From MS Dhoni’s Helicopter Shot to Detective Byomkesh’s Sharp Mind — Remembering Sushant Singh Rajput’s Unforgettable Performances on His Birth Anniversary
Today, January 21, 2026, marks the birth anniversary of Sushant Singh Rajput, and fans across the world are remembering the talented actor who left us too soon. Social media is flooded with tributes celebrating his incredible range as an actor, from playing India’s beloved cricket captain to a 1940s detective and a selfless mountain porter.
Sushant’s journey in Bollywood was short but remarkable. In just seven years, he proved himself as one of the most versatile actors of his generation, choosing diverse roles that showcased his dedication to his craft. As fans revisit his filmography today, here are five iconic films that prove why his absence still hurts.
MS Dhoni: The Untold Story — The Role That Made Him a Superstar
Sushant’s portrayal of Mahendra Singh Dhoni remains his most celebrated performance. Directed by Neeraj Pandey, this 2016 biopic captured the incredible journey of India’s World Cup-winning captain from a small-town boy to cricket legend.
What made Sushant’s performance extraordinary was his attention to detail. He spent months perfecting Dhoni’s signature helicopter shot, practiced his batting stance endlessly, and even mimicked the cricketer’s calm, stoic demeanor perfectly. The physical transformation was remarkable, but it was Sushant’s ability to capture Dhoni’s quiet confidence that truly impressed audiences.
Co-starring Kiara Advani and Disha Patani, the film became a massive box office success and established Sushant as a leading man in Bollywood. For fans wanting to revisit this masterpiece, it’s currently streaming on JioHotstar.
Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! — The Underrated Masterpiece
Before the biopic made him famous, Sushant took a bold risk with Dibakar Banerjee’s Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! Set in 1940s Calcutta during World War II, the film featured Sushant as the brilliant, arrogant detective created by Bengali writer Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay.
This wasn’t your typical Bollywood hero role. Sushant played Byomkesh with sharp intelligence and youthful cockiness, completely transforming himself for the period setting. His chemistry with Anand Tiwari and his approach to the character showed an actor willing to experiment beyond commercial formulas.
Though the film didn’t perform well at the box office, it has gained cult status over the years. Critics and fans now recognize it as one of Sushant’s finest performances. The film is available on Netflix for those who want to discover this hidden gem.
Kedarnath — Love Across Boundaries
In 2018, Sushant starred opposite debutant Sara Ali Khan in Abhishek Kapoor’s Kedarnath. He played Mansoor, a Muslim porter who falls in love with a Hindu pilgrim against the backdrop of the devastating 2013 Uttarakhand floods.
Sushant brought warmth and selflessness to Mansoor’s character, making audiences root for this forbidden romance. His performance balanced the love story with the film’s disaster elements, showing his ability to handle both intimate emotional scenes and large-scale dramatic sequences.
The film tackled religious differences and societal prejudices while telling a touching love story. Sushant’s portrayal of Mansoor as a kind, brave man willing to sacrifice everything for love remains memorable. Fans can stream this touching romance on Zee5.
Chhichhore — A Father’s Love and Life’s Biggest Lesson
Chhichhore proved Sushant could handle comedy, emotion, and social messaging all at once. Playing Anni, a father who revisits his college days to teach his son about handling failure, Sushant delivered one of his most complete performances.
The film, co-starring Shraddha Kapoor, alternated between hilarious college flashbacks and an emotional present-day crisis. Sushant’s comic timing in the younger scenes matched his emotional depth in the serious moments. His message about failure not being the end resonated deeply with audiences, especially students facing academic pressure.
Chhichhore became a surprise blockbuster and earned Sushant immense love from family audiences. The film’s theme feels even more poignant today. It’s available on JioHotstar for viewers wanting to experience this heartwarming story.
Kai Po Che! — The Fiery Debut That Started It All
Everything began with Kai Po Che! in 2013. Abhishek Kapoor’s adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s novel introduced Sushant to Bollywood audiences as Ishaan Bhatt, a passionate cricket coach and loyal friend.
Alongside Rajkummar Rao and Amit Sadh, Sushant created magic on screen. His portrayal of the hot-headed but good-hearted Ishaan showed raw talent and natural screen presence. The film explored friendship, dreams, and the communal tensions that tore three friends apart during the 2001 Gujarat riots.
Sushant’s intensity and commitment in his debut performance announced the arrival of a special talent. Unfortunately, Kai Po Che! is currently not available on any Indian OTT platform, though fans hope it returns soon.
A Legacy That Lives On
On his birth anniversary, Sushant Singh Rajput’s films remind us of an actor who chose substance over stardom, challenging roles over safe bets. From mastering cricket techniques to detective mysteries, from mountain romance to college comedy, he showed remarkable range in a short career.
His loss continues to be felt deeply by fans and the film industry. But through these films, Sushant’s talent, dedication, and infectious smile live on, inspiring countless aspiring actors and entertaining millions of viewers.
Today, as tributes pour in, the best way to remember Sushant is to revisit these performances that showcase why he was truly special. His films aren’t just entertainment — they’re a testament to an artist who gave his everything to his craft.
