Rhea Chakraborty is an Indian former actress[1] and VJ who primarily appears in Hindi films.[2][3] She started her career as a VJ on MTV India.[4] She made her acting debut with the 2012 Telugu film Tuneega Tuneega and later appeared in the Hindi film Mere Dad Ki Maruti (2013).
Rhea Chakraborty | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Chakraborty in 2020 | |
| Born | |
| Occupations | |
| Years active | 2009–2021 |
Early life & education
Rhea Chakraborty was born in a Bengali family[5] at Bangalore, Karnataka. Her father was a Lieutenant colonel in the Indian Army.[6] [7] She did her schooling at Army Public School, Ambala Cantt, Ambala,[8] and at St. Clare's School, Agra.[9]
Career
Rhea started her television career in 2009 with MTV India's TVS Scooty Teen Diva where she was the first runner-up. She later auditioned to be a VJ at MTV Delhi and was selected. She has hosted several MTV shows, including Pepsi MTV Wassup, TicTac College Beat and MTV Gone in 60 Seconds.
In 2012, she made her film debut with the Telugu film Tuneega Tuneega where she played the character Nidhi. In 2013 she debuted in Bollywood with Mere Dad Ki Maruti as Jasleen.[5] In 2014 she played the character of Sonali in Sonali Cable.[10]
In 2017 she appeared in YRF's Bank Chor.[11] She also made cameo appearances in Half Girlfriend and Dobaara: See Your Evil.[12] In 2018 she appeared in Jalebi opposite debutante Varun Mitra.[13]
She topped the list of The Times of India's "Most Desirable Women" in 2020.[14] In 2023, Chakraborty served as a gang leader on the twentieth season of Indian reality show MTV Roadies where she emerged as the winning gang leader.[15]
Personal life
Chakraborty started dating actor Sushant Singh Rajput in April 2019.[16][17] She founded an artificial intelligence company called Vividrage Rhealityx in partnership with her brother and Rajput in September 2019.[18][19] The couple moved in together in December 2019.[17] On 14 June 2020, Rajput died by suicide at his home in Bandra, Mumbai, six days after she moved out.[20]
Death of Sushant Singh Rajput
On 25 July, Rajput's family lodged a first information report (FIR) with Patna Police, where his father lives, alleging Chakraborty and several others of abetment of suicide, wrongful restraint, wrongful confinement, theft, criminal breach of trust, and cheating under various sections of the IPC.[21] Rajput's father said in the FIR that Rajput had confided to his sister about Chakraborty threatening to make his medical receipts public and prove him mad; that Rajput was afraid Chakraborty would frame him for his secretary's suicide; and that before his day of suicide, Chakraborty took away all doctor's receipts.[22] On 7 August, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned Chakraborty and her brother over allegations of money laundering.[23] On 19 August, the Supreme Court of India allowed the CBI to take control of the investigation.[24] The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), India's national drug law enforcement agency, arrested Chakraborty on 8 September, charging that she and her brother had caused marijuana to be supplied to Rajput.[25][26]
On 6 October, Mumbai Sessions Court extended Chakraborty's judicial remand until 20 October,[27] but a day later she was granted bail by the Bombay High Court. "Since she has no criminal antecedents," the high court ruled, "there are reasonable grounds for believing that she is not likely to commit any offence while on bail." Moreover, the high court rejected the NCB's theory that Chakraborty had harboured and financed Rajput's drug addiction, finding instead that she was not part of the chain of drug dealers involved in the case. "She has not forwarded the drugs allegedly procured by her to somebody else to earn monetary or other benefits," wrote Justice Sarang Kotwal."[28]
Media coverage
On 27 August 2020, BBC News reported that in the wake of Rajput's death, Chakraborty had "found herself at the centre of a vicious hate campaign led by some of India's most high-profile journalists and social media trolls." Subjected to gossip, innuendo, and misogynistic abuse, she was described by conservative television hosts as a "manipulative" woman who "performed black magic" and "drove Sushant to suicide." After a purported fan of Rajput threatened her on Instagram with rape and murder and urged her to "commit suicide otherwise I will send people to kill you," Chakraborty sought help from the cybercrime police. Supreme Court senior counsel Meenakshi Arora told the BBC that much of the press had already declared the actress guilty. "She's been hanged, drawn and quartered. It's a complete trial by media."[29] Three activists, arguing that trial by media poses "real and substantial risk of prejudice to the proper administration of justice," petitioned the Bombay High Court to restrict reportage that could hamper the investigation of this case due to sensationalisation. News channels named as having conducted such media trials included Times Now, Republic TV, Zee News, News 18, and India Today.[30] On 28 August, the Press Council of India (PCI), the autonomous press watchdog established by parliament, said coverage of the Sushant Singh Rajput case by many media outlets "is in violation of the norms of journalistic conduct." The PCI advised media to not carry out a "parallel trial" by narrating the story to induce public belief in the guilt of one whom the PCI called "the person indicted."[31][32]
In their September 2020 study "Anatomy of a Rumour: Social media and the suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput",[33] University of Michigan associate professor[34] Joyojeet Pal and colleagues found Indian journalists and media houses "equally complicit in pushing an agenda against Rhea Chakraborty." In particular, during the first month following Rajput's death, news channel Republic TV "pushed insinuations on the finances of Rhea Chakraborty's parents." Over time, the researchers recount, Rhea Chakraborty was slandered, hounded, and "intensely targeted by trolling and mainstream media speculation online." They conclude that "the case and its victims are a reminder of ways the patriarchy is alive and well, and always readying its blades for the next execution."
