When Sushmita Sen ‘almost skipped’ Miss India 1994 because of Aishwarya Rai

Sushmita Sen had once almost quit Miss India 1994 because of Aishwarya Rai. She was not too willing to participate in the concept because of the actress. Sushmita felt overshadowed by her rival.

Back then, while Sushmita almost backed out, many actually did. Around 25 girls backed down from the competition because Aishwarya Rai participated in it.

Sushmita had almost made up her mind to back down from the pageant competition. However, her mother convinced her to at least give it a try and accept defeat only after giving it her best.

This was the same 1994 competition, where Sushmita emerged Miss India. The actress spoke about it in an interview right after being crowned Miss India 1994.

Sushmita and Aishwarya went neck-to-neck in the competition. Sushmita’s answer in the final round won her the title of Miss India 1994.

Aishwarya was asked to pick between Ridge Forrester from The Bold & Beautiful and Mason Capwell from Santa Barbara for qualities she would look in a husband. She chose the latter stating that he has a caring side and a sense of humour, which matched her personality.

Meanwhile, Sushmita was asked about the textile heritage of her country and her personal preference in clothing. She credited Mahatma Gandhi’s khadi work, which marked the start of India’s textile legacy.

Sushmita’s win wasn’t limited to Miss India. The same year, she was crowned Miss Universe. With that, she created history by becoming the first Indian to win the global beauty pageant.