Veteran actor Paresh Rawal says the media coverage following Sushant Singh Rajput’s death crossed the line into sensationalism, while also reflecting on his decision to leave politics and return to acting.
Veteran Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal has criticized the extensive media coverage that followed the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, describing it as a “circus” and saying the reporting left him deeply disturbed.
Speaking during a recent podcast interview, Rawal said he largely avoided television news during the COVID-19 lockdown, citing both health concerns and dissatisfaction with the style of news coverage. He said the reporting surrounding Rajput’s death became excessively sensational, adding that he “hated” the way the tragedy was presented to the public.
Sushant Singh Rajput died in June 2020 at the age of 34. His death triggered months of intense television debates, continuous news coverage, and widespread discussion across social media. The case was investigated by multiple agencies and became one of the most closely followed stories in India’s entertainment industry.
Rawal’s remarks echo long-standing concerns raised by members of the film industry and media observers, who have argued that parts of the coverage blurred the distinction between responsible journalism and sensational reporting. Others maintained that the case attracted significant public interest and warranted extensive reporting.
During the same interview, Rawal also reflected on his brief political career. Elected as the Member of Parliament from Ahmedabad East in 2014, he said he eventually concluded that politics was not the right profession for him because he was uncomfortable making promises he might not be able to fulfill.
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