Sushmita Sen was the first Indian woman to win the Miss Universe title in 1994. She inspired a million of girls with her triumph. However, at the young age of 24-years-old she once again changed rules and broke stereotypes when she adopted her daughter Renee in 2000. Ten years later she adopted Alisah in 2010. Now, looking at this decision, Sushmita at an event in Hyderabad called it the wisest decision of her life.
Sushmita opened up about motherhood at the event in Hyderabad and said that even though she might not be a biological mother, she has given birth from her heart. She said, “In the natural birth, the mother and the child connect through the umbilical cord but in adoption, the mother and the child are connected by this higher power, a connection that you cannot cut off. I have had the privilege of experiencing it twice. To become a mother who has given birth from the heart. I have not missed a day of feeling the joy of motherhood. The wisest decision I made at the age of 24 was to become a mother. It stabilised my life. People think it was a great act of charity and wonderful action but it was self-preservation. It was me protecting myself.”
She further said, “Doing something that encompasses your heart, your calling always makes sure that you stay true to your DNA and who you are. Yes, the tough part was to do that at the age of 24-year-old when I was at the top of my game in my career. Being an actress is a challenging job. It is a very self-centered job. You have to be all about yourself. Your vanity has to be at its highest for you to be successful. But I am proud of the 24-year-old because I could have delayed the process, ignore the calling but I didn't do that.”
She added that she is thankful to her daughter for choosing and loving her back and said, “The rest of it I give credit to my children because the truth is I chose them, they didn't choose me. They didn't have a say in it. Now, when my Renee is almost 20 and Alisah is 10, I get a feeling that they are choosing me back, which is a great feeling.”
(Source: FICCIFLO Hyderabad)
