I am not dating anyone right now, says Sushant Singh Rajput

Sushant Singh Rajput, who moved into a new apartment in Bandra (W) last month, says he is in a “happy space”, literally. “It’s a good place. It has ample space to watch films, read, hang out and to play video games too. Also, the sea view is beautiful, and the vibe of the place is peaceful,” says Sushant. Here, the 30-year-old clears the air about his link-ups, and more.

You are working on multiple projects now. Are you finally used to Bollywood’s style of working?

I think both of us (him and the industry) are now used to each other (smiles). These days, most of the films that are being offered to me, are my kind of films. So, I have also increased my speed of signing, preparing and shooting for movies. Doing work, in the best possible way, is still my main intention.

Your name was linked with your Raabta co-star, Kriti Sanon. But you have maintained a stoic silence.

I was tired of answering personal questions. First, I read stories about my ‘affair’ with an actress. Then, it all started again when Raabta went on the floors. These stories are entertaining, but they are fictional. A few days back, I read that Kriti and I holidayed in Bangkok (Thailand). But she wasn’t there. The story was published when I came back to Mumbai after shooting in Bangkok. I know it’s tempting to write such stories. But, in this case, it’s sadly untrue (laughs). I am not dating anyone right now.

Read: It’s necessary to be on your toes: Sushant Singh Rajput

How much do stories about your personal life affect you?

Ideally, they shouldn’t, because I understand my profession. But sometimes, they do get to you, mostly because the other person and the families of both the parties get dragged into the story as well. Also, many people on social media are in a hurry to form opinions about you. So, they believe everything that’s written about you. They are just waiting for some news to pull you down, and then they start accusing you. Hence, to some level, you do get affected.

You have six films in your kitty right now. Is this the most exciting time of your life?

Yes, it is. I am getting a chance to be part of wonderful stories. It is great not just because I want to prove a point, win a ‘rat race’, or earn more ‘insipid’ money, but because I’m getting an opportunity to tell these stories. So, I feel lucky to do a MS Dhoni biopic, Raabta, Takadum with Homi Adajania, Murli -- The Unsung Hero (a biopic on Murlikant Petkar), and Chandamama Door Ke with Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan. I might succeed or fail but we should punish mediocre successes and reward excellent failures.

We heard that Dhoni is happy with his biopic. Are you excited or nervous?

A bit of both. It is rare to find a man like Dhoni, and even rarer to find a story that’s so compelling. I learnt so much about his life, and experienced what he had gone through while shooting for the film. I think it’s time for everyone to know his story.

How has been the experience of working on a commerical potboiler like Raabta?

The script seduced me for more than a year before I started shooting for it (smiles). Although the film is about love and destiny, the kind of and the number of skills that we are supposed to master to pull off our roles, is maddening. Dinoo is passionate, courageous and clear-headed. He is leaving no stone unturned [to make a good film]. Plus the ‘on-screen’ chemistry that Kriti (Sanon; actor) and I share will be worth the ticket.

Read: It is not a good feeling: Sushant Singh Rajput on break up with Ankita

You have also signed Chandamama Door Ke, a film based on astronauts?

Yes, it’s a special film. If it translates well, it has the potential to make the industry proud, and I am sure it will, because of the sheer talent, vision and preparation of the director, and because of the skilled Hollywood technicians the makers are planning to get on board.

Also, there’s Murli - The Unsung Hero, another biopic (on Murlikant Petkar) in the pipeline…

It’s going to be a big challenge, but that is the reason I sign films. His story must be told, and I am ashamed that I didn’t know about him till last year. For this film, I need to develop several skills, and learn army training, boxing and a different kind of swimming. Also, what he went through psychologically is a totally different ball game.

Read: Sushant Singh Rajput heads to Bangkok for martial arts training

Have you achieved what you set out to do?

I am living my dream, and I am also selling it (laughs). I am a small-town boy, from a big family that taught me that money can be the answer to any problem. So, I worked hard to become an engineer, but gave it up, as I discovered a different passion. It required immense belief and courage, as I wasn’t gifted in terms of talent. Also, I didn’t have anyone [in Bollywood]. So, getting to do what I want to do in B-Town can only be a dream, because there is no other logical explanation. Anyone from any place in this country can look at me, and dream, “If he could, so can I.”

Reportedly, Salman Khan has said that he doesn’t know “who Sushant is”...

I don’t take myself seriously. There are days when even I forget my name. So, it’s okay. One of my sisters adores Salman, so she will be excited if and when he gets to know my name (laughs).