Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen Lesser Known facts

Sushmita Sen is the best example of 'beauty with brains' in Bollywood. The 'Maine Pyaar Kyu Kiya' is a diva in true sense and acts as an inspiration for all the women out there. Sushmita has won hearts with her striking personality, grace, fashion statement and charming looks. She is not mere pageant winner but someone who is an example of what you call a perfect single mother. The actress stayed true to her word As the gorgeous diva celebrates her 42nd birthday on November 19, we have a look at some of the lesser known facts about her.

Everyone is well aware of the fact that Sushmita Sena is a former Miss Universe but only few know that she was the first ever Indian to win the prestigious crown on May 21, 1994. The timeless beauty was mere 18 years old but still managed to impress everyone with her answer.

The gown which Sushmita wore for the final round of Miss Universe 1994 was actually not a designer one. In fact, it was made by the actress' mother and stitched in a local tailor shop.

There are some answers which end up winning our hearts during the Miss Universe Pageant. Sushmita was asked, ''What is the essence of being a woman?'' The actress confidently answered "Just being a woman is God's gift that all of us must appreciate. The origin of a child is a mother, and is a woman. She shows a man what sharing, caring and loving is all about. That is the essence of a woman. " 

Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen participated together in the Miss India pageant 1994. Many participants withdrew their names because they believed the 'Jodha Akbar' actress would win the title. But it was Sushmita Sen who defied all the odds and ended up winning. The best part was that both the beautiful ladies won laurels in their respective pageants.

Sushmita was asked -What do you know about the textile heritage of your country and how long has it been around?" She gave the percent answer for the same- "I think it all started with Mahatma Gandhi's Khadi. It has gone a long way since then but the basics of Indian textile heritage has been from there." Sushmita beat the 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' actress by mere 0.2 percent.

The actress stayed true to her words which she said during the Miss Universe pageant and ended up adopting two daughters Renee and Alisah. The Bengali beauty who was born in Hyderabad adopted Renee when she was 25 years of age.