On 7 October 2020, as Chakraborty was released on bail after nearly a month in pretrial confinement, the South China Morning Post noted that "India's hyperbolic television channels, which have given more airtime to this case than India's battle against Covid-19 and the recent rapes of lower-caste women, labelled Chakraborty a 'murderer'."[35] Variety observed that since Rajput's death, "Indian media, fueled by aggressive television anchors, has worked itself into an unprecedented feeding frenzy." Following Chakraborty's arrest, said Variety, "Haranguing television anchors appointed themselves judge and jury, with daily trials on primetime television." The general audience, Variety added, "appears to be consuming the ongoing drama with relish."[36]
Filmography
Films
- All films are in Hindi, unless otherwise indicated.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Tuneega Tuneega | Nidhi | Telugu film | |
| 2013 | Mere Dad Ki Maruti | Jasleen | [5] | |
| 2014 | Sonali Cable | Sonali Dattaram Tandel | [10] | |
| 2017 | Dobaara: See Your Evil | Tanya | Cameo | |
| Half Girlfriend | Anshika | Cameo | ||
| Bank Chor | Gayatri Ganguli | [11] | ||
| 2018 | Jalebi | Aisha | [13] | |
| 2021 | Chehre | Anna | [37] |
Television
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | TVS Scooty Teen Diva | Contestant |
| Pepsi MTV Wassup | Host | |
| 2010 | Gone in 60 Seconds | |
| 2011 | TicTac College Beat | |
| 2023 | MTV Roadies: Karm Ya Kaand[38] | Winning Gang Leader |
References
- ^ "Rhea Chakraborty addresses life after Sushant Singh Rajput's death, reveals she is no longer acting in films: 'Some people think I do black magic'". The Indian Express. 20 July 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ "Rhea Chakraborty wants to do meaningful roles". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 April 2019. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
- ^ "Rhea Chakraborty sizzles in bikini on the beaches of Maldives. See pics". Archived from the original on 22 April 2019. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
- ^ "Female VJs giving tough competition to their male counterparts". dna. 17 May 2010. Archived from the original on 3 September 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
- ^ a b c "Everyone thinks I am Punjabi: Rhea Chakraborty". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 29 August 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
- ^ "Rhea's father Lt Col Indrajit Chakraborty wasn't very ambitious, gave up career for daughter's acting dream". India Today. 27 August 2020.
- ^ "Truly Unstoppable: Rhea Chakraborty". FHM. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
- ^ "Photos: Meet Rhea Chakraborty, a VJ-turned-actress". Archived from the original on 1 August 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
- ^ "Exclusive: Rhea Chakraborty's school photo from Agra, teachers say she was a bright student". India Today. 28 August 2020.
