By Arré Bench Aug. 27, 2020
India Today’s consulting editor Rajdeep Sardesai became the centre of a heated debate after revealing that he had interviewed Rhea Chakraborty, and it was time to hear her side of the story. Many on social media didn’t seem to agree, as the hashtags “boycottIndiaToday” and “ShameonAajTak” soon began to trend on Twitter.
Months after the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, TV news channels continue to relentlessly pursue the case, putting forth dozens of conspiracy theories related to an alleged Bollywood mafia, and egging on a rabid social media mob to target the late actor’s girlfriend, Rhea Chakraborty.
Even as the CBI continues to investigate the death on the side, India Today’s consulting editor and senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai became the centre of this heated debate on Thursday after revealing that he had interviewed Chakraborty.
‘My only crime is that I loved Sushant.. let any investigation agency Qs me, I have NOTHING to hide..’ Rhea Chakraborty has finally broken her silence.. the BIG interview of Indian news tv’s ‘most wanted’! All day on @aajtak @IndiaToday #IndiaTodayGrillsRhea
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) August 27, 2020
“My only crime is that I loved Sushant… let any investigation agency Qs me, I have NOTHING to hide…” the anchor wrote on Twitter, quoting Chakraborty, and announcing that the exclusive interview will be aired on India Today and Aaj Tak on Thursday night.
In an earlier tweet, the anchor noted how Chakraborty had been vilified by the national media in the last few months, and said it was “time to hear her side of the story.”
For weeks now, a young woman has been vilified:called names like vishkanya, accused of money laundering to drugs to even murder! Now it’s time to hear HER story! every qs asked, no hold barred.. Time to WAKE UP to the TRUTH! Don’t miss! @aajtak @IndiaToday #AajTakGrillsRhea
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) August 27, 2020
However, many on social media didn’t seem to agree with the journalist, as the hashtags “boycottIndiaToday” and “ShameonAajTak” soon began to trend on Twitter.
Among the detractors was Sushant Singh’s sister, Shweta Singh Kirti, who took to Twitter to express her displeasure with one of the questions asked, as seen in a promo released by the channel ahead of the interview.
https://t.co/nIR3BR4enW So these are the probing questions you are asking @sardesairajdeep that Sushant has mental depression and may be he is Bipolar and by when Rhea came to know about it!! And you say you loved Sushant!! What a SHAME!!! #ArrestRheaNow https://t.co/UGprA6w0EG
— shweta singh kirti (@shwetasinghkirt) August 27, 2020
In another tweet, Kirti claimed Rajdeep Sardesai had called her brother a mediocre actor and reiterated the demand that Chakraborty be officially interrogated. She also called on her extended family to get the interview blocked from airing.
And the interviewer in no other than Rajdeep Sardesai who was calling my brother as a mediocre actor!! The Prime Accused should be taken under custodial interrogation immediately!! It’s my request to my extended family to block this interview. #ArrestRheaChakroborty
— shweta singh kirti (@shwetasinghkirt) August 27, 2020
These calls were echoed by several of the actor’s fans on social media, who have been relentlessly pressing for an independent investigation for the last few months, while simultaneously delivering their own verdict in the case.
Sardesai’s announcement, however, also drew the ire of a few others, who thought there were much more pressing issues to discuss at primetime rather than interview an actor who has already been subject to immense scrutiny. The hashtag accompanying his post, “IndiaTodayGrillsRheaChakraborty” also found few takers.
Are you not ashamed? Her boyfriend died, TV channels (incl urs) have launched a withchunt &you think
1. this is ‘BIG’ journalism
2. Are dedicating airtime to this ‘all day’
3. Are proud of ‘grilling’ a grieving person.Seriously, have you no shame?
— Vidya (@VidyaKrishnan) August 27, 2020
@sardesairajdeep do you not see the femme fatale genre of misogyny in this?
Do you not see ANYTHING.. say… for eg an impending genocide.. that you can dedicate airtime to, all day?
Can you ‘grill’ someone in power? How much will you punch below the belt & call it journalism?
— Vidya (@VidyaKrishnan) August 27, 2020
In the promos of the interview released by the channel, Chakraborty appears to address concerns surrounding Sushant Singh’s mental health, speaks about his relationship with her brother Shouvik, and reveals what transpired during the couple’s 2019 Euro Trip.
Given the nature of the case, it’s to be expected at this point that anyone who talks about the death will be subject to relentless trolling. Once the interview releases tonight, chances are the situation is bound to get uglier.
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