‘Stress Is a Silent Killer’: Sushmita Sen Reflects on Strength, Healing, and the Power of Quiet Resilience

From navigating chronic illness and personal loss to uplifting the healing hands of nurses, the former Miss Universe opens up about protecting her peace, embracing purpose, and honouring the unseen strength in silence.

It has been 31 years since Sushmita Sen was crowned Miss Universe — a moment that made her a national icon and inspired generations of Indian women to believe in the power of dreams. Today, at 49, the former beauty queen, actor, and fierce advocate for inner strength continues to reign, not with a crown, but with clarity, conviction, and compassion.

In a candid conversation following her appearance at the 4th edition of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award in Dubai, Sen opened up about her ongoing health journey, the lessons she’s learned from living with chronic illness, and the quiet, life-saving strength of caregivers.

Living with Addison’s Disease

Diagnosed years ago with Addison’s disease, an autoimmune condition that affects the adrenal glands, Sen has long been open about the physical and emotional toll it takes. Though she spoke of her recovery in 2019, she emphasizes that chronic illness is not a chapter that ends — it’s a thread that continues through everyday life.

“You become accurately aware of your body and what it needs,” she says. “The endless cycle of medication, the side effects, the uncertainty — it never really leaves you. But you learn to listen. To adapt. To respect your body.”

The Unseen Heroes: Nurses Who Heal

Sen’s presence at the Aster Guardians event wasn’t just ceremonial — it was deeply personal. As someone who suffered a heart attack more than two years ago, she knows the healing process intimately and credits nurses with helping her through the toughest moments.

“I didn’t even know such an award existed for nurses — let alone one that acknowledges them with $250,000,” she says. “Till I saw this, I didn’t realise the scale at which their work is being celebrated. And it should be.”

She recalls Uma Maheshwari, the ICU nurse assigned to her post-angioplasty. What began as a one-week assignment turned into a six-month journey, with Uma by Sen’s side as she prepared to resume filming her hit series Aarya.

“To this day, at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., I get a message from Uma to take my beta-blocker,” she says, her voice filled with emotion. “She’s not employed by me anymore. But that kind of grace and empathy — it can’t be bought. Nurses have it in abundance.”

On Quiet Strength and Protecting Her Peace

In today’s world, where noise often equates to power, Sen has learned to value what she calls “quiet strength.” And in that strength, she finds both peace and power.

“It’s easy to shout, scream, and try to win every argument,” she says. “But that’s a criminal waste of energy. The minute women discover their quiet strength, they don’t need validation anymore. They build from within.”

Sen, who has lived much of her life under the relentless glare of fame and expectation, knows the importance of energy preservation — and boundary setting.

“Stress is a very, very silent killer,” she warns. “And if you’re not careful, it consumes you before you even realise. I don’t always succeed, but I’ve learned to recognise the signs. Now, instead of asking people to leave, I walk away. Because protecting your peace is real strength.”

A Legacy Beyond the Crown

This year marks a powerful milestone for Sen — 31 years since she became the first Indian woman to win Miss Universe. Reflecting on the journey, she says: “I’m so proud of you, kid. Thank you for laying the foundation and making this life possible.” It’s a message not just to her younger self, but to every girl who ever dreamed big despite the odds.

Sen’s journey — as a public figure, single mother, and survivor — hasn’t followed a conventional path. But it is precisely this unorthodox strength that makes her story resonate.

What’s Next?

Following the resounding success of Aarya, Sen is far from slowing down. “People still want to see me — and that’s the biggest blessing,” she says. “As long as they do, I’ll keep coming back.”

She reveals plans to venture into film production, blending creativity with control to tell stories that matter. “We’ll be producing and acting. Wait for it,” she adds with a smile.

Sushmita Sen’s story is not just one of endurance, but of transformation — a powerful reminder that true strength isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s the quiet decision to keep going, to protect your peace, and to choose healing every single day.