Powerhouse Moms Who Defy Conventions

In a recent article by New York Times, I read how mothers are the ‘Shock Absorbers’ of our society. They are the ones the entire family turns to in times of despair. They are the ones who take care of our every need, and yet, for a woman who has taken the less chosen unconventional path to motherhood, prying eyes, opinions, trolls are not just experiences, they are routine.

Raising a child is an exciting experience, and an equally challenging one for a mother. In India especially, it’s hard to comprehend the degree of challenges that single mothers — whether they are widows, divorcees, separated or single by choice, or even women who chose to adopt— face every day. Despite open conversations around women empowerment, patriarchy still seems quite prevalent. A single mother is treated differently from one with a husband — she is stigmatised and often put on trial at length. A mother who chooses to adopt is made to feel less of herself for not being able to bear a child biologically – she faces criticism, judgement and discrimination.

And yet, against all odds, a mother always rises like a phoenix. These women are powerful matriarchs whose stories define resilience, courage and inspiration.

Neena Gupta, Actor

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Actress Neena Gupta, a source of inspiration for many single women, is one of those rare women who challenged stereotypes and made the unconventional decision to raise a love-child all by herself. Her daughter, Masaba Gupta, is one of the most sought-after fashion designers in the country today.

Anu Aga, Ex-Chairperson, Thermax Ltd. & social worker

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A trained social worker who had chosen the simple joys of marriage and motherhood in her early years, Anu Aga’s life turned around for her in ways she had never imagined. Soon after she gave birth to her second daughter, she lost her to an undetected ailment. In 1996, she lost her husband, and a little over a year later, her son Kurush died at the age of 25 years. Anu found herself at the helm of the company, by now ailing and hurtling towards a downward spiral. Under Anu’s leadership, Thermax grew in size and profits. Being each other’s pillars of strength, Stalwart corporate leader, Anu, and her daughter, Meher Pudumjee, have battled this world together and come out strong. After she handed over the reins to her daughter Meher, Anu is found either with her books or her grandchildren. She is completely devoted to philanthropy today and is deeply involved with Teach for India and Akanksha—both working for the spread of education.

Sushmita Sen, Actor and producer

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Sushmita Sen inspired millions when she chose to be become a single mother at the age of 24. After a long and complicated legal battle, she brought Renee home in 2000, and she adopted her second daughter, Alisah, in 2010.

Aparna Sen, Actor and director & Konkana Sen Sharma, Actor and director

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Aparna Sen and her daughter Konkona Sen Sharma have been sharing similar career trajectories, both in reel and real life. The mother-daughter duo started their careers as actresses and went on to direct movies around subjects that are unconventional and easily ignored. After her divorce, Aparna Sen single-handedly raised two girls. After her separation with Ranveer Shorey, Konkona Sen finds herself in the same situation with son Haroon Shorey.

Raveena Tandon, Actor and producer

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Raveena Tandon was single and 21 years old when she adopted two girls Chhaya (eight years old) and Pooja (11 years old) in 1995, daughters of a distant cousin who was going through financial trouble. Raveena’s adopted daughters are both happily married now. The actress, who is now married, has two kids.

Mandira Bedi, Actor, fashion designer and television presenter

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Mandira Bedi is a happy mother of two, after adopting her second child, a daughter whom she has named Tara, in July last year. The actor adopted the four-year-old from Jabalpur after a two-year-long wait period at the adoption agency.

Eleena Banik, Artist and social activist

Image source @hindustantimes

The painter decided to embark on the journey of single parenthood ten years after she got divorced. She took the unconventional route and welcomed a baby girl through IVF in 2012. She chose an old college friend to be the donor. Although her decision came as a shock to her family, her mother has been her biggest support through it all. Her daughter, Amravati, is now eight years old.

Sunny Leone, Actor and model

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In 2017, the model announced that she adopted a baby girl, Nisha Kaur Weber from Latur. No more than a year later, she announced the arrival of her twin boys via surrogacy – Asher Singh Weber and Noah Singh Weber. In an interview she said, “June 21st, 2017 was the day Daniel and I found out that we might possible be having three children within a short amount of time. We planned and tried to have a family and after so many years our family is now complete with Asher Singh Weber, Noah Singh Weber and Nisha Kaur Weber. Our boys were born a few weeks ago but were alive in our hearts and eyes for many years. God planned something so special for us and gave us a large family. We are both the proud parents of three beautiful children.”

Sania Mirza, Professional tennis player

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She was at the peak of her career when she decided to step into motherhood, having given birth to her son in 2018. The tennis ace returned to the sport to win the Hobart International doubles title in 2020. For her, pregnancy doesn't mean taking things away from what you are or who you are. It doesn't make you handicapped, but empowers a woman in many different ways.