Living with a chronic condition is an unspoken marathon - not a sprint. While the world sees moments of triumph, few witness the daily battles fought in silence. For years, sometimes decades, individuals navigate this invisible terrain where medication schedules replace social calendars and uncertainty becomes a constant companion.

Indian actress Sushmita Sen understands this reality intimately. Diagnosed with Addison's disease years ago and surviving a heart attack in recent times, she's cultivated what she describes as "quiet strength" - that rare quality forged through persistent challenges.

"Chronic illness teaches you to listen to your body like never before," shares Sen during an exclusive conversation at The Atlantis hotel. She had just honored nursing professionals at the prestigious Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award ceremony - an event recognizing those she calls "the backbone of healthcare."

The former Miss Universe doesn't mince words when acknowledging nurses' role in her recovery journey. "Until Aster's initiative, I didn't realize there was such significant recognition for nurses globally - not just praise but substantial financial acknowledgment through the $250,000 award."

She recounts her personal experience with nurse Uma Maheshwari post-angioplasty: "Assigned for one week in ICU, Uma stayed six months as I returned to filming Aarya. Even now, two years later? At exactly nine each morning and evening comes her text reminding me about medication."