A decades-old remark by Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan about fellow actress Sushmita Sen has resurfaced online, reigniting discussions about their rivalry during the 1994 Miss India pageant. The comment, originally made in a 1997 interview, has gone viral on social media, with netizens debating its implications.
Aishwarya and Sushmita were fierce competitors in the Miss India 1994 contest, with Sushmita ultimately winning the crown and Aishwarya securing the first runner-up position. While both went on to achieve global recognition—Sushmita as Miss Universe and Aishwarya as Miss World—their careers were often compared, fueling speculation about an underlying rivalry.
In the resurfaced interview, Aishwarya reportedly stated, “Probably Sushmita always looked for fame, glamour, and money. For her, it was an all-time high to become famous. But I’ve always had these things, so it didn’t make any difference.” The remark has sparked mixed reactions, with some interpreting it as a subtle dig at Sushmita’s aspirations, while others argue it was taken out of context.
However, actress Maninee De, who was also a finalist in the 1994 Miss India contest, previously dismissed rumors of animosity between Aishwarya and Sushmita. In an interview, she emphasized that the rivalry was largely media-driven and that both women conducted themselves with dignity throughout the competition.
The resurfacing of Aishwarya’s comment has reignited nostalgia for the golden era of Indian beauty pageants, reminding fans of the historic moment when both women made India proud on the global stage. While the debate continues online, both Aishwarya and Sushmita have remained graceful in their respective careers, proving that their legacies extend far beyond the pageant world.
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