Happy Birthday, Sushmita Sen! When the actress gave us life goals!

​In 1994, Sushmita Sen confidently graced the ramp, earning the judges' appreciation with her compassionate responses and intelligence. The former Miss Universe, celebrated for her outspoken nature, has actively championed various women's social welfare initiatives. As we commemorate her birthday, let's revisit some inspiring moments when the actress set life goals for us all.

​In the 1994 Miss India competition, numerous contestants withdrew, feeling intimidated by Aishwarya Rai's beauty. However, Sen's mother persuaded her not to give up without trying. At the age of 18, Sen not only emerged as the winner of the competition but also clinched victory at the Miss Universe pageant later that year, etching her name in history as the first Indian to achieve the prestigious title. In a revealing interview, Sen disclosed that her passport had been misplaced just before her departure for the competition, and organizers considered sending Rai in her place.

At the age of 24, Sushmita Sen, a single mother, adopted a baby girl. Ten years later, she adopted another girl. Renee and Alisah are growing up strong-minded, just like their mother. Earlier in an interview, the actress talked about her decision to adopt and said that while many considered it to be an act of charity, for her, it was self-conservation. She believes that they are born from her heart, and it is possibly the purest relationship.

​In 2014, the actress was diagnosed with the autoimmune condition Addison’s disease. Being a fighter, the former Miss Universe took guided meditation and nunchaku workout sessions to heal her body. In 2019, Sen was free of the disease as well as the medicines. Sushmita also shocked everyone when the actress announced that she suffered from a heart attack and underwent an angioplasty in March of this year.

Sushmita Sen had been away from the limelight for almost ten years, out of which five were taken up by her illness. The actress, who was waiting for a role that would rekindle her, marked her comeback in 2020 with 'Aarya'. It is an official Hindi adaptation of the Dutch crime drama Penoza. Sen received rave reviews for her portrayal of a housewife forced into the narcotics trade. 'Aarya' also bagged a nomination for Best Drama Series at the International Emmy Awards 2021 in September. Recently, the makers revealed the first look at the second season.