MUMBAI: Sushant Singh Rajput, 34, was found dead in his apartment in Mumbai's Bandra on June 14. The police are investigating allegations that professional rivalry, apart from clinical depression, drove him to suicide. Sanjay Leela Bhansali recorded his statement with the police on Monday for three hours. The police are inquiring into the actor's contracts with production houses and also projects that were shelved.

Sushant Singh Rajput was supposed to get Ram Leela and Bajirao Mastani from Bhansali but things didn't materialise. Reportedly, Sushant had even auditioned for SLB's TV show Saraswatichandra but could not become a part of the same. The friendship between the duo began from there. Sandeep Ssingh, Sushant's friend, who was the CEO of Bhansali's production house at that time, reportedly said that the whole team had told Sushant that he was made for the big screen.

(Also Read: Sanjay Leela Bhansali denies dropping Sushant Singh Rajput from his films) 

Around 30-35 questions were asked to Bhansali. One of the questions was 'did Sushant went into depression because he was replaced in Ram Leela and Bajirao Mastani?' Bhansali was also asked if he had ever spoken to Sushant regarding his depression? Replying to which, the filmmaker said, he neither dropped nor replaced Sushant from any of his films. Bhansali said he first met Sushant during the casting of Saraswatichandra in 2012. Though they couldn't work together for the show, he was impressed with his acting skills and wanted to work with the actor.

Sushant was the first choice for Ram Leela but back in 2013, the actor was under three-films contract of YRF. Hence, he refused the offer. However, Sushant had regrets regarding the same. Sushant was preparing for Shekhar Kapur's film Paani, a Yash Raj Films' project, when he got an offer for Bajirao Mastani. Again, due to conflicting schedules, the duo couldn't work together. 

Mr Bhansali, known for blockbusters like "Padmaavat" and "Ram-Leela", reportedly told the police that Sushant Singh Rajput's dates were not available for his projects, so the roles were offered to other actors.

Statements of 34 people, including family, friends, co-stars and close aides have been taken in the investigations ordered by the Maharashtra government into the actor's shock death. The police say they are waiting for a response from Twitter on posts put out allegedly from the actor's account and shared on social media in the hours before his death.

Security footage is also being examined of the building where Sushant Singh Rajput lived. There were no CCTVs in his apartment.The police are also waiting for forensic reports of objects from the room in which the actor was found.

A rising star who transitioned from television, Sushant Singh Rajput worked in several hit films including "Kai Po Che", "PK" and "Chhichhore". His last film, "Dil Bechara", will release this month; the trailer has clocked millions of hits. His co-star in the film, Sanjana Sanghi, is among those who met with Mumbai police.

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(Also Read: Sushant Singh Rajput Demise: Sanjay Leela Bhansali leaves police station after three hours of interrogation) 

CREDIT: SpotboyE