Former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi has publicly defended actress and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen against accusations that surfaced when their relationship became public in 2022. In a recent interview, Modi rejected claims that Sushmita was motivated by money and instead described her as an independent and financially successful woman who never relied on anyone else for support.

Reflecting on their relationship, Modi said the criticism directed at Sushmita was unfair and misrepresented the nature of their bond. He emphasized that the actress had built her wealth and career through her own efforts and maintained a strong sense of independence throughout their time together. According to Modi, public perceptions surrounding their relationship were based on assumptions rather than facts.

During the interview, Modi recounted that there were occasions when Sushmita paid for expenses during their outings. He remarked that he often felt like a "kept boyfriend" because she preferred handling costs herself and rarely accepted financial assistance from others. He praised her achievements and described her as a self-made individual who valued her independence both personally and professionally.

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Modi also addressed the "gold digger" label that had circulated widely on social media after he announced their relationship. He argued that the description was entirely inaccurate and suggested, in a light-hearted manner, that if any comparison had to be made, he should be considered the beneficiary rather than Sushmita. He further described her as a remarkable woman whose success and financial stability were the result of years of hard work.

The businessman revealed that his public announcement about their relationship had come as a surprise even to Sushmita. According to him, he shared the post while she was present and did not extensively discuss the timing of the announcement beforehand. The revelation generated significant attention online and quickly became a topic of discussion across social media platforms and entertainment circles.

The relationship between Modi and Sushmita attracted widespread public interest when it was first disclosed, prompting both support and criticism from different sections of the public. While the pair eventually went their separate ways, Modi's latest comments have reignited discussion about the scrutiny faced by public figures and the assumptions often made about high-profile relationships. His remarks have also drawn renewed attention to Sushmita's earlier response to critics, in which she firmly rejected the allegations and defended her personal choices.

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