Sushmita Sen has opened up about the criticism and resistance she faced after adopting her daughter Renee at the age of 24, revealing how the decision shocked the film industry at the peak of her career.
In an interview with NDTV, the actress recalled how becoming a single mother at a young age was considered unconventional at the time and even affected professional relationships.
‘My manager ran away’
Sushmita revealed that her manager stopped representing her after learning about her decision to adopt.
“He said, ‘You’re not serious about your career, and I can’t represent someone who’s a mother at 24,’” she recalled.
The actress said the entertainment industry then operated under strict expectations for female actors, including pressure to avoid marriage or motherhood for fear of affecting fan following and film opportunities.
Despite the criticism, Sushmita said she remained firm about wanting to become a young mother.
Says industry pushed back strongly
The actress described facing “enormous pushback” from the industry after adopting Renee in 2000.
She said producers already viewed her as difficult to cast because of her height and because she lacked a film background.
However, Sushmita noted that some of her biggest commercial successes came after she became a mother, including Main Hoon Na and Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya.
She also mentioned films such as Aankhen and Filhaal as important milestones during that phase of her career.
‘My rules apply to me’
Sushmita emphasised that she built her career independently and chose not to follow conventional expectations.
“I’m a self-made woman. Nobody gave me a platform. So your rules don’t apply to me,” she said.
The actress explained that she wanted to raise her daughter while still young and energetic enough to give her the best possible childhood.
A journey that inspired many
Sushmita Sen became the first Indian woman to win the Miss Universe 1994 title at the age of 18.
Over the years, her decision to adopt as a single woman has been widely viewed as a bold and inspiring step that challenged social norms in India