When Khushbu Sundar revealed she was sexually abused by her father at the age of 8: 'A man who probably thought it was his birthright to...'

Khushbu Sundar is one of the most well-known actresses in South Indian cinema. Born as Nakhat Khan into a middle-class Muslim family, she grew up in Mumbai. Over the years, she has become a beloved star, especially in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films, where fans continue to admire her.
A Storied Career in Film
Khushbu made her debut as a child actress in the 1980 film The Burning Train and has since acted in over 185 films across various regional languages. Beyond her successful acting career, she is also a prominent politician. In 2020, she joined the BJP and now serves as a member of its National Executive Committee.
Beyond Acting: Khushbu’s Political Journey
Khushbu is not only an actress and politician but also a passionate activist advocating for women's rights. She is known for her boldness and honesty, often speaking candidly about her personal struggles. One of the most tragic experiences in her life was enduring sexual abuse by her father, a difficult chapter she has courageously opened up about.

Facing sexual abuse in young age
In conversation with Barkha Dutt on her show, Mojo Story, Khushbu opened up about her sexual abuse story and stated that the scars would remain with her throughout her life.
She said, “I think when a child is abused, it scars the child for life and it’s not about a girl or a boy. My mother has been through the most abusive marriage. A man who probably thought it was his birthright to beat up his wife, beat up his children, sexually abuse his only daughter. When my abuse started I was just 8 years old and I had the courage to speak against him when I was 15.”

During the conversation, the actress revealed that the fear of facing more abuse kept her silent for years. She also shared her concern that her mother might not believe her. However, by the time she turned 15, she began to resist her father's advances, which eventually led to him leaving the family.
Khushbu’s Healing Journey
Khushbu's healing journey started when she and her family moved to Chennai. Her hairdresser, a single mother, noticed her father's inappropriate behavior. She had seen Khushbu being beaten by him in hotel rooms and on shooting sets. It was the hairdresser who encouraged Khushbu to speak up and stand up for herself.