Mumbai, March 11 (NationPress) Actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee recently shared her poignant experiences from childhood, revealing the immense challenges she faced as she took on significant responsibilities due to her mother's health condition.

During a heartfelt session on a podcast with Rashami Desai, the actress recalled that at the tender age of just 11, she often found herself taking her mother to the hospital alone whenever her mother experienced an episode of schizophrenia.

With no adult guidance, Devoleena had to navigate these challenges independently.

From ensuring her mother adhered to her medication schedule to creatively incorporating medicines into meals when her mother resisted, Devoleena learned crucial caregiving skills early on.

Reflecting on these trying years, she expressed how she had to assume adult responsibilities at an age when most children are still reliant on their parents.

“My mother believed that during her attacks or when she was unwell, the hospital was the only solution. I was just 11 back then,” she recounted.

Delving into her mother’s health struggles, Devoleena noted, “If you examine my mother’s journey, you will witness the incredible resilience of a single woman. My mother faces numerous health challenges, especially since my father passed away many years ago.”

“She takes about 18–19 medications daily. She has diabetes, hypertension, thyroid issues, and also experiences schizophrenia,” she explained.

Devoleena went on to describe schizophrenia as a condition that creates illusions, making individuals feel as though someone is speaking to them, even when no one is present.

She further revealed how she had to devise clever methods to ensure her mother took her medications, even when she was reluctant.

“Initially, I had to incorporate the medicines into her food since she would refuse to take them. No one was there to teach me how to manage this. When you are left to your own devices, you grow up quickly and become wise at an early age,” she remarked.

Despite facing numerous hardships and a challenging upbringing, Devoleena spoke with great admiration and affection about her mother’s unwavering strength.

She acknowledged her mother’s remarkable feat of raising three children single-handedly after their father’s death.

“If a mother does not manage her finances wisely, raising three children becomes incredibly difficult. We were quite young when my father passed away. Fortunately, my mother was employed. She built a house and now owns three properties. She successfully raised three children, ensured we received education, and witnessed us grow up and get married,” she recounted.

Devoleena highlighted that the values of financial planning and saving were instilled in her by her mother.

She emphasized that despite managing multiple health issues and taking extensive medication daily, her mother ensured the family's stability and security as a single parent.

On a professional note, Devoleena has been active in the television industry for nearly 15 years.

She gained fame for her role as Gopi Bahu in the immensely popular television series Saath Nibhaana Saathiya.