Former Bollywood sensation, Sushmita Sen, known for her roles in hits like Biwi No.1 and Main Hoon Na, has shifted her focus from box office success to creating a meaningful body of work. After a five-year hiatus, she made a comeback in 2020 with the Disney+Hotstar series Aarya, and her priorities have evolved.
Sen expressed, “When I joined the film industry my dreams were all about hits and how many thousands of crores one can make in terms of your reach of a film’s hit. Now, it’s about the legacy of leaving behind a body of work that you can then look back at and other people can.” She emphasized the enduring impact of cinema compared to the ephemeral nature of online platforms like YouTube.
Sushmita Sen’s recent projects include Taali and Aarya, with the third season of Aarya having just been released. She expressed her eagerness to return to the big screen but with a script that’s author-backed and has the potential to entertain and leave a lasting impact on the audience.
Aarya, created by Ram Madhvani and Sandeep Modi, is the official adaptation of the popular Dutch crime-drama Penoza, focusing on a middle-aged woman’s struggle to protect her family. Sen’s portrayal of strong characters in Aarya and Taali, as a mother and a transgender activist, has inspired her to work harder in her future endeavors.
Sen’s character in Aarya has transformed from a homemaker in season one to a formidable character in the third season, requiring her to train in Kalaripayattu for the role. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and the responsibility that comes with it.
Regarding reviews, Sen has learned to handle them with maturity, welcoming constructive criticism. She values direct feedback from her fans on platforms like Instagram.
Aarya season 3 also features actors Sikander Kher, Vikas Kumar, and Maya Sarao, with Ila Arun as a new addition to the show. Sushmita Sen continues to pursue her goal of building a remarkable legacy through her work in the film industry.