learn about space hardware, the history and future of space exploration. “We were at the camp for six days and had a day for sightseeing in Alabama. We studied about NASA’s many programmes and participated in rocket launching and space drawings.

There were many presentations on space camps and telescopes. It was a memorable experience and I made many friends there,” informs the budding astronaut who won top honours for his performance in all the classes and activities. He even bagged a medal and is delighted Sushant gave him the opportunity to live out his dream. “I want to thank him and tell him to continue this scholarship so other kids, not just in Mumbai but across India, can showcase their talent,” says Bhooshan.

After his space training would he want to feature alongside Sushant in his forthcoming space adventure? “I will be happy and excited to act with him. While my dream is to become an astronaut, I do participate in school plays and can do a bit of acting too,” he says proudly.