Businessman and former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has revealed the story behind his viral 2022 social media post that confirmed his relationship with actor Sushmita Sen.
Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, Modi said the announcement came shortly after an argument between the two while they were travelling together.
The revelation has once again brought attention to one of the most talked-about celebrity relationships in recent years.
The Post That Sparked Nationwide Buzz
In July 2022, Lalit Modi surprised social media users by sharing pictures from a vacation with Sushmita Sen and describing her as his partner. The post quickly went viral and triggered widespread speculation about their relationship and possible marriage plans.
According to Modi, the decision to share the post happened during a flight from Sardinia to London.
“We were on a plane and arguing about something. I told her that I was going to post it. She laughed, and I pressed the button,” Modi recalled during the podcast.
He added that by the time the flight landed, the news had spread across social media and news platforms worldwide.
‘All Hell Broke Loose’
Reflecting on the aftermath, Modi said the public reaction was immediate and overwhelming.
“By the time we landed, all hell had broken loose,” he said, referring to the intense media attention and online discussions that followed.
Despite the controversy, Modi stated that he has no regrets about making the relationship public.
“I don’t regret it for even a minute. She is a beautiful woman, and I wish the best for her,” he said.
Lalit Modi Defends Sushmita Sen
The businessman also addressed criticism directed at Sushmita Sen after their relationship became public.
At the time, some social media users unfairly labelled the former Miss Universe as a “gold digger,” an allegation that both Sen and many supporters strongly rejected.
Modi defended the actor, describing her as financially independent and successful in her own right.
He praised her achievements and said she had built her career and wealth through her own efforts. According to him, Sushmita often paid expenses during their outings, challenging the narrative that emerged online.
Relationship and Breakup
After the relationship announcement in 2022, both Lalit Modi and Sushmita Sen clarified that they were dating but not married.
Sushmita had responded at the time by sharing a social media post stating that she was happy and surrounded by love while dismissing rumours about marriage.
However, speculation about their separation emerged later when Modi removed references to the actor from his social media profiles.
In 2025, he officially confirmed the breakup and introduced his new partner, Rima Bouri, through an Instagram post.
Why the Story Still Resonates
The relationship between Lalit Modi and Sushmita Sen generated significant public interest because of their contrasting professional backgrounds and the unexpected nature of the announcement.
Years later, Modi’s candid comments provide fresh insight into the circumstances behind the viral post that dominated entertainment headlines and social media conversations across India.
While the relationship eventually ended, Modi says he continues to hold Sushmita Sen in high regard and wishes her happiness and success in the future.
