Businessman and former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has come out strongly in support of former partner Sushmita Sen, dismissing the criticism and “gold digger” allegations that surfaced when the two made headlines for their relationship in 2022.In a recent conversation with Humans of Bombay, Modi reflected on his relationship with Sushmita and said he was disappointed by the narrative that emerged online after he announced their romance on social media.

‘She paid for everything, I was like a kept boyfriend’

Addressing the accusations directed at the actress, Modi said Sushmita was a self-made and financially independent woman who never relied on anyone for money.“Sushmita is a beautiful, successful and self-made woman. She has more diamonds than almost anyone I know, and she earned everything herself. She even had diamond stores,” he said.Recalling their time together, Modi added, “There wasn’t a time when we went out and I had to pay for anything—she paid for everything. I was like a kept boyfriend.”Praising the former Miss Universe, he continued, “She would never accept anything from anybody. So when people called her a gold digger, that was completely wrong. If anything, Lalit was the diamond digger. She is truly a diamond.”

‘She was very special to me’

Modi also spoke fondly about their relationship, describing Sushmita as one of the most important people in his life.“Sushmita was very special to me. She helped me grow into many of the things I am today and was an extremely important part of my life at that time. It was a very special relationship,” he said.While distance eventually became a challenge, Modi said he continues to cherish the memories they shared.“I have the fondest memories of her and she’s still a very dear friend. I wish her nothing but the best. She’s an amazing woman and what she has done as a single mother to her daughters, Renee and Alisah, is remarkable,” he added.

The Instagram post that ‘broke the internet’

Modi also revealed that his viral Instagram post announcing their relationship was completely spontaneous and not part of any strategy.“I did it right in front of her. She didn’t think I would actually post it. We were arguing about something on the plane and she said, ‘You’re not going to post this.’ I laughed and pressed the button,” he recalled.The businessman said the reaction was immediate and overwhelming.“By the time we landed, all hell had broken loose. But there was nothing wrong with it. She never asked me to take it down, and I never considered doing that.”Looking back at the episode, Modi said he has no regrets.“It really did break the internet. For a few days, it seemed like that’s all anyone was talking about. But we had a beautiful story and I don’t regret a single minute of it,” he said.Emphasising his outlook on life, Modi concluded, “Things happen for a reason. That Instagram post wasn’t scripted; it just happened. I’m proud of everything I’ve done. If I made mistakes, I learned from them.”