I will fight, and I will win. My truth gives me strength

At the receiving end of a witchhunt, RHEA CHAKRABORTY attempts to clear her name and present her side of the story in an exclusive conversation with RAJDEEP SARDESAI, Consulting Editor, India Today TV, on aspects of her relationship with Sushant, their battle against his mental illness and his death

- RAJDEEP SARDESAI

Q. You came to Bollywood with dreams of becoming a big star. Now you are being called a villain.

A. I cannot believe this is my life now. My dreams are long dead. I just want to take a deep breath and not have four or five [investigative] agencies after me. I want a normal day where I can have breakfast with my parents and none of my family members have an anxiety attack. But I will fight.

Q. Tell us about your relationship with Sushant.

A. We had been friends for long. We were introduced in 2013 at the gym in Yash Raj Studios. My first film had just released and Sushant had joined YRF (Yash Raj Films) as a new talent after Kai Po Che! Occasionally, we’d run into each other at award shows. Even if we met once a year, we’d discuss all our problems. I liked him, found him different from the others. On April 13, 2019, we met at [publicist] Rohini Iyer’s party. That’s where our relationship started. He said he had fallen for me on day one itself. How did I know I’d pay such a hefty price for loving him?

Q. What attracted you to him?

A. He was the most honest human being I’ve ever met. I became myself around him. The affection with which he saw me elevated my esteem. Our friendship was the basis of our relationship, the trust, honesty, understanding that the other person gives you, irrespective of your lows and highs.

Q. Why did you leave Sushant on June 8?