My childhood taught me resilience: Ssujata Mehta

MUMBAI: Ssujata Mehta, who has been part of TV shows such as Shrikant, Khandaan, Ye Meri Life Hai, Kyaa Hoga Nimmo Kaa, and Saraswatichandra, to name a few, and movies like Pratighaat, Yateem, Pratigyabadh, Gunahon Ka Devta, Hum Sab Chor Hain, 3 Deewarein, and Chitkar (Gujarati), among others, says her childhood taught her a great deal about being flexible and adjustable.   
Speaking on the occasion of Children’s Day, which is observed on November 14, she said, “My childhood taught me resilience and the importance of being adaptable. During my first play, I actually fell on stage, and though the audience laughed, I picked myself up and kept going. That moment taught me that ‘the show must go on,’ both on stage and in life.”  

“I’ve learned to communicate with people from all walks of life and believe in forming friendships across ages, communities, and fields. You gain so much from every interaction. Childhood taught me to stay open to learning and to value every experience,” she added.   She wanted to become an actor since the very beginning and called herself a natural performer. “I was very extroverted and comfortable on stage. My chacha and chachi worked in drama, and during vacations, I would go with them to their rehearsals. The lights, the stage, the rehearsals—all of it mesmerized me,” she said.  

“My chachi was a fantastic stage actress, and my chacha was both a model and an actor. Their work inspired me tremendously, and watching them fueled my passion for acting. I even did my own makeup at the age of 13! Though I wasn’t always certain about entering the entertainment industry, my love for performing and connecting with people grew with each experience,” she added.  

Ssujata also believes that children should be encouraged to show talent in whatever field they are interested in. “Today’s children are incredibly talented, and the exposure they have is remarkable. In my own life, my mother was supportive, while my father wanted me to become a lawyer due to my extroverted nature,” she said.  

“I believe any form of art should be nurtured, but with proper guidance and grooming. I have seen young kids on set who were highly professional yet missed out on important aspects of childhood. Encouragement in creative fields is essential, but it should come with a balance that ensures their personalities develop fully, with room for friendships, sharing, and caring,” she added.  

Sharing her cherished childhood memory, she said, “During vacations, we used to visit my Maasi in Colaba and always had a wonderful time. We also spent time with another cousin in Navsari; she would make gajras for me, and they would dress me up. When we went to Pune, we enjoyed eating a lot at my chachi’s place and loved indulging in mangoes. We also visited another Maasi in Santacruz, and from there, we’d often go to Juhu. We’d swim at Juhu Beach, come home, and enjoy a nice meal together.”   Her childhood taught her to be unstoppable, and she carries that lesson with her to date. “No matter the situation, I learned to carry on. I also learned to respect and learn from everyone, from friends to mentors. These values—openness, respect for my elders, and dedication—have shaped my life and career, and I continue to live by them,” she said.  

An advice to your younger self? “I would say, ‘Be a listener, be a contributor, and stay flexible. Explore all possibilities, respect your guru, parents, and seniors, and stay a learner until the end’,” Ssujata ended.