These 5 Single Mothers From Bollywood Challenged Social Norms To Raise Their Kids

Being a single mother in a society that judges you constantly isn't easy. Single mothers have to not only raise their kids all by themselves but also endure social scrutiny about their marital status. The scrutiny is only worse for women who spend their life in the spotlight. Let's take a look at five single mothers from Bollywood who are braving paparazzi culture, social media scrutiny and continue to ace motherhood.

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Karisma Kapoor

After divorcing businessman Sanjay Kapur, with whom she has two children - Samaira and Kiaan, Karisma is taking care of her kids on her own and is often seen attending school activities. The actress made her comeback with Mentalhood this year, a web series that focuses on different aspects of motherhood.

On raising two kids on her own, Karisma said, "Just because you are a single parent, you do not need to make up for the spouse’s love by buying your child everything she wants. Be firm on what you can give and what you do not want to give. Set clear boundaries, timings, structures and routines. Keep to the same schedule and pattern as when you were married."

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Sushmita Sen

The former Miss Universe is known to have adopted two daughters. Sushmita’s eldest daughter Renee is 19, while her younger one Alisah is ten. She adopted Renee when she was just 24 years old. Speaking about her decision to adopt a child at a young age, Sen told IANS, "The wisest decision I made at the age of 24 was to become a mother. It stabilised my life. People think it was a great act of charity and wonderful action but it was self-preservation. It was me protecting myself."

Recently, Sushmita made an impressive comeback with Disney+ Hostar’s latest series, Aarya.

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Amrita Singh

Amrita Singh, a popular Bollywood star of the 80s, is a proud mother of two, actor Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim. She separated from Saif Ali Khan in the year 2002, following which she has been caring for her children on her own.

Amrita's daughter Sara said in an interview, "My mother is a huge part of who I am. I look up to her a lot. It is not necessarily about being a star kid but about being her daughter. She has always led her life in a very simple and real way...and it is not because she has been an actor but because even before she became an actor, she was this ‘bindaas’ and honest person. I have lived with her for 23 years, so I hope some of it has rubbed off me."

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Raveena Tandon

Raveena Tandon adopted two girls Chhaya and Pooja as a single mother in 1995. The stunning diva believes that adopting these young girls was the best decision of her life. Raveena’s adopted daughters are both happily married now. The actress who is married to businessman Anil Thadani has two kids with him - Ranbir and Rasha.

Raveena in an interview talked about being a single-parent and the equation she shared with her daughters, Chhaya and Pooja after adopting them, and said, "From the time I held the girls’ hands when we were taking our first flight, to walking them down the aisle, to holding my first grandchild in my arms, every moment has been priceless. They love my biological children, Rasha and Ranbirvardhan. They pay it forward by being kind to others. Every Mother’s Day the girls send me cards and letters saying how much they love me. What more can any mother ask for?”

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Neena Gupta

Neena Gupta is the proud mother of famous fashion designer Masaba Gupta, whose father is legendary West Indies cricketer Vivian Richards. The veteran actress had to face immense criticism for being a single mother, but she stood tall and, she fought it all.

Once in an interview to a news portal, Gupta talked about her relationship with Masaba and said, “I don’t know what I would have done without Masaba. She has nobody else other than me. I have enjoyed her despite going through a lot of hardships. I have not lived a normal woman’s life, as I had to work and spend time with her, but it has given me so much solid satisfaction that it was all worth it."

Ritu Yadav is an intern with SheThePeople.TV