Sushmita Sen’s journey to becoming Miss Universe in 1994 is well-known, but her road to the crown was far from smooth. She almost didn’t compete in the Miss India contest that same year. When she learned that Aishwarya Rai, who was widely admired for her beauty, was also participating, Sushmita decided to withdraw, fearing she wouldn’t stand a chance. However, her mother’s support and words of encouragement turned everything around, leading her to one of the most celebrated victories in Indian pageant history.
Here’s how it unfolded.
Why Sushmita Almost Quit the Miss India Contest
Back in 1994, both Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai entered the Miss India competition, but Aishwarya’s popularity and beauty left Sushmita feeling intimidated. Sushmita had already submitted her application but felt discouraged upon hearing that Aishwarya was also competing.
According to Sushmita, she initially thought it was better to quit rather than compete against someone as well-known and admired as Aishwarya. She felt her chances were slim against Aishwarya, who had already captivated audiences and judges alike.
The Moment of Doubt: Withdrawing Her Form
Sushmita went so far as to request the organizers to withdraw her application, convinced she wouldn’t make it past Aishwarya in the competition. Speaking about her doubts, she once shared, “I thought to myself, ‘Aishwarya is just too beautiful. Why even try?’”
However, upon returning home and sharing her decision with her mother, Sushmita faced unexpected resistance.
Her Mother’s Encouragement: “Give It Your Best Shot”
When Sushmita told her mother about her withdrawal, her mother was reportedly disappointed. Instead of accepting her decision, she encouraged Sushmita to reconsider, asking her why she was giving up before even trying.
Her mother’s words resonated: “If Aishwarya is that beautiful, then she deserves to win, but you should at least give it your best. Don’t lose without even competing.” This motivation from her mother changed Sushmita’s mind, and she decided to give it a shot, even if she thought her chances were slim.
Re-entering the Competition with Renewed Confidence
Fueled by her mother’s support, Sushmita went back to the organizers the very next day and requested to re-enter. She filled out the form again, determined to face her fear and give her best performance. With her mother’s words echoing in her mind, she approached the competition with a positive outlook, ready to embrace whatever outcome awaited.
Facing the Finals: The Big Moment in Goa
The Miss India competition progressed, with Aishwarya consistently scoring high in preliminary rounds. Sushmita observed Aishwarya’s success, which made her feel unsure of her chances. By the time they reached the finals in Goa, Sushmita had accepted that Aishwarya was likely to win.
However, the unexpected happened: when the results were announced, Aishwarya was declared the first runner-up. Sushmita, shocked and emotional, had won the title of Miss India 1994. Her decision to stay in the competition had paid off, taking her one step closer to her future title as Miss Universe.
Winning Miss Universe: The Result of Perseverance
After her victory at Miss India, Sushmita went on to represent India at the Miss Universe pageant. Her grace, intelligence, and presence won her the crown, making her the first Indian to achieve this honor. Reflecting on her journey, Sushmita often recalls the valuable lesson her mother taught her: to believe in oneself and never quit before trying.
Key Takeaway: Believe in Yourself, Even in the Face of Doubt
Sushmita’s experience highlights the importance of self-confidence and resilience. Her initial hesitation shows how even accomplished individuals sometimes doubt their abilities. But with her mother’s encouragement, she found the strength to pursue her dreams despite her fears, ultimately leading to an iconic win.
Today, Sushmita Sen remains a celebrated figure, not only for her achievements in beauty pageants and Bollywood but also as an inspiration for those facing self-doubt. Her story is a reminder to believe in oneself and never to give up before even attempting.
