Five years after actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s tragic death, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially cleared Rhea Chakraborty and her brother, Showik, of any involvement. While the verdict brings legal closure, the scars of the intense scrutiny and media trial remain fresh.
Nidhi Hiranandani, a close friend of the actor and Rhea, recently opened up in an interview with Indian Express about the turmoil the Chakraborty family faced. “The damage can’t be undone,” she said, recalling how they were thrust into the public eye amid a storm of accusations.
A Love Story Turned Nightmare
Nidhi described Sushant and Rhea’s relationship as “beautiful and full of love,” but after his death on June 14, 2020, everything spiraled. As accusations mounted, Rhea and her family found themselves struggling to even process their grief. “They had no time to mourn. It was straight into survival mode,” she said.
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The media frenzy was relentless. Nidhi recounted watching in horror as Rhea, after facing a media trial, returned home bruised from being mobbed by journalists. She sat with Rhea’s mother, Sandhya, feeling helpless as their world collapsed.
A Family in Ruins
The fallout from the case took an immense toll on Rhea’s parents. “They were shattered,” Nidhi recalled. “Her mother lost her voice, constantly praying for protection. The fear was overwhelming.” Showik, just 23 at the time, saw his dreams derailed. “He was preparing for CAT, got into top colleges, but couldn’t go. He lost his youth overnight,” she said.
Rhea, once a promising actor, faced professional exile. “She couldn’t do films. Her life was ripped apart,” Nidhi added. Despite the legal exoneration, the impact lingers. “Rhea’s spirit isn’t broken, but she’s a shattered person. It will take a lifetime to undo the damage.”
Five Years, A Clean Chit, But No Peace
Sushant’s death led to a whirlwind of legal battles, with Rhea facing abetment to suicide charges and an NCB arrest over alleged drug links. However, the court dismissed the drug case theory, and the CBI’s final report, submitted on March 23, 2025, officially cleared the Chakrabortys.
Yet, for those at the heart of the storm, justice comes too late. “Nobody wanted to focus on the truth. They needed someone to hate. And Rhea became that person,” Nidhi concluded.