Sujata Kumar's TEDx speech about her traumatic experiences is heart-wrenching [Video]

Actress Sujata Kumar, known for her role in English Vinglish, passed away on August 19, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Although she was cancer-free since May 2011, the deadly disease had recently resurfaced. The last rites of the 53-year-old actress took place at Juhu Crematorium in Mumbai on August 20.

Sujata was known for her energetic and captivating performances in front of the camera but her life was never a bed of roses. She had gone through an abusive childhood, sustained a dysfunctional relationship, delivered a stillborn baby and years of personal neglect.

In her heart-wrenching speech at TEDx Bocconi U at Mumbai, Sujata -- an actor, entrepreneur and a hypnotherapist -- talked about the importance of being self-aware and how to be happy in the face of adversity.

Watch the video here:

After battling cancer, Sujata made a comeback in English Vinglish in which she played the role of Manu, Shashi's (character played by Sridevi) sister who lives in New York. The movie was directed by Gauri Shinde.

She went on to star in Karan Johar's Gori Tere Pyar Mein and Aanand L Rai's Raanjhanaa. She was also a part of Anil Kapoor's 24, a crime thriller TV series which aired on Colors TV.