Businessman and former IPL president Lalit Modi has come out strongly in support of former partner Sushmita Sen, rejecting the criticism and “gold digger” allegations that surfaced when the two made headlines over their relationship in 2022.In a recent conversation with Humans of Bombay, Modi spoke about his relationship with Sushmita and said he was disappointed by the narrative that emerged online after he went public with their romance on social media.
“I paid for everything, I was like a kept boyfriend.”
Speaking about the accusations against the actress, Modi said that Sushmita is a self-made and financially independent woman and has never depended on anyone for money.“Sushmita is a beautiful, successful and self-made woman.
She has more diamonds than almost anyone I know, and she earned it all herself. “It even had diamond stores,” he said.Recalling their time together, Modi added: “There was never a time when we went out and I had to pay for anything – I paid for everything. I was like a kept friend.”He continued, praising the former Miss Universe: “She would never accept anything from anyone. So when people called her a gold digger, that was completely wrong.
If anything, Lalit was a diamond digger. It is truly a diamond.
“It was very special to me.”
Modi also spoke fondly of their relationship, describing Sushmita as one of the most important people in his life.“Sushmita was very special to me. She helped me grow into many things that I am today, and she was a very important part of my life at that time. It was a very special relationship,” he said.While the distance eventually became a challenge, Modi said he continues to cherish the memories they shared.He added: “I have the fondest memories of her and she remains a very dear friend. I wish her nothing but the best. She is an amazing woman and what she has done as a single mother to her two daughters, Renee and Alyssa, is amazing.”
The Instagram post that ‘broke the internet’
Modi also revealed that his viral Instagram post announcing their relationship was completely spontaneous and was not part of any strategy.“I did it right in front of her. She didn’t think I would actually post it.”
We were arguing about something on the plane and she said, “You’re not going to publish this.” “I laughed and pressed the button,” he recalls.The businessman said the reaction was immediate and overwhelming.“By the time we landed, everything had opened up. But there was nothing wrong with it. You never asked me to remove the plane, and I never thought about doing so.” Considering the incident, Modi said he had no remorse.“It really broke the internet. For days, it seemed like this was all anyone talked about. But we had a beautiful story and I don’t regret a minute of it,” he said.Emphasizing his outlook on life, Modi concluded by saying, “Things happen for a reason. This Instagram post was not written, it just happened. I am proud of everything I have done. If I make mistakes, I learn from them.”
