Sushmita Sen reflects on parental advice against discussing sex at 18: “Everyone was trying to curb that...”

Sushmita Sen, India's first Miss Universe, not only made history by adopting two young girls, Renee and Alisah, but also faced criticism for her unconventional choices in the 90s. In a recent chat with actress Rhea Chakraborty on her YouTube channel, Sen opened up about how her outspoken nature was met with judgment during a less progressive era. She revealed that her parents had cautioned her against using the word "sex" in interviews when she was just 18.Parental warnings and societal expectationsSen shared, “The society was not as open as today. It was like ‘haww.’ Everything was ‘haww’ to the extent that my Maa and Baba had to sit me down and say, ‘There is a lot riding on your shoulders and curb a little bit of what you’re saying. Why use the word ‘sex’ in an interview at 18? Shobhaa De’s writing badly about you.’ And I remember her name coming up specifically, you know, Bengali. Bengalis are considered intellectual. So, it was the intellectual articles that were bothering and not the gossip ones.” Her parents were concerned about the backlash and the impact on her public image.Challenging societal normsSen later spoke with Shobhaa De and deliberately used the word "sex" to challenge societal expectations. “I purposely brought up the word because everything that I wanted to be was not ‘Miss Universe’, or ‘the most beautiful person.’ I wanted to be a liberated human being, someone who is truly free. In that attempt, I became India’s first Miss Universe. It was that freedom that let me do it. Now that I won it, everyone was trying to curb that freedom because so much of the onus lies on you for so many things,” she explained.Lasting impact and inspirationSen’s bold choices and defiance of traditional norms have had a lasting influence, inspiring many women to pursue their own paths. Her story highlights the challenges faced by those who break away from conventional expectations and assert their independence.Return to entertainmentSushmita Sen has recently made a significant comeback to the entertainment industry with acclaimed performances in shows like Aarya and Taali, continuing to make an impact with her talent and resilience.Also Read: Sushmita Sen reveals she is single since two years; says, “I have no man in my life”