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Inside Sushmita Sen’s off-screen legacy: The woman who chose her own script

TOI Entertainment Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Aug 5, 2025, 16:00 IST
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1/5

She Wanted to Become a Journalist

Before fame found her, Sushmita had dreams of becoming a journalist. Fluent in English and Hindi, she also learned a bit of Urdu during her schooling in Delhi. Her curiosity for storytelling and social issues made her lean toward journalism, until the beauty pageant route changed everything.

2/5

She Owns the Rights to Her Biopic

Unusually for a celebrity, Sushmita holds the rights to her life story and has reportedly turned down multiple offers for a biopic. She has stated that she would want full creative control over any portrayal, underscoring her fiercely independent nature.

3/5

She Runs a Foundation for the Girl Child

Sushmita founded I Am Foundation, which focuses on the welfare, education, and empowerment of the girl child. She’s actively involved in its work — mentoring, fundraising, and supporting initiatives aimed at creating equal opportunities for underprivileged young girls across India.

4/5

Battle With Addison’s Disease — and How She Overcame It

In 2014, Sushmita was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease, a rare and life-threatening autoimmune disorder. For years, she took daily steroids and hormone therapy. Her fitness journey and mental strength during this period inspired millions. She later shared that regular workouts and a disciplined lifestyle helped her regain control over her health.

5/5

Lives by Her Own Rules — Never Married

Sushmita has famously dated high-profile men, including Randeep Hooda, Wasim Akram, and Lalit Modi, but has never married. She has always spoken openly about her belief in personal freedom, love without conditions, and the idea that women don’t need a marital tag to live fulfilled lives.

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Copyright © Jun 2, 2026, 05.06AM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service