Rhea Chakraborty reflects on 2020 turmoil and says her girlfriends helped her survive the storm

• What happened: Rhea Chakraborty revisited 2020 during the finale of her podcast, crediting her close friends for helping her through legal and personal turmoil after Sushant Singh Rajput’s death.
• Why it matters now: The comments signal her continued return to public life after being legally cleared in the case.
• What changes for people: The conversation adds visibility to discussions around support systems, mental health and public scrutiny in high-profile cases.
• Who is affected: Fans, the entertainment industry, legal and mental health observers following developments since 2020.

Actor Rhea Chakraborty has publicly reflected on the most turbulent year of her life, recalling the months after the death of Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020 and the legal and social fallout that followed. Speaking in the finale of her podcast Chapter 2 with Rhea Chakraborty, she said she survived that period only because of the women who stood by her.

Looking back at a defining year

On the episode released this week, Rhea appeared alongside close friends Anusha Dandekar and Shibani Dandekar, describing how their support helped her withstand allegations, online abuse and legal proceedings.

She said that during that time it was not considered safe for others to publicly acknowledge their association with her and that she is now able to openly express gratitude without fear of backlash. At one point, Rhea became emotional as her friends shared wishes for her future and praised her resilience.

Rhea recalled her father telling her the family would not have made it through 2020 without the support of these women, adding that “now we don’t need a temple in the house, we need a picture of these women”.

Context behind the turmoil

Rhea’s life changed dramatically after Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14, 2020. His father later filed a complaint accusing her of abetment to suicide, prompting investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

The NCB arrested Rhea and her brother Showik alleging drug-related offences. The Bombay High Court, while granting bail, rejected the NCB’s claim that she financed or harboured addiction. The drug-related elements were subsequently reviewed as part of the wider case handled by the CBI.

In March last year, the CBI submitted a closure report, clearing her of charges and stating there was no evidence supporting the allegations. Legal experts noted that the closure provided a measure of relief, ending a prolonged phase of public scrutiny.

Mental health and public scrutiny

In earlier interviews, Rhea acknowledged being diagnosed with PTSD, attributing it to the intensity of the media storm and social boycott that followed Sushant’s death. Mental health professionals have said such cases highlight the long-term impact of online hostility and trial-by-media, particularly in high-profile investigations.

Her gradual reappearance through entrepreneurship and podcasting reflects an ongoing effort to rebuild her public identity, with the legal chapter now formally closed.

Why this matters now

The comments arrive during a broader conversation on mental health, internet accountability, and how public narratives influence legal and personal outcomes. They also underline how support networks can shape recovery after prolonged scrutiny.

There are no ongoing security or governance concerns linked to the case. However, the episode is relevant to public discourse on media ethics, due process, and the responsibilities of investigative agencies during high-profile cases.