Mumbai, November 3 (NationPress) Actress Suzanne Bernert, originally from Germany, has made her mark in India over the past two decades through various Hindi television shows and films. Completing 20 years in the country left her feeling emotional.

Reflecting on her journey, she reminisced about her television debut and how she won the hearts of many in beloved TV series such as Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Jhansi Ki Rani, Sanskaar Laxmi, Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Porus, and Pyar Ka Pehla Naam: Radha Mohan, among others.

She expressed, "I am grateful to be in India; the love and recognition I receive for my art is truly overwhelming. It’s hard to encapsulate such a significant milestone in just a few words. I can't, and I won’t attempt to."

She continued, "On November 1, 2005, I arrived in Mumbai (a Tuesday). By then, I had already appeared in an Indian television production and experienced my first on-camera role. Several producers and directors took a leap of faith in casting me and even creating roles specifically for me. I will always be thankful for their trust. The way the Indian audience embraced the 'Firangi Bahu' is something I will cherish forever."

On a personal note, she found love with the late actor Akhil Mishra, with whom she collaborated in the film Kram and the show Mera Dil Dewaana. They were married in a civil ceremony on February 3, 2009, followed by traditional celebrations on September 30, 2011.

Mishra passed away on September 20, 2023, at the age of 67, after suffering an unfortunate fall.

Currently, the actress is in a committed relationship with Arjun Hardas.

Remembering Akhil, she shared, "From the very beginning, he supported me, and my journey wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging how he helped me navigate India. He was my life in India. Though he is gone, my love for this country remains. After his passing, my mother was asked if I would return to Germany. I responded, 'Suzanne’s home is India.'"

Looking back, she said, "I can hardly believe it’s been 20 years in this vibrant country and industry. I eagerly anticipate what the next 20 years will hold for me."

In addition to acting, Suzanne is a trained ballet and Lavani dancer and was the first non-Indian to reach the semi-finals of a Marathi celebrity dance competition, Dholkichya Talavar.

She is fluent in Hindi, Marathi, and Bengali.

Suzanne gained recognition for portraying Sonia Gandhi in the film The Accidental Prime Minister (2019), Yatra 2 (2024), and the TV series 7 RCR (2014).