Occupation: Actress, Model
Title : Miss Universe '94.
Star sign : Scorpio.
Date of Birth : November 19, 1975.
Age : 26.
Height : 5'11".
Fan mail :
Sushmita Sen
6th Floor, Beach Queen, Yari Road,
Versova, Andheri (W),
Mumbai 400 061

'What is the essence of a woman?' This was a question posed to the beautiful 18-year-old lady in an international beauty pageant. She answered, 'Just being a woman is God's gift. The origin of a child is a mother, a woman. She shows a man what sharing, caring and loving is all about. That is the essence of a woman.'

These famous lines met with a thundering applause the world over… and the young woman was crowned Miss Universe 1994. The lady in question stood in a white gown, her hands covering her mouth in disbelief while tears trickled down her face. Sushmita Sen was a celebrity the world over. She created history that day by placing her country on the world map. People got to know India as a country, more than just the home of snake charmers and Maharajas on elephants.

Sushmita's defence background, her father being in the Air Force, ensured that she led a nomadic life. Her mother's decision to shift base to Delhi, was to render some permanency in her children's lives, as also to enable her children have proper education.

It was at this stage that Sushmita joined an English medium school. Initially she found it tough to cope but her parents knew that she had the potential. She never ran short of encouragement.

Sushmita's interest in beauty pageants was fanned when she realised that brains played an equally big role as looks, in such contests. Armed with her family's support and an advantageous height, she made her entry into the world of fashion. She did a few fashion shows before she went in for the Femina Miss India pageant.

The competition was tough in the Miss India contest. Sushmita was pitted against the exotic, light-eyed Aishwarya Rai, ramp queen and famous model who had the support of millions. But it was she, who went on to win the Femina Miss India crown, and followed it up with the prestigious Miss Universe title. It was that 'little of everything,' as a prominent media person analyses, '… the height ... the spirit that lights her up; which compensates for her lack of classical beauty.' Sushmita's poise and grace seemed effortlessly consistent, her stage presence was incredible and she remained tuned to her audience's moods.

Along with the crown came responsibilities of being the country's ambassador. Overnight Sushmita grew in to a woman, who could charm people all across the globe, wherever she went.

Her decision to join movies was well accepted and Bollywood welcomed her with open arms. However, her debut movie flopped and criticism flowed in. She was dubbed too westernized, too tall for Indian heroes; undependable…But Sushmita has accepted it all with a pinch of salt. The success of Biwi No.1 changed her equation in Bollywood. Then came the success of her dance number in Sirf Tum, Fiza and Kyonki… Main Jhooth Nahi Bolta and the film industry once again welcomed her back.

On a personal front, Sushmita has adopted a baby girl whom she has named Renee. Sushmita's beauty is not confined to a fine face and figure. She is the owner of a beautiful soul too. She is a charmer, an easygoing person who loves writing poetry. This ex-Miss Universe remains a much sought after woman today and the common man's ultimate dream and fantasy.