Sushmita Sen attends the Bollywood Hungama India Entertainment Awards 2023 ceremony in Mumbai on Oct.19, 2023. AFP

Actress Sushmita Sen, who had suffered a heart attack during the filming of the third season of her hit streaming show “Aarya,” elaborated on how the environment and set-up on shoot helped her ease into the process.  “Aarya” is synonymous with strength, someone who can command a storm and be one too. However, Sushmita Sen, who plays this character is no less fierce. After a deadly health scare, Sushmita jumped right back into the shoes of Aarya Sareen.

Opening up about returning to the sets of the show, Sushmita said: “I was itching to get back to work and I believe the longer you sit and ponder about a situation, you give it the chance to engulf you. The only way to move past any life challenge is to keep forging ahead and all I needed was the green light from my doctor to proceed.”

“Earlier on, I didn’t think shooting action sequences just one month after my heart attack was possible but the trust I had in my team was enough,” said the former Miss Universe. Sushmita added: “My confidence in returning to the set stemmed from knowing I had the necessary support anytime I needed it — whether it was people or even medical support — we had a complete hospital setup, doctors, an ambulance, and everything ready as we resumed shooting.”

In the third season, Aarya has her eyes set on the supply and transportation of the narcotic drug but is intercepted by Ila Arun, who herself is the undisputed queen on the supply side. Created and co-directed by the visionary Ram Madhvani and co-produced by Amita Madhavni, Ram Madhvani Films and Endemol Shine India, “Aarya 3” will air on Disney+ Hotstar from Nov.3.

Meanwhile, Sushmita was also seen in the web series “Taali.” The show brings to life the inspiring journey of transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant, portrayed by Sushmita. It is created by Arjun Singgh Baran and Kartk D. Nishandar, and directed by Ravi Jadhav.

Madhvani has shared his cherished experience working with Sushmita Sen, highlighting her unique presence and lasting impact both on and off the set. Talking about his experience of working with Sushmita, Ram shared: “Getting to know and working with Sushmita has been one of my most cherished memories in life. Her star power, energy, and the kind of human being she is are fascinating.” “She is incredibly gracious and warm not only with the team but also with people outside the set, like the chef or the service staff at a restaurant. She has a unique presence that shifts the energy in a room when she enters,” he said.

The filmmaker further said: “There may be 200 people in a room, but you can tell when Sushmita Sen walks in. I’ve learned a lot from her about human qualities and how to leave a lasting impression on people you work with or interact with.”  Ram added: “Working with her has been one of my most cherished life memories, and I’ve observed and learned from her in an almost osmotic way.”

Indo-Asian News Service