In an exclusive revelation, Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty has opened up about her time spent in Mumbai’s Byculla Jail following the unexpected and tragic death of her boyfriend, actor Sushant Singh Rajput. On June 14, 2020, the Bollywood industry and fans worldwide were shocked to learn that Rajput was found dead in his Bandra apartment. The aftermath saw an intense legal battle with allegations swirling around Rhea Chakraborty, leading to her incarceration.
Shortly after Rajput’s demise, his father lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against Rhea, accusing her of abetment to suicide and money laundering. The gravity of these allegations prompted the transfer of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) got involved as claims of money laundering and drug peddling emerged against the actress.
In a candid conversation on Karishma Mehta’s podcast, Rhea recounted the ordeal of adjusting to life behind bars. “Jail is actually a very different world because there’s no society within those walls. There is a strange sense of equality. Everyone is reduced to a number; they are not recognized as a person. When you are in under trial prison, you are assigned a UT number,” she explained, depicting the stark and dehumanizing environment.
Rhea elaborated on the stringent and monotonous conditions, stating, “It’s a strange world with a very evolved crowd because it’s all about human emotion in its rawest form. Survival becomes the daily objective. Each day in jail feels like a year. The passage of time slows down remarkably as you are left doing virtually nothing. It feels as though time itself comes to a standstill.”
Despite the overwhelming sense of bleakness, Rhea attempted to bring a semblance of normalcy to her fellow inmates by teaching them yoga and dance.
. “Although I tried to stay proactive and teach yoga and dance, the initial fortnight was particularly challenging. Adjusting to the stark reality of jail life was intensely difficult because no one ever envisions themselves ending up there,” she confessed, reflecting on the mental toll her imprisonment took on her.
She further opened up about facing profound depression and bouts of darkness. “It took an immense emotional toll. The sense of disbelief and shock was overwhelming. I experienced a deep depression and an engulfing sense of darkness. My thoughts turned exceedingly negative,” Rhea shared, painting a vivid picture of her struggle. Known for her bubbly and optimistic personality, this stark contrast brought a unique perspective on her resilience.
On her professional front, Rhea faced significant disruptions following the tumultuous events. Interestingly, her last cinematic appearance was in Rummy Jafry’s thriller ‘Chehre,’ which was released in 2021. The film saw her alongside veteran actors like Emran Hashmi and Amitabh Bachchan. After a prolonged struggle and hiatus from prominent roles, she re-emerged as one of the gang leaders in ‘Roadies Season 19,’ marking a positive turn in her career.
In addition to her TV comeback, Rhea took a significant step by launching her podcast titled ‘Chapter 2’ a few weeks ago. This initiative showcases her resilience and determination to turn a new leaf after the intense scrutiny and legal challenges she faced.
The entire saga surrounding Rajput’s death and the subsequent legal proceedings left an indelible impact on Rhea’s life. Her narrative serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable volatility of life, especially in the public eye. While she continues to deal with the repercussions of the allegations and strives to rebuild her life and career, her resilience remains a testament to her enduring spirit.
