As the lights dim on the set of Disney+ Hotstar’s acclaimed series ‘Aarya 3,’ the cameras cease to roll, and the director’s cut resonates through the studio, a profound sense of family lingers in the air – an emotion deeply felt by none other than Sushmita Sen, the powerhouse performer behind Aarya Sareen, the show’s stoic matriarch turned don.
This emotional connection was evident when Sen disclosed her experiences of portraying Aarya over the span of three gripping seasons. The lines between the fictional world of ‘Aarya’ and reality blur as she recounts her unique bond with her onscreen children, particularly her relationship with her onscreen son, Viren.
In a candid conversation reminiscent of a scene straight out of a heartfelt drama, Sen shares, “Viren approached me with a warm smile, the kind that holds stories. He said, ‘After breathing life into our roles across three seasons, you’ve transcended beyond being just Aarya – you’re like a mother to me.’ And it hit me, our onscreen family had grown roots that intertwined with the realities of our own lives.”
The actress, who is a mother of two daughters in real life, warmly regards Viren as akin to the son she never had. “The moments we’ve shared, the camaraderie that blossomed off-screen, these experiences built a foundation, transforming ‘Aarya’ into a journey of true emotional ties that surpass the boundaries of the script,” she reflects.
Her portrayal of Aarya Sareen is not only a representation of power and resilience but also of a tender, devoted motherhood that mirrors her personal life. Sen’s authentic display of maternal affection echoes her real-life legacy as ‘Miss Universe’ and a respected actor who once put her career on pause for her daughters.
In a heartfelt exchange with Mid-day’s ‘Sit With Hitlist,’ Sen grows wistful as she recounts a poignant conversation with her younger daughter – a moment of innocent curiosity that eventually became the catalyst for Sen’s return to acting. It was an ordinary day, filled with the hustle and bustle beneath their residence where paparazzi clamored for a snapshot of the actress. It was then that her daughter inquired, “Maa, why do they take pictures with you?”
Sen replied, explaining her celebrity stemming from her past accolades, including the illustrious title of Miss Universe, and her subsequent acting career. But her daughter remained unfazed, probing further, “But you don’t act. You don’t do movies.”
It was a simple statement from a child, unfiltered and earnest, but to Sen, it was a resonant echo of all the sacrifices and choices she had made. It shook her to her core, awakening an introspective revelation that she was ready to return to her first love – acting. It was the nudge she needed to pursue opportunities with prominent streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar.
This revelation not only marked her resurgence in the entertainment industry but also manifested in the soulful depiction of Aarya Sareen. When Sen steps into Aarya’s world, she is not just returning to her profession but revisiting the essence of her being as a creator, an artist, and more poignantly, a mother.
The success and acclaim of the series run parallel with Sen’s personal story of empowerment and embrace of motherhood in all its facets. The sentiment echoed by ‘Aarya’ itself, where family dynamics play a crucial role amidst the thrilling storyline, is brought to life through Sen’s innate understanding and real-life synthesis of the very same roles she cherishes on and off screen.
Sen’s journey with ‘Aarya 3’ signifies more than an acting gig – it represents her spirit’s interplay with the emotional landscape of her characters, forever entwined with the threads of her personal life tapestry. As each chapter closes on the series, a timeless bond remains, transcending the ephemeral world of television into the enduring realm of human connection.
