Sushmita Sen reveals Bollywood only cared about heroes when she started her career; calls herself a 'terrible actress' then

Time of India

21-05-2025

Sushmita Sen candidly discussed her Bollywood journey, acknowledging her initial struggles and the industry's focus on male leads during the '90s. She highlighted the transformative impact of OTT platforms, which provided her with meaningful roles and a career resurgence in 'Aarya'. Sen also emphasized her approach to vulnerability, prioritizing inner strength and embracing life beyond acting.
Sushmita Sen
stepped into Bollywood at an early age of 21. Nearly three decades into her career, Sushmita candidly admits she wasn't a natural actor at the start—and that early Bollywood seemed more interested in 'which hero' was headlining the film than in the heroine herself.
A Humble Beginning and a Steep Learning Curve
At a recent INWEC event, Sushmita looked back on her early days in the film industry with refreshing honesty. She admitted that her acting skills were far from polished when she began and often finds her early performances cringeworthy in hindsight. However, she acknowledged that winning
Miss Universe
opened unexpected doors—including the chance to step into acting. For her, it was a blessing to be paid while learning the craft, even if the journey demanded immense effort and growth over the years.
Lack of Meaningful Roles in the '90s
Despite her success, she revealed that she never quite got the kind of roles she truly desired as an actor. Reflecting on the evolution of cinema, she pointed out the stark contrast between the '90s and today's OTT-driven content. Back then, she recalled, the focus was rarely on the depth of a female character. Instead, it was all about who the male lead was, how many songs the heroine had, the number of dramatic scenes, and which designer outfits she wore.
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That was the standard measure of a heroine's presence in a film during that era.
After appearing in a string of films up until 2015, Sushmita Sen stepped away from the spotlight for several years. Her hiatus ended with a bang in 2020 when she made a powerful comeback with her OTT debut in Aarya. The gripping drama not only marked her return but also earned her widespread critical acclaim, reaffirming her place as a formidable talent in the industry.
How OTT Gave Her a Second Innings
Sushmita further expressed her deep appreciation for the rise of OTT platforms, crediting them for giving her a much-desired second innings in her acting career. She shared that streaming content allowed her to explore meaningful roles she had long been hungry for. Being able to connect with audiences for 45-minute episodes across an entire series, she said, is a rare and rewarding opportunity—one she considers a true blessing as an actor.
On Vulnerability and Finding Strength
In the same conversation, the actress opened up about dealing with vulnerability and tough days. She reflected on how today's world constantly pushes people to compare themselves with others, often at the cost of authenticity. Admitting that she, too, has her share of low days, Sushmita shared that turning to meditation, conscious breathing, and faith helps her regain perspective.
Over time, she's grown emotionally stronger—what once unsettled her no longer holds the same power.
For her, peace of mind has become non-negotiable.
Keeping Her Struggles Private
She also revealed a deeply personal side, admitting that while she often feels vulnerable, she chooses to keep it hidden—even from her family. She shared that expressing such emotions doesn't always feel helpful, so she prefers to keep her struggles private, confiding only in herself and her faith.
For her, that quiet strength has become a way of navigating life's challenges with grace.
Sushmita shared that she truly loves living life to the fullest, and a moment from
The Kapil Sharma Show
perfectly sums up her outlook. Recalling the episode, she mentioned how Kapil jokingly asked why she appears in fewer films. Her candid reply was, 'Main zindagi zyada jeeti hoon' (I live life more), a statement she says reflects the reality of how she chooses to live—embracing experiences beyond just the screen.
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