Lalit Modi rejects ‘gold digger’ claims against Sushmita Sen, says he was a ‘kept boyfriend’

Lalit Modi has publicly defended actor Sushmita Sen against long-standing allegations that she was a “gold digger” during their relationship, stating that money was never a factor between them. In a recent interview, the businessman said Sen was financially independent and often paid for expenses during their time together, adding that he was “like a kept boyfriend” and that she never accepted financial support from others.

Speaking about the criticism Sen faced after their relationship became public in 2022, Modi described her as a successful and self-made woman who built her own wealth. He said there were occasions when he did not pay for anything because Sen covered all expenses herself. Referring to the allegations directed at her, Modi said she was not a gold digger and described himself as a “diamond digger,” calling Sen the “diamond” in the relationship.

Modi also recalled the moment he publicly announced their relationship on social media. According to him, he shared the post while travelling with Sen on a flight, despite her believing that he would not make the announcement. He said the post generated widespread public attention after they landed in London, but maintained that there was nothing inappropriate about sharing their relationship publicly and that Sen never asked him to remove the post.

Reflecting on the relationship, Modi described it as a significant period in his life and said Sen had a positive influence on him. He stated that distance eventually became a challenge, with Sen’s professional commitments based in India and his life centred in London. Despite the relationship ending, he said he continues to have fond memories of that period and remains appreciative of her role in his life.

Modi also praised Sen’s journey as a single mother and acknowledged her efforts in raising her daughters, Renee and Alisah. His comments come several years after Sen responded to criticism over their relationship, when she publicly rejected the “gold digger” label and stated that she had always been financially independent and capable of purchasing her own luxuries.