“Main ghunghat mein thi…lekin”: Why this actress wishes to be a mother-in-love instead of a mother-in-law

Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships are often surrounded by stereotypes. Many people believe this bond is full of conflicts and misunderstandings. But one woman shared a beautiful story that proves relationships can be built on love, respect, and understanding. In a touching video, Susmita Mukherjee, an actor, author, entrepreneur, and mother of a son, recalled a special moment with her daughter-in-law that changed their relationship forever. Her heartfelt words about becoming a "mother-in-love" instead of a "mother-in-law" have touched thousands of hearts online. Susmita shared that it was the first Mother's Day after her son's marriage. Her son was away in Darjeeling for a shooting schedule, but despite his absence, her daughter-in-law made sure she felt special. She sent her a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Susmita described herself as a very 'desi' person and said she absolutely loved the thoughtful gift. The gesture made her feel valued and appreciated.Later, the two decided to go out for lunch together. Before leaving, one of the woman's friends tried to prepare her for the meeting. Since her friends were older and had their own experiences with daughters-in-law, they shared stories about their relationships and warned her about how such bonds can sometimes be complicated. However, the woman had a very different mindset.Susmita revealed that she had never wanted to become a controlling or strict mother-in-law. Instead, she wanted to create a warm and happy relationship with her son's wife. According to her, both women shared one important person in their lives: her son and the daughter-in-law's husband. Rather than allowing this connection to create distance, she wanted it to become the reason for a stronger bond.During lunch, after a lot of conversations and laughter, she finally expressed what had been in her heart. She looked at her daughter-in-law and said, "Beta, I wanted to be your mother-in-love, not mother-in-law."The words had an immediate impact. Her daughter-in-law's eyes filled with tears. The woman herself also became emotional. Both of them hugged each other, creating a moment that neither of them would forget.She further shared that she came from a conservative Thakur family after marriage. She had followed traditions such as wearing a ghunghat. But she never expected her daughter-in-law to live the same way. "I had to do ghunghat, but you don't have to do that," she told her daughter-in-law, showing that every generation deserves the freedom to live life on its own terms. Towards the end of the video, the woman shared another emotional thought. She said she does not have a biological daughter, but she feels blessed to have three or four daughters through relationships and bonds she has built over the years. Because of this, she always thinks about how daughters are treated after marriage. She said she never wants any daughter to face a strict or controlling mother-in-law. Instead, she hopes every daughter finds a 'mother-in-love' who supports, understands, and cares for her.Her story is a beautiful reminder that relationships do not have to be defined by old stereotypes. Sometimes, a few heartfelt words and a willingness to choose love over authority can create a bond that feels just like family.