Sushant Singh Rajput’s 40th birth anniversary: When the actor spoke about how he and MS Dhoni are similar — ‘We don’t sit and think about the future’

On the 40th birth anniversary of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, fans are revisiting his old interviews, memories, and defining moments. Among them, one recollection that continues to stand out is linked to M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016). The film marked a significant phase in his career, and his words from that time remain deeply emotional.Sushant trained for months before the cameras began rolling. When the shoot finally started, he felt something shift within him. In an old interview with The Indian Express, he recalled that the first day no longer felt like acting — it felt like transformation. As he put it, “On the first day of the shoot, there was less pretending, as I had changed. In my head, when I was shooting for it, I was Dhoni.” Sushant also spoke about a mindset that he felt both he and Dhoni shared. He believed they were alike in their ability to focus on the present rather than worrying about the future. Explaining this thought with clarity and calmness, he said, “Both Dhoni and me, we are so interested in what we are doing right now that we don’t sit and think about the future. This thing commands your attention because you love it so much. Your experience is not distorted by your fear or desire to attain something.”The film proved to be a milestone in Sushant’s career and earned him widespread critical acclaim. It also starred Disha Patani, Kiara Advani, and Anupam Kher in key roles. Sushant went on to win awards and heartfelt applause for his portrayal, and many viewers continue to regard it as one of his finest performances.