MUMBAI: "Dil Bechara" director Mukesh Chhabra on Saturday revealed that he last spoke to his films lead star, the late Sushant Singh Rajput, 18 days before the actor's demise. It was May 27, Chhabras birthday, and the filmmaker recalled the conversation was a long one.

(Also read: How Sushant Singh Rajput's demise shook the entire Bollywood film industry)

"He had personally called me up on my birthday and we spoke. We had a long chat on 27th May. He would always be there, wishing you on your birthdays, so he had called. That's about it," recalled Chhabra, speaking to pinkvilla.com.

"Because of the lockdown, he and I hadn't met for a few months. I wish I knew he was in pain," Chhabra told the website.

"Dil Bechara", the late Sushant's final release, opens digitally on July 24. The film co-stars budding actress Sanjana Sanghi and has music by AR Rahman. "Dil Bechara" is an official remake of the 2014 Hollywood romantic drama "The Fault In Our Stars", based on John Green's popular novel of the same name.

(Also read: Sushant Singh Rajput case: Now, paranormal researchers believe that the actor was murdered)