Beautiful Models: December 2007

In 1994, at the age of eighteen, Sushmita won the title of Miss India narrowly beating out Aishwarya Rai, who was the favorite to win the contest. Twenty-two girls took their application out from the contest once they got to learn that model Aishwarya Rai was participating for Miss India. Sushmita Sen was one of them but her mother gave her the courage to face the challenge. Interestingly, Aishwarya Rai won every title in the preliminary round. Ironically, both Sen and Rai were actually tied for the title. It was with a tie-breaking question that got Sen the chance to represent India at the Miss Universe Pageant, held in Manila, Philippines.At Miss Universe, Sushmita ranked third overall in the preliminaries, right behind preliminary winner Miss Colombia Carolina Gomez, and Miss Greece Rea Totounzi, who ranked second but won the preliminary swimsuit and evening gown competitions. Sushmita went on to place second, fifth and third respectively in the swimsuit, interview and evening gown competitions, placing her in third place behind Miss Colombia and Miss Venezuela Minorka Mercado. All three women went on to be the final three contestants. In the end, the judges placed their votes on Sushmita, making her the first woman from India to become Miss Universe.Sushmita’s supposed rival at the Miss India pageant, Aishwarya Rai, went on to win the 1994 Miss World contest.

Sushmita Sen As Best Supporting Actress
Sushmita spent the next few years appearing in a host of forgettable efforts, and it wasn’t until 1999’s Biwi No. 1 that she finally began to live up to her promise. The film, a traditional romantic comedy, wound up taking the box office by storm, and brought Sushmita a truckload of awards and kudos. She won the Indian equivalent of an Oscar for best supporting actress the following year for her performance.It was also around
that time that Sushmita decided to adopt a child, a choice that stemmed from her time as Miss India. “I saw so many poor children… I wanted to adopt a girl child. It took me years to get one." Sushmita decided to name the baby Renee after her mother’s store in Dubai, and though the adoption raised some eyebrows in India, the actress has since admitted that she holds no regrets about her decision.More controversy followed when Sushmita began dating a married man, Bollywood filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, although that relationship didn’t last terribly long. For now, Sushmita seems to be focused solely on her daughter and her career -- with the latter hotter than ever (Sushmita appeared in almost two dozen films between 2000 and 2006). A foray into the North American market is inevitable, and it seems likely that she’ll soon be as well-known as her former Miss India competitor Aishwarya Rai.

Film
Dulha Mil Gaya (February 8, 2008)
Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag (August 31, 2007)
Karma, Confessions And Holi (2007)
The Expat (2007) (Stuck/On Hold)
Zindaggi Rocks (October 6, 2006)
Chingaari (February 17, 2006)
Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (July 15, 2005)
Main Aisa Hi Hoon (May 6, 2005)
Bewafaa (February 25, 2005)
Kisna (January 21, 2005)
Vaastu Shastra (October 22, 2004)
Main Hoon Na (April 30, 2004)
Paisa Vasool (January 9, 2004)
Samay - When Time Strikes (October 10, 2003)
Pran Jaye Par Shaan Na Jaye (May 2, 2003) (Special Apperance)
Aankhen (April 5, 2002) (Released) ......
Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge (February 22, 2002)
Filhaal (February 1, 2002)
Kyonkii Main Jhuth Nahi Bolta (September 21, 2001)
Nayak (September 7, 2001) (Released) ...... Special Appearance
Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai (July 6, 2001)
Aaghaaz (October 6, 2000)
Fiza (September 8, 2000)
Hindustan Ki Kasam (July 23, 1999)
Sirf Tum (June 11, 1999)
Biwi No. 1 (May 28, 1999)
Zor (February 13, 1998)
Dastak (November 29, 1996)

Awards & Nominations
Filmfare Awards
2000: Best Supporting Actress win for Biwi No.1 (1999)
2003: Best Supporting Actress nomination for Filhaal (2002)
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Star Screen Awards
2001 Best Supporting Actress win for Biwi No.1

Zee Cine Awards
2000: Best Supporting Actress win for Biwi No.1 (1999)
2003: Best Supporting Actress win for Filhaal (2002)
2005: Best Supporting Actress nomination for Main Hoon Na (2004)