Sushant Singh Rajput kept his promise to work in my first film, says Mukesh Chhabra

Casting director Mukesh Chhabra’s first film as director Dil Bechara (2020) turned out to be the last film of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who died by suicide last month. Looking back, Chhabra recalled that Rajput agreed to work in the film without even reading the script. 

Chhabra got Rajput his first break in films with Kai Po Che (2013). “I remember long ago, Sushant had promised that whenever I make my first film, he would star in it as the lead, and he kept his promise. When I approached him for Dil Bechara, he immediately said yes, without even reading the script. We always had this strong emotional connection,” said Chhabra, in an official statement. 

Dil Bechara is the official Hindi remake of the iconic Hollywood film The Fault In Our Stars (2014) directed by Josh Boone The film marks the Hindi film debut of Sanjana Sanghi, who is cast opposite Rajput. 

Having the actor on board was also ideal for Chhabra, and not just for his acting skills. “Apart from a great actor, I needed someone who would understand me as a friend, someone who was close to me, someone who would stand by me, no matter what, during this entire journey,” added Chhabra. “Sushant had realised that my heart was set on directing my own film someday. And he promised that he would work in my film the day I decide to make it.”

Chhabra also shared that Rajput was very involved in the project. “He used to always help me improve the scene. He used to read with me, and if at any point he felt that creatively the scene could be improved, he used to always let me know. We used to sit together and discuss at length,” he said.

The makers have shared a new picture from the shoot. It captures a happy moment between Rajput, Sanghi and Chhabra.