In an emotional conversation with Divya Jain on a podcast, the 48-year-old actress described the incident as a turning point — one that made her appreciate life with deeper clarity and conviction.
A Life-Threatening Moment on the Set of Aarya 3
While filming in Jaipur, Sushmita suffered a severe heart attack caused by a shocking 95% blockage in a major artery, forcing doctors to perform an urgent angioplasty. What makes her story even more extraordinary is that she chose to remain fully conscious throughout the entire procedure, refusing sedation.
Reflecting on the terrifying moment, she shared: “When you suffer a heart attack and stay conscious through it, you know exactly how close you came to the other side of life. Once you cross that, you also know how far behind it is now. Everything in life is transient — even a heart attack.”
Her words underline the profound impact the experience had on her worldview, reminding fans that even the strongest individuals face moments of vulnerability.
Choosing Awareness Over Anesthesia: A Bold Decision
During the surgery, Sushmita surprised her medical team by insisting she remain awake.
Laughing at her own determination, she said: “The control freak in me doesn’t like losing consciousness. I told my doctors not to sedate me. I wanted to be fully aware — to see what was happening. I didn’t want the pain numbed, and I kept chatting with them, asking them to hurry up because my entire crew was waiting in Jaipur.”
For her, staying conscious was more than a preference — it was a matter of survival and willpower.
“It was a choice between staying conscious and fighting it, or slipping into sleep and maybe not waking up,” she added.
This powerful resolve, she believes, helped her pull through one of the greatest challenges of her life.
A Balancing Act: Work, Family, and Unshakeable Willpower
As a single mother raising two daughters while leading demanding professional roles, Sushmita’s life has always been a balancing act. Yet, the heart attack taught her one fundamental lesson, “To keep going.”
Her outlook reflects the strength she has become known for — the strength that resonates through her life decisions, personal commitments, and professional responsibilities.
The Responsibility of Leading a 500-Member Crew
What truly sets Sushmita apart is her deep sense of accountability. Despite suffering a near-fatal health scare, her first thoughts were for the 500-member crew depending on her presence.
She recounted, “When you headline a show, you take on the responsibility of a 500-member crew. They were very worried about me, but I was worried about their daily wages being stuck. Without me, they couldn’t shoot.”
Her compassionate leadership is a testament to her character — a reminder that stardom comes with responsibility far beyond the camera.
Defying Medical Advice: Fighting to Return to Set
Even after undergoing a critical procedure, her determination to return to work stunned her doctors. Sushmita negotiated for 15 days before finally being permitted to resume filming.
Her motivation was clear, “I had done whatever I had to do to recover, and I just wanted to get back to set. It wasn’t just my show — it was the livelihood of so many people.”
Her commitment to her craft, her team, and her audience stands as a powerful example of perseverance.
A Story of Resilience and Hope
Sushmita Sen’s near-death experience is more than a health scare — it is a story of survival, strength, and unwavering spirit. Her courage to remain conscious during surgery, her dedication to her crew, and her refusal to let fear dictate her life show why she continues to be admired by millions.
As Aarya 3 unfolds on screen, fans will not only see a fierce character but also a real-life warrior who fought her own battle and emerged stronger than ever.
Sushmita’s journey is a reminder that even in moments of darkness, resilience lights the path forward.