Lalit Modi calls Sushmita Sen a ‘diamond’
Bollywood’s most talked-about romance of 2022 is getting a fresh chapter. Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has come out swinging in defense of Sushmita Sen, years after their relationship ended. In a candid chat with Humans of Bombay, Modi dismissed the ‘gold digger’ label that was slapped on the actress when they went public.
“Sushmita wasn’t a gold digger. She is a beautiful, successful and self-made woman,” Modi said, shutting down the trolling that had Sen fuming back in 2022. He even revealed a hilarious twist—apparently, he was the one being treated. “There wasn’t a time when we went out, and I had to pay for anything, she paid for everything. I was like a kept boyfriend,” he laughed, adding that Sen would never accept anything from anyone. Calling her “a true diamond,” he insisted she could have anyone she wanted, and their relationship was never about money.
Modi also reflected on his broader dating history, saying, “I have a collage of all the girls I went out with, and I must say I have a great track record. I am not ashamed of it. Each one of them is a friend; they have been very special.”
Why they broke up
So what went wrong between the former Miss Universe and the business tycoon? According to Modi, it was the classic Bollywood villain—distance. “Her career was in India, my life was in London. I have the fondest memories of her, and she’s still a very dear friend,” he said. He also praised Sen’s parenting, calling her a remarkable single mother to her daughters Renee and Alisah.
Modi also spilled the tea on how their relationship announcement went viral. Turns out, it all started during a playful argument while they were traveling together. “She didn’t think I would actually post it,” Modi recalled. “I laughed and pressed the button. By the time we landed, all hell had broken loose.” Despite the chaos, he says he has no regrets. “We had a beautiful story, and I don’t regret a single minute of it. She is a very special lady with an amazing character.”
Back in 2022, Sen had already clapped back at the ‘gold digger’ tag on Instagram, insisting she’s always been financially independent and famously prefers diamonds—which she buys herself. Later, in 2023, she described the relationship as “just another phase” of her life.
Sushmita’s love life now
As for Sushmita Sen’s current status, the actress is single and loving it. The former Miss Universe, who has never married, is a proud single mom to her adopted daughters. She was previously in a long-term relationship with model Rohman Shawl, but the couple split in 2021. However, they still share a friendly bond and are often spotted together at family gatherings and special occasions. Looks like Sen knows how to keep her exes as friends—yaar, that’s a skill!