Entertainment

IIE DIGITAL: Veteran actor Sushmita Mukherjee has opened up about one of the most difficult chapters of her life, revealing that she accepted films she was not proud of because she was struggling to support her family and overcome a severe financial crisis.

Known for memorable performances in films such as King Uncle, Khalnayak, Golmaal Returns and Dostana, Sushmita said there was a time when survival mattered far more than choosing meaningful roles.

Speaking in a recent video, the actor admitted that she worked in several projects whose stories and portrayal of women did not reflect her own beliefs. However, she said rejecting work was never an option because of the responsibilities she carried at home.

Sushmita recalled that in 2002, the production company she and her husband owned, Prayas Production, suffered major financial losses. The business struggled to adapt to changing technology and eventually accumulated debts of nearly Rs 1 crore, leaving the family on the verge of bankruptcy.

She said creditors visited their home almost every day to recover the money, and the family often had to endure humiliation during that difficult period.

With two young children to raise, Sushmita decided to return to acting full time. She accepted every opportunity that came her way because earning a steady income had become more important than waiting for the right script.

The actor also revealed that she wanted to provide the best education for her daughter, who later pursued higher studies in Australia and New Zealand. Meeting those expenses required her to continue working without being selective about the roles she accepted.

Looking back, Sushmita said it was unfortunate that the films she genuinely believed in failed to receive much recognition, while the projects she accepted out of necessity became the ones that attracted the most attention and criticism.

She believes every person has a reason for working, whether it is to support loved ones, build a secure future for their children or fulfil personal dreams. When that purpose is clear, even the most difficult decisions become easier to accept.

Today, Sushmita says her life has changed significantly. She no longer feels compelled to take up projects purely for financial reasons and now chooses only those roles that inspire and satisfy her creatively.

The actor added that she is finally at peace with her career choices and hopes people understand the circumstances behind the decisions she made during the toughest years of her life.