Businessman and former IPL chairman Lalit Modi he has stood firm for his ex-partner Sushmita SenThey appeared in 2022 when the two made headlines for their relationship, dismissing criticism and “gold digger” accusations.In an interview with Humans of Bombay, Modi reflected on his relationship with Sushmita and said he was disappointed with the narrative that was created online after announcing their romance on social media.
“He paid for everything, I was like a kept boyfriend”
Countering the allegations leveled at the actress, Modi said Sushmita was a self-made and financially independent woman who never trusted anyone for money.“Sushmita is a beautiful, successful and self-made woman. He has more diamonds than almost anyone I know, and he won them all. It also had diamond shops,” he said.Recalling their time together, Modi added, “There was never a time when we went out and I had to pay for anything; he paid for everything. I was like a boyfriend.”Praising the former Miss Universe, he continued, “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. She really is 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 was a very important part of my life at that time. It was a very special relationship,” he said.Although the distance eventually became a challenge, Modi said he still cherishes the memories they shared.“I have the best memories of her and she is still a very close friend. I wish her nothing but the best. She is an amazing woman and what she has done as a single mother with her daughters, Renee and Alisah, is remarkable,” he added.
The Instagram post that “broke the internet.”
Modi also revealed that the viral Instagram post announcing his relationship was completely spontaneous and not part of any strategy.“I did it in front of him. He didn’t think I’d actually post it. We were discussing something on the plane and he said, “You’re not going to post this.” I laughed and pressed the button,” he recalled.The businessman said the reaction was immediate and overwhelming.“By the time we landed, all hell broke loose. But there was nothing wrong with it. He never asked me to take it off, and I never thought about doing it.”Looking at the episode, Modi said he has no regrets.“It really broke the Internet. For a few days, it seemed like he was talking about it. But we had a beautiful story and I don’t regret it for a minute,” he said.Underscoring his outlook on life, Modi concluded: “Things happen for a reason. That Instagram post was not scripted; it just happened. I’m proud of everything I’ve done. If I’ve made mistakes, I’ve learned from them.”
