‘She Paid For Everything’: Lalit Modi Opens Up On Relationship With Sushmita Sen, Rejects ‘Gold Digger’ Claims

Businessman and IPL founder Lalit Modi has finally opened up about his relationship with actress and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen. Once, there was a time when their relationship became one of the most talked-about topics on social media.

Looking back on their time together, Lalit revealed that they had a deep connection. However, the relationship could not survive the challenges of living in different countries.

Recently, in a conversation with Humans of Bombay, Lalit described Sushmita as someone who played a significant role in his life and personal growth. He shared that she continues to hold a special place in his life, despite their parting ways. She continues to remain one of his closest friends.

What Led To Their Separation?

The biggest obstacle in their relationship was distance. While Sushmita's professional and personal commitments were in India, his life was based in London. As time passed, it became difficult for both of them to maintain a long-distance relationship. This eventually led them to go their separate ways.

The businessman also addressed the criticism that erupted when he publicly announced their relationship in 2022. Social media was flooded with comments accusing Sushmita of being a "gold digger." However, Lalit Modi rejected the claim.

Lalit Modi On Audience Calling Sushmita Sen A "Gold Digger"

He defended her and stated that Sushmita is an accomplished, self-made woman who has built her own success and wealth. He emphasized that she never depended on anyone financially. In fact, she often paid her own way whenever they spent time together.

"Please understand that Sushmita is a very beautiful and very well-to-do lady. She has more diamonds than anybody I know on the planet, and she has earned them herself. She has diamond stores. So, she is a very wealthy lady. She has done it all on her own. There wasn't a single time that I went out with Sushmita that I had to pay for anything. She paid for everything. I was like a kept boyfriend."

Lalit further stressed that their relationship was based on genuine affection and mutual respect rather than financial considerations. He noted that Sushmita never sought support from anyone, as she had the freedom and means to live life on her own terms.

How Sushmita Sen Feels About Such Comments?

In 2023, the actress responded to the criticism herself. In an interview with Zoom, Sushmita said she found the "gold digger" accusations amusing rather than offensive. She explained that such comments held no power over her because she chose not to internalise them.

Lalit Modi And Sushmita Sen's Relationship

In July 2022, their relationship first grabbed headlines when Lalit Modi shared a series of vacation photographs featuring the two together. The post, which showed a family holiday across destinations including the Maldives and Sardinia, led many to assume that the couple had secretly tied the knot.

The speculation gained further attention when Lalit described Sushmita as his "better-looking partner." He referred to the moment as the beginning of a new chapter in his life. He later clarified that they were dating and not married, although he hinted that marriage could be a possibility in the future.

Later, Sushmita addressed the rumours through a social media post featuring her daughters, Renee and Alisah. She clarified that she was neither married nor engaged and expressed gratitude for the love and support she received from well-wishers.

Although their romance initially captured widespread attention, reports of a breakup surfaced months later. However, neither party publicly discussed the split at the time. Observers noticed that Lalit had removed references to Sushmita from his social media profiles, which fuelled speculation that the relationship had ended.

Now, with Lalit finally speaking about that chapter of his life, he has made one thing clear: despite the end of their romance, his admiration and respect for Sushmita Sen remain unchanged.