Sushmita Sen rose to international prominence through humble beginnings.
The actress, model and motivational speaker, often reflects back on her journey as an international beauty pageant winner and also an inspiring role model for single mothers, giving us a glimpse into what brought her to where she is today.
The 44 year old star, who’s adored for her trademark easy charm and graceful way of speaking, never fails to amaze with her words.
Now a video of her past interview with Farooq Shaikh for his famous talk show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai has been suddenly going viral on social media (thanks to the millions of people who are in self-quarantine), which shows her talking about the time – she was preparing for her participation in the Miss India competition, some 26 years ago.
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In the video, Sush is seen talking about the lack of financial assistance of any kind during her participation to the competition, which eventually led her to prepare her contest gown by a piece of fabric bought from Delhi’s famous, Sarojini Nagar market.
“Itne paise nahi the ki hum designer kapde pehen ke stage par jaye. Char costumes chahiye the.” – she remembered.
She continued:
“Hum middle class ke log hai aur humko humari restrictions maloom thi. Mummy ne kaha, ‘So what? Kapde dekhne thodi aa rahe hain log, tumhe dekhne arhe hai. Toh chalo, shuru ho gye, kapde khareed ke laaye gaye Sarojini Nagar market se.”
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The same, as Sush recollected, was later sewn by a local tailor – who had his shop in a garage and usually only worked on ladies petticoats.
“Humare neeche, garage mein, ek petticoat silne wala aadmi tha, unko jaakar thama dia aur kaha, ‘Dekho bhaiya, TV pe aane wala hai, accha banana.’ Unhone uss fabric ke sath mera winning gown tyaar kia, mummy ne bache hue fabric ko mod k ek rose bnaya aur fir kala socks, brand new khareed ke kaat ke, usmein elastic daal ke gloves pehne the maine”.
Watch the inspiring episode feat Sush below:
Truly an icon, who rose from humble beginnings.
More power to you Sush!