Nearly five years after the tragic death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, the Central Bureau of Investigation has officially closed the case, ruling it a suicide and finding no evidence of foul play. Actress Rhea Chakraborty, who faced intense scrutiny and legal battles in connection to the case, has now been given a clean chit.
Marking her first public appearance since the CBI’s closure report, Rhea visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with her family. Dressed in a floral salwar suit, she was seen offering prayers and greeting the paparazzi with folded hands, chanting “Ganpati Bappa Morya.” Her brother, Showik Chakraborty, and father, Indrajit Chakraborty, accompanied her.
Videos of the visit surfaced online, drawing mixed reactions from social media users. While some continued to question the case’s outcome, others acknowledged her right to move forward.
On March 22, 2025, the CBI submitted a closure report, reaffirming that Sushant Singh Rajput’s death was a suicide. The report cleared Rhea Chakraborty, her family, and others accused of abetment. It also dismissed allegations of financial fraud, including claims that Rhea misused Rs 15 crore from Sushant’s accounts.
Bollywood reacts as the CBI submits its closure report, dismissing claims of foul playGetty Images
The ruling sparked reactions from Bollywood. Actress Dia Mirza demanded an apology from the media for vilifying Rhea, stating that the relentless media trial caused undue harassment. Pooja Bhatt echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that justice had prevailed.
The CBI officially rules Sushant Singh Rajput’s death as suicide, clearing Rhea Chakraborty of all allegationsGetty Images
Following the CBI’s report, Rhea shared an Instagram post featuring behind-the-scenes photos from her stint on Roadies Double XX. While she did not address the case directly, the choice of background music: Satisfied by Catching Flies, caught attention.
Her lawyer, Satish Maneshinde, welcomed the CBI’s findings and criticised the misinformation spread across social and electronic media, which he said led to Rhea’s wrongful imprisonment for 27 days.
The actress and her family are officially absolved of any wrongdoing in the high-profile caseGetty Images
Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Bandra apartment on June 14, 2020, at age 34. His death sparked a nationwide debate, leading to multiple investigations, media trials, and a political storm. With the CBI’s final verdict now public, the case has officially been closed, though discussions around it continue.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.