"I Don't Need a Man in My Life to Have Diamonds. I Can Own Them Myself": Sushmita Sen

In an exclusive with Brides Today, actor Sushmita Sen speaks about her relationship with jewellery and why gifting herself a 22-carat diamond ring has been her greatest investment ever.

Sushmita Sen: actor, mother, and inspiration for countless women with her indomitable spirit and bold life choices... What does it take for her to rally the inner strength to live with authenticity and passion? At the launch of the Libera collection by Zoya - A TATA Product, Sushmita had an exclusive conversation with Brides Today, sharing the values she lives by, her love for diamonds, the biggest gift a woman can give herself (read: independence), and more...

Brides Today: What is your earliest memory of jewellery?

Sushmita Sen: "My earliest memory of jewellery is a pair of my Ma’s (mother’s) thin gold bangles. She wore them on her right hand, and I remember them making the prettiest sound, telling me exactly where Ma was!"

BT: What kind of jewellery pieces do you enjoy wearing the most to weddings?

SS: "I consider heritage pieces to be the most gorgeous addition to any wedding look. I’ve always been inclined towards timeless jewellery, weddings or otherwise. I don’t experiment a lot with my jewellery. Once in a while, I will buy a piece that is truly out there, but they, more often than not, lie in my locker or I may gift them to someone. My style gravitates towards classic pieces, and those I know I’ll wear often."

BT: Tell us about the Libera collection by Zoya - A Tata Product.

SS: "Libera by Zoya is an elegant collection with a beautiful thought behind it: it’s the fable of a heroine’s life. This collection celebrates someone whose identity is so strong, she no longer seeks external validation and embraces the woman she truly is. I love that story and am happy that I get to be here today to launch it. The pieces in this collection don’t scream for attention, but still, command respect and are memorable."

Zoya - A TATA Product The Dress Circle Bangle, price upon request

BT: What is your favourite piece from the collection?

SS: "My favourite piece from this collection is the necklace I’m wearing, 'An Unchained Elegance'; it represents the concept of flow very beautifully. I am also drawn to my earrings, the 'Dangling Conversations', with their rows of diamonds that resemble ornate theatre drapes, as well as flawless mother-of-pearl in the centre. The bracelet I’m wearing is also unusual, with a mother-of-pearl inlay under an ornate diamond setting. It’s something I haven’t seen before with Indian jewellery designers."

Sushmita Sen wearing ‘An Unchained Elegance’ Necklace and ‘Dangling Conversations’ Earrings, both Zoya - A TATA Product

BT: Your life is an example of authenticity and taking bold decisions. Where do you derive this self-conviction from?

SS: "I believe that each person’s genetic makeup is different, and there is a reason for that. Each person is born to be unique. If you become one of the herd, you’ll be lost. And so, I have always followed some basic rules: forge your own identity, follow your heart, and honour your own flow. That, I believe, is how you build conviction. The greatest success you can ever achieve is to be yourself."

BT: How have you instilled independent thinking in your daughters, Renee and Alisa?

SS: "I tell them to be true to themselves. It’s an oft-repeated statement, but it always holds ground."

BT: You once said, ‘I don’t need a man in my life to have diamonds. I can own them myself’. What are your views on the subject, today?

SS: "I have never allowed anyone to gift me diamonds. In fact, I had gifted myself a 22-carat diamond ring many years ago, which I wear everywhere. People watch me go shopping for groceries and wonder ‘What is she wearing?!’. But I’m proud that I could do that for myself. For me, my diamond ring is a symbol of hope and empowerment. I believe that all women should be independent, especially financially."

BT: The Libera collection celebrates femininity and individuality. How do these qualities resonate with you?

SS: "An Indian woman is much more than traditions, she’s contemporary, she’s today, and she doesn’t need to wear a whole lot of jewellery to announce her arrival or crave attention. She wears what she likes for herself. She celebrates herself. Libera represents that depth, and I connect with that idea. Why would you want to be shallow, anyway? I like that thought, and it’s lovely to be a part of it."

Zoya - A TATA Product An Unchained Elegance Necklace, price upon request

Zoya - A TATA Product Freedom From The Ordinary Bracelet, price upon request

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