Balika Vadhu's Smita Bansal says her career came at cost of motherhood: Couldn't be there for my daughter'
Mumbai, June 25
Popular television actress Smita Bansal, best known for portraying the iconic role of Sumitra in Balika Vadhu, recently made an emotional revelation on Rajeev Khandelwal-hosted 'Tum Ho Naa - Ghar Ki Superstar'.
Recalling a deeply personal moment, Smita shared how professional commitments often left her with a sense of absence at home.
Recalling am incident where she deeply felt hurt, Smita revealed, "Once I came back from the shoot, I told my mother that I'll take Stasha and put her to sleep but when Stasha came to me, she refused. She said, I'll sleep with grandmother."
The actress admitted that while millions knew her for her onscreen portrayal she often couldn't be there for her own daughter. "The whole world called me Anandi's mother, Jagya's mother and I was not available at home for my own daughter. For me it became such a big loss as a mother," she added
The actress further spoke about the deeper meaning she draws from her body of work, noting that, "Some of the most memorable characters I have portrayed over the years have been women who carried immense strength within them, often without ever speaking about it. Playing these roles made me realise that true strength doesn't always come from grand gestures; sometimes it lies in the quiet sacrifices, unwavering patience, and courage with which women navigate life every single day. It's something I deeply resonate with even today."
On the personal front, the actress tied the knot in 2002 with director and actor Ankush Mohla. The couple has two daughters, Stasha and Anaagha.
Smita, who has been a part of the entertainment industry for over two decades, is popular for her character portrayal as Sumitra in the iconic show Balika Vadhu.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, this is a reality for many actresses in our industry. The long shooting hours, working on weekends, missing school functions - it takes a toll. But I also think times are changing. More production houses are becoming family-friendly. Still, respect for Smita ji for speaking her truth. Her portrayal of Sumitra maa was legendary!
This is such an important conversation. As a mom who quit her job to raise kids, I sometimes feel judged for not working. But hearing this makes me realise every choice has its trade-offs. The part where she said 'the whole world called me Anandi's mother but I couldn't be there for my own daughter' - that really got me. 😢
I respect Smita Bansal as an actress but I feel this narrative of 'career vs motherhood' needs to be balanced. Many women in India work 12-hour shifts in factories, fields, or as domestic help and don't have the luxury of choosing. Not diminishing her pain, but maybe the focus should be on better maternity policies and support systems for all working mothers, not just celebrities.
The part where her daughter refused to sleep with her broke my heart! It's those small moments that hit hardest. But I'm glad Smita ji is using her platform to talk about this. It shows her strength - not as Sumitra from TV, but as a real woman navigating real life. Balika Vadhu was a huge part of my childhood and she will always be the perfect Sumitra maa! 🌸
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