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*After Losing Her Leg at 15, Sudha Chandran Refused to Give Up on Her Dreams* *XX June 2026, Mumbai:* The upcoming episode of *Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar*, hosted by *Rajeev Khandelwal*, will witness an inspiring Journey and a deeply emotional conversation with actress and classical dancer *Sudha Chandran*, as she revisits the life-changing journey that turned her into a symbol of inspiration for generations. In a conversation with Rajeev, when Sudha’s helper recalled reading about Sudha ji in his school textbook and shared, _When I was a little child, I read a story in my Class 4 school textbook. It said that when I grew up, I would have to choose between the two, and here I am today, with Sudha ji_ Later, Sudha revealed, _Actually, there’s a chapter about me in school textbooks across the country. These children read it when they’re in school, and in fact, I always say that many children are still studying it today. I would say this is the greatest achievement of my life. I may be a heroine on screen, but being a heroine in real life is what truly fills me with pride._ Highlighting the significance of her achievements, Rajeev added, _She truly is a real-life heroine because there was an entire chapter dedicated to Vidhayak Ji in the NCERT Hindi textbooks. It was a chapter about her achievements and her life that schoolchildren used to study. So, when I say that superstars grace this stage, I genuinely mean it—they are real superstars. Since we've started talking about that chapter, Sudha ji, I have to mention it. I can't leave the story unfinished. I would definitely like to turn those pages once again and revisit what was written in that chapter._ In response to Rajeev's question about the chapter, Sudha shared that her story had been included in textbooks because she believed it was important for future generations. She reflected on how, after losing her leg in an accident, many people questioned how she would continue dancing and encouraged her to focus on academics instead, believing that her future lay in education rather than in dance. Recalling the life threatening accident she faced at the age of 15, she said, _I was on the threshold of my teenage years, and everyone knows that adolescence is a phase filled with countless dreams. I often compare my life to an aircraft that was almost ready for takeoff. But it was as if the takeoff was aborted, my wings were clipped, and I crashed back to the ground. At that moment, I had no choice. She further recalled the moment doctors informed her in the operation theatre that her leg had to be amputated because gangrene had spread. She added, “Actually, I was a minor, so my parents made that decision. They told the doctors, ‘Please go ahead with the operation. We just want our daughter back.’”_ Speaking about the determination that kept her moving forward after her surgery, Sudha said, _The decisions you make in life are not always the result of a long thought process. Sometimes, you have to make them instantly. The reason is that if you give yourself too much time, people begin to influence you, and somewhere along the way, you start getting swayed by what they say. I had made up my mind that I would make a comeback. How I would do it, I didn't know that, I left in God's hands._ Further, she added _Within three months, the Jaipur Foot was developed by Dr. P. K. Sethi and Dr. D. R. Mehta. My doctor walked in and said, ‘Here is the answer to your question.’ At that moment, I knew nothing could stop me anymore._ Later, admiring her strength, Rajeev asked Sudha, _When you underwent the surgery at the age of 15, had you already decided that you would dance again?_ to which Sudha said, _No, I had only decided that I would make a comeback. How I would do it, I didn't know._ Later, she shared that after three years of relentless hard work, she returned to the stage in 1984. Recalling one of the most emotional moments of her life, Sudha revealed that after her performance, her father came up to her and touched her feet. Surprised by the gesture, she asked him what he was doing. Her father replied that he was not touching his daughter's feet, but was bowing to the goddess Saraswati, whom he saw residing within her. Moved by her incredible story, Rajeev reflected, _When we get a fever, we often feel like we can't do anything. When life throws setbacks our way, it feels as though it's the end. Just imagine a 15-year-old girl who was a dancer, full of dreams, suddenly loses a leg. Summing up, Sudha said, “You don't need limbs to dance; you need a soul to dance.”_ Referring about the doctor who treated her during that time she said _The surprising part was that Dr. P. K. Sethi himself was sitting there. He came up to me and asked, ‘My child, how did you manage to dance?’ I replied, ‘Doctor, you were the one who told me that I could do it.’ Revealing his honest confession, she said, ‘You know what he admitted? He told me, “When I first met you, I couldn’t bring myself to say no, so I accidentally said yes.” That one unintended “yes” became the biggest turning point in my life, and that’s how I started dancing.’_ To this, Rajeev added with admiration, “Sudha ji, that soul is still very much alive. Is it possible for us to see a little dance?” Sudha replied with a smile, “Oh, it's more alive than ever!” What followed was a spectacular performance by Sudha Chandran. Her extraordinary journey stands as a powerful reminder that determination and resilience can overcome even the toughest challenges. *Watch Tum Ho Naa – Ghar Ki Superstar, hosted by Rajeev Khandelwal, every Monday to Friday at 9 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.*