In an intriguing revelation, actress Rhea Chakraborty, who was thrust into the limelight following the tragic passing of her boyfriend and fellow actor Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020, has emerged with a fresh outlook on life and a new career path. Chakraborty, often subject to public scrutiny, has now ventured into the world of podcasting with her show ‘Chapter 2.’ In the maiden episode of this podcast, she delved into the transformations in her life, her new source of income, and the metaphorical rebirth she has been through.
The 2020 incident involving Sushant Singh Rajput’s untimely death resulted in Chakraborty being embroiled in numerous legal entanglements. The investigation that followed saw her and her brother, Showik Chakraborty, being taken into police custody for several weeks. Despite being seen in the 2021 film ‘Chehre,’ which was filmed before Rajput’s death, Chakraborty has been absent from the acting scene since then. Today, she tackles rumors and speculation about her livelihood directly on her podcast.
Addressing her financial footing and professional life, Rhea Chakraborty explained, “People often wonder what I do for a living now, considering I’m not working in films anymore. Well, I do other things. I’m into motivational speaking, and that’s how I make my living these days.” Her candidness offers a glimpse into her new life path outside of Bollywood’s limelight.
Chakraborty’s podcast, aptly titled ‘Chapter 2,’ is an homage to this new phase of her life. She elucidates, “Everybody thinks they know my ‘chapter one,’ or at least they believe they do. I’ve been through a myriad of emotional stages and experienced different versions of myself. Now, I finally feel like I’ve come into my own—it’s like a rebirth. I want to celebrate this change and encourage others who are ready for their ‘chapter two.’ It’s okay to start over, to move forward in life. Change should be celebrated.”
Her podcast’s debut also featured actress Sushmita Sen as the first guest, setting a tone of profound personal narratives right from the start.
. As Chakraborty recounts her metamorphosis, she underscores the concept of personal growth and resilience—a theme resonating with many moving on from their past.
During the episode, Chakraborty disclosed what she humorously describes as her “superpower.” “I often joke that I have a big superpower. I enter a room and I can polarize it instantly! Half the people might think, ‘She’s done something wrong; she practices black magic,’ while the other half will see me as a strong woman who has fought through adversity with courage. This ability to split opinions doesn’t just happen occasionally; it happens everywhere—I sense it at the dentist’s office, at the gym, at the airport,” she remarked. This polarizing effect, she says, has taught her a valuable lesson: “Ultimately, it doesn’t matter. Those who love you will continue to do so, and those who hate you will remain unchanged. Neither defines your worth.”
Chakraborty’s evocative reflections provide an in-depth understanding of the societal judgment she has faced and the inner strength she has nurtured in response. The actress turned motivational speaker seems determined to chart her own course, free from external validation.
Looking back on her relationship with Sushant Singh Rajput, Chakraborty recounted the distressing aftermath of his death on June 14, 2020. The subsequent period saw her embroiled in a whirlwind of accusations and intense media scrutiny. Legal bodies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate had their eyes on her, leading to allegations and legal battles that further complicated her life.
Despite the tumultuous past, “Chapter 2” marks a new beginning for Rhea Chakraborty—both personally and professionally. She symbolizes resilience and the capacity to reinvent oneself against all odds. Her message is clear: life does not end with adversity; instead, it’s an opportunity to rise anew, stronger and more self-aware.
In conclusion, Rhea Chakraborty’s journey from an actress to a motivational speaker, and now a podcast host, is emblematic of personal growth and resilience. By sharing her experiences and newfound clarity, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their own ‘Chapter 2’ and the changes that come with it.
