“Jaan Maar Degi Tumhari”, Manoj Bajpayee Reveals That He Warned Sushant Singh Rajput

Actor Manoj Bajpayee recently shared his thoughts on the tragic death of his co-star, Sushant Singh Rajput, during a conversation with Mid-Day. Reflecting on their bond, Manoj revealed that he and Sushant often discussed the challenges of the film industry, including its politics, and that he had advised the younger actor to develop resilience. Sushant’s demise, Manoj said, felt like a deeply personal loss.

Recalling their conversations, Manoj said, “We used to talk about the industry and its politics. I always told him to develop thick skin, or else the industry would crush him (jaan maar degi tumhari). I had thick skin because I had faced so many rejections—it became part of my life. But many of my friends didn’t have that kind of resilience. They couldn’t handle rejection the way I could.”

Manoj Bajpayee also spoke about their time together on the sets of Sonchiriya, which included actors Ashutosh Rana, Ranvir Shorey, and Sushant. He described Sushant as moody, much like himself, and recalled moments they shared. “Just before the pandemic, when I went out to shoot, he called me and said, ‘Manoj bhai, I really crave the mutton you cook. Next time you make it, please invite me over.’”

Praising Sushant’s intellectual depth, Manoj highlighted the actor’s insatiable curiosity and love for reading. “He wasn’t a mad guy, as some might portray him. He was incredibly knowledgeable about many things. On set and off set, I often saw him engrossed in books. He had a great understanding of quantum physics and used to discuss spiritualism, drawing comparisons with quantum physics. He had a brilliant mind.”

Manoj refrained from speculating about Sushant’s death, emphasizing the lack of clarity even among investigators. “Nobody knows what happened to him. We’re all just presuming and guessing. Even the CBI is yet to conclude. I would not like to draw any conclusions.”

The news of Sushant’s death in June 2020 had a profound impact on Manoj, leaving him deeply saddened for months. “His death hit me so badly that I was in a state of grief for three months, as though I had known him personally and closely,” Manoj said. Sushant Singh Rajput’s passing remains one of the most heartbreaking incidents in Bollywood, leaving an indelible mark on his colleagues and fans alike.