Sushmita Sen She has opened up about her struggles after giving birth to her daughter Renee at the age of 24, revealing that the decision invited harsh criticism from the film industry at a time when single mothers were still considered unusual.In a recent interview with NDTV, the actress reflected on the challenges of balancing motherhood and a film career in an age without social media or multiple entertainment platforms.“It was worse. You’re talking about a world without social media, without the digital boom, and there are far fewer platforms for an actor to work on today. And it’s still tough,” Sushmita said.“So imagine if you’re an actress doing only one platform. And there are rules attached to that platform, which is cinema, that a girl should forget about having a baby. You won’t get married because it affects your followers and viewers,” he added.
“My director ran away,” revealed Sushmita Sen
Recalling how people around her reacted to her decision, Sushmita revealed that her manager also decided to replace her professionally.“My director ran away. He said, ‘You’re not serious about your career, and I can’t imagine someone who is a mother at 24. Character roles bhi nahi milenge aapko,'” shared the actor.However, Sushmita said she never regretted her choice and remained adamant that motherhood would not define or limit her career.“He ran away, and I was well away from the bad rubbish. I was pretty good. And you won’t believe it – when I became a mother, I gave my biggest hits,” she added.
Sushmita says she refuses to live up to industry expectations
The actor further explained that he consciously chose not to follow the unwritten ‘rules’ set for Bollywood actors.“But what was needed was to say, these are the rules: you take them, or you leave them. And my thing was, I’m a self-made woman. I don’t have a godfather. Nobody gave me a platform. I did everything on my own. So your rules don’t apply to me. My rules apply to me,” said Sushmita.She added that her biggest priority at that time was to provide Renee with a stable and loving childhood.“My rule says, this is what I want to do. I want to be a young mother. And I don’t want to be disabled in any way so that I can take care of this child and give this child the best possible childhood,” she explained.
“People questioned my performance and commitment”
Sushmita also recalled how the industry constantly questioned her abilities as an actress and her dedication to work.“There was a huge pushback from the industry, a huge amount. “What is he doing? He’s not committed, as it is.” The hero was difficult to play because he’s taller than most actors, and he doesn’t have all the acting skills,” he said candidly.The actor admitted that he entered films without any formal acting skills and had to learn while working on the sets.“I needed someone to help me learn, and he pushed me to work, so I did the best I could. And then I learned on the job,” he shared.
“If you hold on to rejection long enough, acceptance comes”
Despite criticism and rejection, Sushmita said she chose resilience over bitterness.“I’ve always said – my mother says this – if you stick with rejection long enough, acceptance comes. So I held on to that rejection long enough, and all of a sudden it turned into a wonderful thing,” he said.After adopting Renee in 2000, Sushmita starred in hit films including Main Hoon Na opposite Shah Rukh Khan, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya opposite Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, as well as Aankhen, Filhaal and Samay: When Time Strikes.