- ^ a b "Sonali Cable: The story behind Ali and Rhea's crackling chemistry". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 20 April 2019. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
- ^ a b "Rhea Chakraborty heats up the action in Bank Chor!". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 21 June 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
- ^ "Rhea Chakraborty bags a role in 'Half Girlfriend'". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 26 September 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
- ^ a b "'Jalebi' First Look Poster: Love in an Age of Bewilderment". The Quint. Archived from the original on 5 September 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
- ^ न्यूज, एबीपी (8 June 2021). "Times Most Desirable Women: कैटरीना कैफ और जैकलीन को पछाड़ नंबर वन बनीं रिया चक्रवर्ती, यहां देखिए Top 10 की लिस्ट". abplive.com (in Hindi). Archived from the original on 11 June 2021. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ^ "Exclusive - Roadies - Karm Ya Kaand Winner Vashu Jain: Rhea Chakraborty ma'am has always prioritised me, she is the smartest of all". Times of India. 15 October 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
- ^ Guha, Kunal (29 July 2020). "Actress with limited prospects". Bangalore Mirror. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
- ^ a b "Inside Rhea Chakraborty's Year Of Love, Friendship And Loss". HuffPost India. 25 August 2020. Archived from the original on 29 August 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
- ^ "VIVIDRAGE RHEALITYX PRIVATE LIMITED – Company, directors and contact details | Zauba Corp". www.zaubacorp.com. Archived from the original on 31 July 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
- ^ "Sushant Singh Rajput case: 'Got to know about his mental illness during Europe trip', says Rhea Chakraborty". businesstoday.in. 27 August 2020. Archived from the original on 28 August 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
- ^ "Why Rhea left Sushant's house before he died, her lawyer reveals". India Today. 18 August 2020. Archived from the original on 27 August 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
- ^ Express News Service (28 July 2020). "Sushant Singh Rajput's family files FIR against actor Rhea Chakraborty, claims she used his credit cards". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 28 July 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
- ^ "Rhea Chakraborty threatened to frame Sushant Singh Rajput, used his credit cards, says his father in FIR". 28 July 2020. Archived from the original on 28 July 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
- ^ "Rhea Chakraborty reaches ED office with brother Showik to record her statement in money laundering case". Hindustan Times. 7 August 2020. Archived from the original on 7 August 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
- ^ "Sushant Singh Rajput family vs Rhea Chakraborty case verdict: SC allows CBI to take control of investigation". India Today. 19 August 2020. Archived from the original on 19 August 2020. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
- ^ "Rhea Chakraborty arrested by NCB in drug probe linked to Sushant Singh Rajput's case". Live Mint. 8 September 2020. Archived from the original on 23 September 2020. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ Manish K Pathak; Aloke Tikku (8 September 2020). "Rhea Chakraborty, Accused No 10 in drug case, arrested. Bihar DGP takes a swipe". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 8 September 2020. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ "Sushant Singh Rajput case: Rhea Chakraborty's judicial custody extended till October 20". Mumbai Mirror. 6 October 2020. Archived from the original on 9 October 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
- ^ Baghel, Sunil (7 October 2020). "Rhea Chakraborty bail order highlights: Bombay High Court says she is not part of chain of drug dealers". Mumbai Mirror. Archived from the original on 10 October 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
- ^ Pandey, Geeta (27 August 2020). "Sushant Singh Rajput: Rhea Chakraborty on 'media trial' after Bollywood star's death". BBC News. Archived from the original on 28 August 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
She has become the subject of gossip and innuendo and misogynistic abuse.
- ^ Thomas, Lydia Suzanne (27 August 2020). "Sushant Singh Rajput case: Petition filed in Bombay HC against media trials; prays for postponement of reportage that could derail probe". Bar and Bench. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
- ^ "Actor Sushant death case: Press Council asks media not to carry out its own 'parallel trial'". Press Trust of India. 28 August 2020. Archived from the original on 10 October 2020. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
- ^ "Rhea Chakraborty: Bollywood speaks up for 'vilified' actor". BBC News. 8 September 2020. Archived from the original on 8 September 2020. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
- ^ Akbar, SZ; Sharma, A; et al. (2020). "Anatomy of a Rumour: Social media and the suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput". arXiv:2009.11744 [cs.SI].
- ^ "Joyojeet Kunal Pal". University of Michigan. 2020. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
- ^ Sarkar, Sonia (7 October 2020). "After Rajput death, Bollywood drugs probe of Rhea Chakraborty and other actresses sparks feminist anger". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 7 October 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
- ^ Ramachandran, Naman (7 October 2020). "Is India's Media Frenzy Over Sushant Singh Rajput's Death a Bollywood Circus or a Political Distraction?". Variety. Archived from the original on 10 October 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
- ^ "Krystle D'souza on lockdown and the release of her debut film Chehre". Eastern Eye. 22 May 2020. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ "Rhea Chakraborty on TV return with Roadies 19: Feels good to be back". 16 April 2023. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
External links
