Sushmita Sen first met Lalit Modi at Italy wedding:Romantic photos came out in 2022; know about their love story and breakup

Lalit Modi is recently in the headlines for his relationship with Sushmita Sen. Businessman and former IPL chairman recently defended Bollywood actress and Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen against "gold digger" accusations in a Humans of Bombay podcast, around early June 2026. Lalit Modi described his relationship with Sushmita very special, credited her with helping him grow, and called her a remarkable, self-made, wealthy woman who paid for everything during their outings. Called himself Sushmita's ‘kept boyfriend’ Denying the gold digger remarks against Sushmita, he jokingly referred to himself as the "kept boyfriend" and a "diamond digger." Saying that she has more diamonds than anyone he knows, earned through her own success, including diamond stores. He stressed on the fact that money was never an issue and that the "gold digger" label was completely unfair. They remain on good terms as friends, with fond memories, though distance ended the romance. How the couple met first and early connection? They reportedly first met around 26 years ago at a wedding function in Italy. According to the sources that revealed to Dainik Bhaskar that Sushmita's acquaintance with Lalit Modi dates back 16 years. They both attended the wedding of Tanvi Jindal, daughter of business tycoon Sajjan Jindal, married Krishna Shete, son of Raju Shete, head of a food service company. Then, the couple was spotted together on several occasions at the hotel where the wedding guests were staying. It was also said that Lalit Modi was even willing to invest in Sushmita Sen's project, Rani Lakshmibai, a biopic. However, neither the project took off, nor did their love blossom. Public interactions surfaced notably in 2013 via Twitter banter Lalit posted a light-hearted exchange of messages that went viral. He affectionately, declared love, calling her kind, asking her to reply to his SMS back then. Twitter (X) banter from earlier years went viral, adding to the narrative of a long-brewing connection. Old posts from 2013 show playful exchanges between the two on social media, hinting at a close bond. In one interaction, Lalit Modi responded to Sushmita Sen by writing, “Okay, I commit,” while sharing a screenshot of their conversation. The exchange sparked speculation that their friendship may have developed into something deeper over time. In 2022, Lalit Modi called Sushmita Sen his better half Their relationship became public in July 2022 when Lalit Modi shared vacation photos from the Maldives and Sardinia on social media, featuring the couple with families. He called Sushmita his "better half," "better-looking partner," and "my love," changing his bio accordingly, and described it as "a new beginning, a new life." He clarified they were dating, not married. The post was spontaneous: Lalit said they were arguing lightly on a flight, when he was dropping her in London to see her mother after Sardinia, and he posted right in front of her despite her skepticism. She didn't ask him to remove it. They were spotted together during trips and family outings. The announcement shocked many due to their age proximity, as both in their 50s then and the high-profile nature. Social media exploded with memes, support, and criticism. Then, Sushmita faced significant trolling as a "gold digger," which she addressed in interviews, viewing it as another phase and emphasising her independence. Why did they have a breakup? The relationship was relatively short and ended amicably around 2025. Lalit confirmed the split publicly on Valentine's Day 2025 by announcing a new relationship. The main reason cited by Lalit was distance. Sushmita's career and life were in India, while his was based in London. No major conflict or bitterness; they stayed friends and have been seen at family events. Lalit has spoken warmly of her role in his life and her strength as a single mother. What did Sushmita Sen say about her relationship with Lalit Modi? On Lalit Modi, Sushmita addressed the "gold digger" trolling, calling the relationship "another experience, another phase," laughing it off, and highlighting her self-sufficiency. She didn't dwell negatively and has maintained a dignified silence and friendship post-breakup. In one of her interviews with Rudrani Chattoraj, Sushmita Sen had opened up such remarks against her. She said- Lalit Modi was married in 1991 Lalit Modi was married to Minal Sagrani, who was nine years older to him, divorced with a child when they met, in 1991 after convincing his conservative family; they had two children and settled in Mumbai. Minal faced initial social challenges. She battled cancer for years and passed away in December 2018. Lalit has described their marriage as a deep love story and her loss as his greatest regret. Lalit Modi's Controversies As IPL founder and former chairman, he was suspended by BCCI in 2010 amid allegations of misconduct, financial irregularities, and indiscipline. He has faced multiple legal cases in India, lives in exile (primarily in London), and has been involved in high-profile cricket and political disputes, including claims of threats and political pressures. His lavish lifestyle and public statements often generate headlines. Sushmita Sen's past relationships Sushmita Sen is known for her independent spirit and selective relationships. She had adopted two daughters named Renee and Alisah. Before her reported relationship with Lalit Modi, Sushmita Sen was in a long-term relationship with model Rohman Shawl from around 2018 to 2021. The couple often shared glimpses of their life on social media and were known for their supportive bond. Although they announced their breakup in December 2021, they remained close friends and continued to be seen together on several occasions. Over the years, Sushmita has also been linked to personalities like Randeep Hooda and Vikram Bhatt, though she has largely kept her personal life private.