Sushmita Sen

Sushmita Sen (born 19 November 1975) is an Indian actress and model. She was crowned Miss Universe 1994 by outgoing title holder Dayanara Torres of Puerto Rico at the 43rd edition of the Miss Universe Pageant held at the Philippine International Convention Center, in Manila, Philippines on May 20, 1994.

She made history by becoming the first woman of Indian origin to win the crown, beating a bevy of beauties from around the world. On May 12, 1995, Sushmita Sen crowned her successor Chelsi Smith of USA at the Windhoek Country Club Resort Windhoek, Namibia. After successfully completing her reign, Sen went on to pursue her acting career in Bollywood movies.

She started her career with Dastak, a movie rumored to have been based on her life. She rose to stardom in Tamil blockbuster Ratchagan; later, she attained commercial and critical recognition for her roles in Sirf Tum (1999) and the comedy Biwi No.1 (1999). The latter earned her the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award.

She has acted in commercially successful films such as Aankhen (2002), Main Hoon Na (2004) - her biggest commercial success so far and Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? (2005). She received high critical acclaim for her female-oriented roles in films such as Filhaal... (2002), Samay: When Time Strikes (2003), Chingaari (2005) and Zindaggi Rocks (2006).

Often cited as the most stylish and glamorous lady of India, Sushmita Sen made history by adopting a baby girl named Renée in 2000. In 2010, she ventured into partnership with Tantra Entertainment Private Limited, becoming the president of the "I Am She - Miss Universe India" contest, the winner of which earns the right to represent India at the annually held Miss Universe Pageant.