A year before Sushant Singh Rajput's death, IITian CEO recalls visiting the actor's Mumbai flat and his receiving his help

Time of India

9 hours ago

A moving remembrance for the late actor
Sushant Singh Rajput
has stirred emotions across the internet, thanks to a Mumbai-based startup founder.
Shikhar Agrawal
, an IIT alumnus and entrepreneur, shared a deeply personal story that highlighted the actor's compassion and unexpected support. Agrawal recalled a moment from six years ago, back when he was just a student building his
ambulance startup
. It was during that time that a meeting with Sushant changed his life.
The opportunity arose when Agrawal pitched his idea to Rajput during the actor's visit to
IIT Bombay
for the filming of
Chhichhore
in 2019. What followed was a surreal moment for the young entrepreneur. Sushant took a genuine interest in the project, not just listening patiently but diving into detailed questions about its technology, scalability, and logistics.
Agrawal was astonished when, after the thoughtful conversation, the actor expressed his desire to contribute—not as an investor, but as someone who wanted to publicly represent and support the cause. He had no financial interests in mind. Instead, he simply believed in the mission and wanted to be a part of something meaningful.
Agrawal emphasized how rare it is to meet someone who listens with such intent and shows that much belief in students barely beginning their journey. Rajput's response wasn't rehearsed or for show—it came from a place of authenticity. The actor's passion for innovation, social good, science, and startups was evident in every word. He was more than just a celebrity; he was a thinker with a heart full of purpose.
"He listened like very few people do. He asked questions about tech, dispatch, scale, everything," wrote Agrawal.
As June 14 marked another year since the actor's passing, Agrawal reflected on the emotional void left behind. He shared a powerful message—that often, those who brighten the world the most may not realize their own light. And when darkness feels overwhelming, it's important to hold on, because the world still needs that light—not less of it.
Reactions poured in from people who were equally moved. One person remembered the day of Sushant's passing as deeply distressing, one that still haunts them. Another described him as a soul so radiant that it brought light to everyone around him. His kindness, they said, continues to echo through stories like Agrawal's.
Sushant Singh Rajput was discovered dead in his Mumbai apartment in June 2020. The initial investigation pointed to suicide, reportedly linked to
mental health
challenges. Though official findings ruled out foul play, the incident remains under public scrutiny, sparking ongoing conversations and tributes like this one.