Before she starred in blockbuster films, Sushmita Sen had already shown the world her fearless spirit as the Miss Universe. But her boldest act came not on a red carpet, but when she decided to adopt her daughter, Renee, at just 24 years old. Sushmita once shared what that moment in court felt like. It was a decision that could have changed everything—not just for her, but for her family too. “The judge looked at me and said, ‘In my 38 years of practice, if I sign this order today, you and I are both going to be responsible if you don't do this job well.’ And then he asked my father—that, I think, sealed it. He said, ‘You do realise, Mr Sen, your daughter's marriage, everything will get affected with this decision. You okay with that?’” Her father’s reply was raw and real: “No father will be okay with that, Your Honour,” he said, honestly. “But what I know for sure is we haven’t raised her for her only identity to be someone’s wife. She’s chosen this—motherhood—and the one thing I know my daughter to do is follow through. She will follow through. And she has my support. She has her mother. She has the family. Give us, Renee.” That moment ended with a powerful sound Sushmita still remembers: “Just a thak! I will never forget that stamp he put.” Today, Sushmita is a proud mother of two daughters—Renee and Alisah—and continues to inspire many. But perhaps what made that journey possible wasn’t just her bravery, but the assurance of her father standing right behind her. Counselling psychologist Srishti Vatsa says moments like these shape not just the lives of parents, but children too: “A child sees themselves through how you see them. The words you use, the way you support them—it becomes part of their inner voice. That’s how they build confidence. Many parents withhold affection or approval because they think it toughens the child for the real world. But in truth, the absence of love and validation often does the opposite—it creates insecurity. What builds real confidence is knowing your parents are beside you while also letting you lead your own way.” In Sushmita’s case, her father's honest words gave her the confidence to do something most wouldn’t have dared. And in doing so, he helped her create a world where her daughters could grow up knowing that their value isn't defined by societal boxes, but by the love and strength they carry within themselves.
