I first came across Sushmita Sen, back in early 1994, in New Delhi (we went to re-live in New Delhi, in February 94’, when my father was assigned for a posting at the Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi, for a second time), when I read about how she was crowned Miss India for Miss Universe that year, when Aishwarya Rai, who apparently seemed more beautiful, had tripped on her shoe (or something like that), thus Rai ended up bagging the runner-up (i.e. the Miss India for Miss World title) for 1994. I read this most probably in one of my mum’s Femina magazines.
Miss India, 18 year old, Sushmita Sen; being crowned Miss Universe, in May 1994 !!!!
Then one day, in May 1994, when I woke up, the television was on, my old man was watching the news, when it was announced that Miss India 1994, Sushmita Sen, had bagged the Miss Universe crown. We all gathered round the telly, to see a genuinely (pleasantly) shocked expression on the bewitchingly beautiful face, of an 18 year old Ms. Sen, as she was being announced as the winner that year. I was smitten, by this natural beauty who was the same age as me. Sushmita Sen, was the very first Indian to win the Miss Universe crown (We watched the telecast of the pageant, the same night, I believe). Plus 1994, was a double whammy for beauty queens from around the globe, when 21 year old Aishwarya Rai, bagged the Miss World title later that year itself; making Rai the second Indian beauty to win the Miss World crown (the first being Reita Faria in 1966, in fact Faria was the first Asian ever to win the Miss World title). Since 1994 onwards I’ve followed Sushmita Sen’s progress, as a socialite, a humanitarian and an actress. Today she’s amongst my favourite Indian personalities ever.
Sen’s Childhood & Children
Main PIX: Sushmita Sen, with her two daughters; Renée and Alisah.
Inset: Sushmita Sen in her schooldays, with her brother.
Within the last 21 years, Sen has achieved a lot in her life. In her mid-20’s, unmarried and single, she became a mother, when she adopted a child. Today she has two daughters through adoption; Renée and Alisah. Plus Sen, being from the Asian continent (more specifically from South Asia), that veers towards the preference to a male child over a female, has been a vocal advocate in India, on saving the Girl Child. Her superb acting talent has been overshadowed by her long limbed sultry persona. Thus she’s been wasted in minor roles, in many a useless movies. Yet she’s also done some exquisite roles, in not so great movies. She definitely deserves way better.
Slut vs. Saint: Chingaari (2006), wasn’t necessarily a good movie (average fare), yet Sushmita Sen was superb in her role of a prostitute.
From Princess Gayatri Devi (1919-2009), to the first female Prime Minister of India – Indira Gandhi (1917-1984), to Nutan (1936-1991), to Simi Garewal, to Shabana Azmi, to Sushmita Sen, et al; these are some of the classiest, intellectual, sophisticated, open-minded, free-thinking, female humanist’s & fashionista’s of modern India, that constantly thrive/d to make India a better place, constantly moving forward, in the right direction.
Sushmita Sen joins me today, by turning 40!!!! Happy Birthday Miss Sen. Welcome to the Fabulous years of our lives, yet to come (we can hope for the best, can’t we?). Wishing you all the best!
Nuwan Sen’s Film Sense
Posters from Sushmita Sen’s most recent film release, Nirbaak (2014)
P.S. Down with the viral flu, though am better today, last thing I wanted to do was a blog post (I didn’t even switch on my laptop for almost a week, and prior to that being so busy n’ tired, not to mention the unnecessary stress that slithers it’s way in, I’ve hardly got the chance to work on anything properly). But today morning, when I realised that it was Sushmita Sen’s birthday, I felt I had to write something. Especially, ‘cause, since June 2015, I’ve been doing posts on some of my favourite personalities turning 40 this year. And I shan’t skip on this elegant lady, that I’ve been a fan of, since we were both 18, just ‘cause of a heavy head. Thus, please do keep my flu in mind, lest I haven’t done Ms. Sen justice, by doing such a quick write-up, sans research.
Nuwan Sen (nu Sense on Film)
(Also See: Turning40 in June2015 Exclusive)
Sushmita Sen is one of my personal favourites too, especially on a personal level. As an actress, you’ve got to watch Filhaal (if you haven’t already).
No I haven’t seen Filhaal…(2002), but am aware she plays a surrogate mother in it.
What do you mean on a personal level??? As in she is a great inspiration to women everywhere?? Which she definitely is! Or else What??
The way she conducts her life with no apologies to anyone. No regrets for her decisions, even the questionable movie selections, adopting a child while single, not needing to get married, being open about her love life….. and the list keeps going 🙂
So I understood correctly the first time; “she is a great inspiration to modern young women everywhere” !!!
She is open minded, honest and direct, & diplomatic at the same time. Plus she is not afraid to do what she wants (in a good sense that is).
Love Sen’s great sense !!! 😉
I just recently watched “The World Before Her” a documentary on women in India. Although Sushmita Sen wasn’t in it (I don’t think?) but your post reminded me of some of the issues discussed in the film re: changing roles of women.
Sen sounds like a remarkable person. Here’s to people who make a difference in the world! 🙂
P.S. Hope you’re feeling better soon.
The World Before Her (2012) sounds really interesting. I should check it out.
Sushmita Sen sure is a remarkable person, have great admiration for her.
And Thanks for visiting Ruth, although I’ven’t been able to work on my blog for a while now.
Cheers
Nuwan Sen