Lalit Modi Defends Sushmita Sen, Says He Was the ‘Kept Boyfriend’ in Their Relationship

Lalit Modi Dismisses ‘Gold Digger’ Claims, Says Sushmita Sen Never Needed His Money

Nearly four years after his relationship with Sushmita Sen became the subject of intense public scrutiny, businessman and IPL founder Lalit Modi has broken his silence on the criticism that followed their romance, strongly defending the actor against allegations that she was with him for financial reasons.

Speaking on the Humans of Bombay podcast, Modi reflected on his relationship with the former Miss Universe and described her as one of the most influential people in his life. While confirming that the relationship eventually ended due to the challenges of living in different countries, he said the two continue to share a warm friendship.

“Sushmita was a very special person in my life,” Modi said, adding that she helped shape him in many ways during the time they were together. According to him, the long-distance nature of their relationship ultimately made it difficult to sustain, with Sen based in India and Modi residing in London.

Addressing the “gold digger” label that surfaced after he publicly announced their relationship in 2022, Modi firmly rejected the narrative and argued that it was completely disconnected from reality.

He described Sen as an independent and highly successful woman who built her own career and wealth over the years. Modi went on to make a surprising claim, saying that during their time together, she often insisted on paying for outings and expenses.

“There wasn’t a single time that I went out with Sushmita where I had to pay for anything. She paid for everything. I was like a kept boyfriend,” he said, while praising her financial independence and self-made success.

Modi further said that Sen was someone who never relied on others and had no interest in anyone’s wealth. Calling her a “remarkable” woman, he suggested that if anyone deserved a label, it was him rather than her.

Responding to the criticism she faced at the time, Modi said the public perception of their relationship overlooked Sen’s achievements and individuality. According to him, their bond was built on mutual affection rather than money or status.

The controversy dates back to July 2022, when Modi surprised social media users by sharing pictures with Sen from an overseas vacation and announcing that they were dating. The post triggered widespread speculation, with some even assuming the couple had married. Modi later clarified that they were only in a relationship and not engaged or married.

Sen also addressed the chatter shortly afterward, making it clear that she was neither married nor engaged and urging people to respect her privacy. The actor later said she found the “gold digger” comments amusing and refused to let them affect her.

Although rumours of a breakup surfaced months later and Modi eventually removed references to Sen from his social media profiles, neither of them publicly discussed the end of the relationship at the time.

Now, years later, Modi’s comments offer a rare glimpse into their relationship and serve as a strong defence of Sen against one of the most persistent narratives that followed their romance.