Sushant Singh Rajput suicide: Bollywood actor’s death reveals dark side of obsessive fans – copycat deaths, harassment, mob mentality

At least three fans have committed suicide since Sushant Singh Rajput died, while a rumoured former girlfriend has received death and rape threats

Parallels can be seen with the deaths of Robin Williams and Leslie Cheung, while South Korea, like India, has worrying levels of fan obsession

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The recent suicide of Indian actor Sushant Singh Rajput has sparked protest marches, copycat suicides, death threats and cyberbullying as obsessive fans find outlets for their anger. Photo: AP

Published: 10:45am, 31 Jul 2020Updated: 4:46pm, 1 Aug 2020

The untimely death of popular Indian actor Sushant Singh Rajput on June 14 has stirred up volatile emotions among Bollywood fans, who are split between grief and anger. It is a dangerous mix in a country that, like so much of the rest of the world, is locked down in a joyless battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

The 34-year-old had appeared in a dozen Hindi films, with his last, Dil Bechara (The Helpless Heart), released posthumously last week on a digital platform.

Many believe his death was the result of foul play as he did not leave a suicide note, despite official reports that he took his own life. Protest marches took place on the streets with placards reading “Justice for Sushant”, and reports say at least three fans have since committed suicide, including a 30-year-old television actor.

The suicides are sadly not surprising, says Professor Paul Yip, director of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention at the University of Hong Kong.