Updated on: Oct 14, 2025 | 5:11 PM IST
Bollywood actress and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen has always been admired for breaking norms and redefining womanhood in India. One of her most courageous steps came in the early 2000s when she adopted her first daughter, Renee, as a single woman—a decision that required both legal fortitude and societal resilience. In a candid conversation with Dr. Sheen Gurrib for her YouTube channel, Sushmita opened up about the hurdles, the fears, and the unwavering support of her father, Shubeer Sen, that made this journey possible.
Early Decisions and Determination
Sushmita’s desire to become a mother emerged when she legally became an adult at 21. “I knew this is what I want to do. So from 21 to 24… then the legal battle started,” she revealed. By the time the legal proceedings began, Renee was already in foster care under her supervision, which meant the stakes were incredibly high. Every day carried the anxiety that the family court might rule against her, taking away a child who had already begun calling her “Ma.”
To manage this stress, Sushmita said she had contingency plans, even joking about how her father could drive away with Renee if needed. “I told my dad at the hearing, just keep the car running, you will take her and you will run away,” she recounted. Her father, however, refused the suggestion, saying, “Now we are really pushing it. We are not going to do any of that.” Despite the tension, Sushmita remained focused on the end goal: ensuring Renee’s future in her care.
A Father’s Unwavering Support
A key factor in Sushmita’s successful adoption was the steadfast backing of her father, Shubeer Sen. In a society and legal system that often placed undue emphasis on a father or father figure in adoption cases, his presence and commitment proved crucial. “I’m so proud of my father. I have my children because of him in a country that requires either a father or a father figure to adopt a baby,” she said.
During the legal proceedings, the court asked her father to demonstrate financial capability to support Renee, including signing off half of his assets. Shubeer Sen reportedly told the court, “I am not a very rich man, so if you take half of that, it will be nothing. I have come to sign unconditionally everything I own in her name.” This extraordinary gesture was pivotal in reassuring the court that Renee’s welfare would be fully secured.
Facing Societal Bias
Even with her father’s support, Sushmita had to confront entrenched societal bias. The judge presiding over her case warned her father that no “good family boy” would want to marry her because she was a single mother. However, Shubeer Sen responded firmly, emphasizing that Renee was not being raised for the sake of anyone else’s expectations. “He told him that I have not raised her just to be someone’s wife,” Sushmita recounted. With her father’s backing and her own determination, the court ultimately granted her adoption rights, marking a historic milestone for single women in India seeking to adopt.
The Adoption of Renee and Later Alisah
Finally able to adopt Renee at the age of 24, Sushmita described the moment as life-changing. “The adoption was the turning point,” she said, reflecting on the culmination of years of effort, stress, and hope.
A decade later, Sushmita adopted her second daughter, Alisah Sen, in 2010. In her words, the process for Alisah was an “absolute cakewalk” compared to the pioneering battle she had fought for Renee. This contrast highlights the slow but meaningful evolution of adoption practices in India and society’s gradual acceptance of single mothers as capable caregivers.
Motherhood as a Calling
Throughout the interview, Sushmita emphasized that motherhood was not just a personal choice but a calling. “I was meant to be a mother,” she declared. Her journey reflects a combination of personal courage, familial support, and a willingness to challenge societal norms. Beyond the legal hurdles and social biases, Sushmita’s story serves as an inspiration to countless women who aspire to embrace parenthood on their own terms.
From facing the court’s skepticism to navigating societal expectations and ensuring her daughters’ well-being, Sushmita Sen’s path to motherhood stands as a testament to resilience, love, and unwavering commitment. Her story continues to resonate with audiences, proving that single women in India can successfully navigate the legal system to create families that are built on choice, care, and conviction.
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