Like Dhoni, I also don't care about fame and money: Sushant Singh Rajput

Right from his teenage years, Sushant Singh Rajput has been a diehard fan of M.S.Dhoni. “I first watched him play in 2004. In 2007, at yet another match, my brother-in-law was deputed at the stadium and I managed to get a photo clicked with Dhoni. Having met the man himself, I was very excited all through the process of making the film,” he reveals.

Sushant says working on the film allowed him to get into the mind of the cricket legend. Having met his idol on at least three different occasions, he says, “Dhoni lives in the present and is very spontaneous. His concentration on the moment is immense and he never thinks of the future. Like him, I also don’t care about fame and money. I like to be in the present and give my best at that moment.”

Sushant professes that he has always followed his heart. “I remember I was to get a scholarship while studying engineering, but I left in between and came to Mumbai. Again, even though my TV shows were earning well, I left them for films, to the shock of many people.”

Is he disappointed that Shekhar Kapoor’s Paani did not take off? Sushant says, “I have no regrets at all. The time spent with Shekhar — almost eight months, was like learning lessons from a school. He also made me aware of my shortcomings.”

Sushant justifies rejecting 12 films in a row, including Mohenjo Daro. “I rejected many films, owing to different reasons, but would not like to name any of them. There are films which I feel I should have done and did not do.”

Ask him if icons need to be careful about what they say in public or on social forums and he quips, “Kuch na kuch bawal toh karna hi chahiye, varna aadmi bore ho jata hai! On a serious note, I think it is better not to say anything in today’s scenario. Keeping mum will at least keep you in the ‘intelligent list’.”

So, how does he feel when not-so-pleasant things are written about him? Sushant says, “I have stopped watching TV and reading newspapers. If there is any masala news written out there, I may get tempted to read it, therefore I totally avoid reading the papers.”

Overall, Sushant is satisfied with the way life has turned out for him. He says, “My profession keeps me engaged. I am happy that a shy guy like me has achieved so much.” Future plans include trying his hand at production.

“If I do not get films, I can go back to theatre. I am secure enough. I do not wish to ponder over my past or future.” That statement seems to extend to his much publicised split with long-time girlfriend, Ankita Lokhande. Prod him further and the actor simply says, “I do not like to discuss my personal life anymore.”