Its been 31 years since actress and former beauty queen Sushmita Sen created history by winning the Miss Universe title. With the win, she became the first Indian woman to be crowned Miss Universe on May 21, 1994, in Manila, Philippines.
Sushmita Sen celebrates 31 years of Miss Universe
Sushmita took to Instagram to share a nostalgic series of photos from the iconic moment she was crowned Miss Universe, including stunning shots from the pageant and her proudly posing with the crown.
She wrote, “21st May 1994 #Manila. A historical win that introduced an 18yr old Indian girl to the Universe!!! Opening up a world of possibilities, highlighting the strength of hope, the power of inclusion, the generosity of love… (sic).”
She added, “To travel the world and to have the privilege of meeting some of the most inspiring people…life defining for sure!!!”
She went on to thank God and her parents. “Happy 31st Anniversary of India’s first ever victory at Miss Universe!!! To have the honour of representing my country, I will proudly cherish forever!!!” said Sushmita.
She also wished her “loved ones” in the Philippines. “Happy 31st also to my loved ones in the #Philippines; to you my darling @carogomezfilm #thinkingofyouall and #celebratingyou Here’s to dreams, the impossible kinds…for I know, the UNIVERSE conspires in our favour!!”
“I love you guys!!! #duggadugga #yourstruly #MissUniverse1994 #India @missuniverse”

 

 
 

 
 

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A post shared by Sushmita Sen (@sushmitasen47)

Sushmita Sen on love from Phillipines
In an exclusive chat with Mid-day`s `Sit With Hitlist` segment, Sushmita Sen unravelled the journey to becoming Miss Universe. She explained the profound impact of her win on her family and the surprising cultural imprint she left in the Philippines.
Her victory cemented a legacy for India but also left a mark on the people of the Philippines. Sushmita revealed that there are girls in the country named after the actress!
“There are 22, 23-year-old girls called Sushmita Sushmita Chagalung Mang and Sushmita Sen Chagalung Mang. This name is a Filipino name now,” she revealed, astonished by the extent of her own stature and influence.
Sushmita recounted an incident where she met Filipino girls named after her during an interview with Jessica Soho, a respected anchor in the Philippines. “She brought them out from different islands of the Philippines to make me meet them; they were all named after me,” Sushmita shared, truly floored while recalling the incredible connection she managed to foster with the people of the country.
However, that feeling of love that the people of the Philippines truly felt for her had not set in until she made her return in 2018 to judge Miss Universe. “When they announced my presence there, I had to be given presidential security because of the amount of people,” she expressed, humbled by the overwhelming reception.