Sushmita Sen’s Heart Attack: A Journey of Resilience and Duty

Actress Sushmita Sen has shared her harrowing experience of suffering a massive heart attack in February 2023 while filming for Aarya Season 3. In a recent appearance on Divya Jain’s podcast, Sen revealed that she faced a 95% blockage in one of her arteries at the time of the incident. Remarkably, she remained conscious during both the heart attack and the subsequent surgery, a decision driven by her desire to maintain control over the situation.

During the podcast, Sen reflected on the gravity of her experience. “When you suffer a heart attack and stay conscious through it, you truly understand how close you came to the other side of life,” she stated. Surviving such a serious health crisis has profoundly altered her perspective. She emphasized the transient nature of life, saying, “Everything in life is transient — even a heart attack. If I hadn’t survived it, there would be no story. But once you do, there’s no point dwelling on the past.”

Despite the seriousness of her condition, Sen demonstrated remarkable determination. She insisted on staying awake throughout the surgery because her “inner control freak” did not want to lose consciousness. “It was a choice — stay conscious and fight, or slip into unconsciousness and risk not waking up,” she explained. Her commitment to staying alert allowed her to engage with the medical team, urging them to expedite the procedure as she felt a strong sense of responsibility toward her 500-member crew.

Sen’s concern for her colleagues was evident. “They were concerned about me, but I was concerned about them. You can’t shoot without me,” she said, highlighting her leadership role on set. After battling for permission to return to work, she was back on set in just 15 days, a feat that underscores her resilience and dedication.

Following her recovery, Aarya Season 3 premiered on Disney+ Hotstar in November 2023, with the second part scheduled for release in February 2024. Sen’s story transcends her own survival; it embodies themes of resilience, leadership, and a profound sense of duty. Her experience serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how one can confront life-threatening challenges while remaining committed to their responsibilities.

Sushmita Sen’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, illustrating how courage and determination can transform a crisis into a powerful narrative of hope and resilience.