With the probe still going on in Sushant Singh Rajput’s case, screenwriter-director Rumi Jaffery also recorded his statement with the police officials in charge of this investigation this Thursday.
Rumi Jaffery gave out information on Sushant, Rhea Chakraborty and he also mentioned how he planned on getting the two to star together in a romcom. Rhea Chakraborty had apparently spoken to Rumi (who is good friends with her) about Sushant’s depression six months ago.
Interrogation
As per reports by TOI, DNA and Republic World, Rumi mentioned that he had undergone over 4 hours of long questioning. He stated, “I went there at 3 pm and left at 7 pm. It took a long time because they questioned me about everything in detail. From the romcom, I was planning with Sushant to his mental health, the police questioned me about everything. I had all details and dates in place about the first time that I met Sushant, when and where we had the narration of the script and more such information. They asked me everything — how the project was planned, who was producing it, how many times we met and discussed the project and whether the meetings happened at my home or at Sushant’s place. I was also asked about his mental health. I spoke truthfully about whatever I knew. I expected I’d be called anytime as I was doing a film with him. Agar sab theek hota toh yeh film floor pe hoti. I am happy that the police is doing a thorough investigation.”
Sushant-Rhea film
Sushant was keen on working for Rumi’s projects and had requested the director to commence workshops and rehearsals. Rumi said, “Sushant always used to work hard and deeply on anything, so instead of calling or reading the script, Sushant asked me to give the narration, after which we met a couple of times. He was very happy and excited. But the pre-production of the film was in the process. It was a romantic film, which was scheduled to start with the shooting in the month of May in London, but because of lockdown, we have to postpone.“
According to Rumi, Rhea and Sushant were ‘made for each other’. “Both were like made for each other. She used to take care of Sushant and she was standing firm with him during his depression,” he says.
Signs of Depression and Last Conversation
Initially, Rumi was not aware of the late actor’s depressed state despite the two of them being good friends was because Sushant would always talk professionally during their meetings and nothing personal was ever mentioned. However later on he was made aware.
“Last few times I spoke to Sushant Singh Rajput, there were signs of depression,” Rumi tells the police during his interrogation.
Sushant had also apparently spoken to Jaffery about his depression and that he was seeking medical help. Jaffery added, “Yes, he did tell me about it. And that’s why, while talking to him, whenever I felt he was feeling low, I’d invite him to my place or I’d go over to his. He was an intelligent man. Main unki kaafi taareef karta tha, unke kaam ko leke. I’d never ask him what was making him depressed, fearing that he might sink in deeper thinking and talking about it.”
“On June 12, my last conversation with Sushant Singh was via WhatsApp, where I wanted to know his condition but with his repression, I got to know that he is in depression or disturbed over something.. later I didn’t talk to him much not even I took the matter forward,” Rumi said.