Sushma Seth debuted in the film industry at the age of 42.
In the 1989 film Chandni, Sudham Seth played the role of Rishi Kapoor’s mother and Sridevi’s mother-in-law.
Veteran actress Sushma Seth turned 88 years old today, June 20. The Indian stage, film and television actress is primarily known for playing mother and grandmother roles in Bollywood films and television. She debuted in the film industry at the age of 42. Her first film was Junoon which was released in 1978. It was directed by Shyam Benegal.
The actress played the role of Shashi Kapoor’s aunt in the film. Sushma Seth’s collaboration with Rishi Kapoor and actress Sridevi in the films Chandni and Nagina was always a successful one. In the blockbuster 1989 film Chandni, Sudham Seth played the role of Rishi Kapoor’s mother and Sridevi’s mother-in-law. Donning the character of a selfish and cold mother-in-law, Sushma Seth verbally thrashes Sridevi in the film. It is still considered one of the best performances of Sushma Seth in Bollywood.
Sushma Seth started her career in theatre in the 1950s. With Padma Shri awardee Joy Michael, Rati Bartholomew, Roshan Seth and others, she is one of the founders of the Delhi-based theatre group Yatrik in 1964. She has also directed many stage plays. In the 1970s, she founded and ran the Children’s Creative Theatre. It involves putting up plays and conducting workshops for the children. She gained recognition through the TV serial Hum Log in 1984 where she played the role of the grandmother who was suffering from cancer. Her character was popular to the extent that it had to be extended to the viewer’s demand.
Sushma Seth has worked in many hit and blockbuster films in her career including Silsila, Prem Rog, Tawaif, Naagin, Deewana, Chandni, Dhadkan, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho and many others. In the industry, she has worked with superstars like Rishi Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor and Preity Zinta.
Sushma Seth has been away from the limelight for a while now. She was last seen in the film Noor which starred Sonakshi Sinha in the lead role. It was directed by Sunhil Sippy. The actress is reportedly keeping herself occupied with her first love- theatre. Her contribution to theatres also got her Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.