Sushmita Sen’s Miss India win in 1994 was a well-thought-out strategy. She was selected for Miss Universe because of her better communication. At the same time, Aishwarya Rai was sent to Miss World, so that India could win both the international titles and this strategy was successful.
Long before Miss Universe and Miss World crowns came to India, the Miss India contest held in 1994 was one of the most talked about events in the country’s beauty history. Standing face to face on that stage were future global beauty icons Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen. In that competition, Sushmita Sen won the Miss India crown and got a chance to represent India in Miss Universe. Runner-up Aishwarya Rai was selected for the Miss World competition.
But this decision was surprising for many people at that time. Because public opinion was clearly in favor of Aishwarya Rai. At that time, there was a strong expectation that Aishwarya, who had become famous as ‘Pepsi Girl’, would win the crown. For many years there were rumors that Aishwarya Rai had slipped while walking on the stage, that is why the crown was lost from her hand. But now, after almost three decades, the real reason has come to light.
Ruby Bhatia told the real story
Ruby Bhatia, known as India’s first VJ, has thrown new light on this matter. Ruby, who had won the Miss India Canada crown, was present as the chief guest at the 1994 Miss India contest held in Goa. In an interview to Bollywood Thikana YouTube channel, she told, “I did not participate in Miss India. I was the winner of Miss India Canada. The year when Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai were contestants, I was called as the chief guest. I had come to give the award for ‘Miss Beautiful Hair’. That contest was successful for both – Sushmita and Aishwarya,” she recalled.
Describing the atmosphere at that time, Ruby said, “Everyone was talking that Aishwarya would win. But Sushmita seemed to be the most intelligent in the competition. I had come from Canada, where life was very simple. I was surprised to see the glamor here. Indians living abroad are more traditional,” she said.
Why didn’t Aishwarya win?
Ruby had asked her guide Vimala Patil about the reason for Aishwarya Rai losing the crown. Vimala Patil has been the editor of Femina magazine for a long time. He gave recognition to many stars including Zeenat Aman in the industry. Ruby asked Vimala, “Did Aishwarya not win because she slipped on the stage?” On this Vimala clearly said, ‘It is not so. Anyone can slip. The Miss Universe pageant looks for a woman who is intelligent, smart and has a great personality. In that sense, Sushmita Sen was a perfect choice,’” Ruby revealed.
Strategy to send Aishwarya to Miss World
According to Ruby Bhatia, sending Aishwarya Rai to the Miss World contest was also part of a strategy. “The Miss World pageant looks for a dreamy, feminine, diva-like beauty. Aishwarya fit that image perfectly. This decision was taken so that India could win both the international crowns. That is the real story,” he said.
Sushmita felt that ‘the contest is fixed’!
Film director Prahlad Kakkar has also said the same thing. In an interview to Vicky Lalwani, he told, “Sushmita was not sure that she would win. She thought that the contest was fixed for Aishwarya. At that time, Aishwarya was a top model, Pepsi Girl and the face of Lakme. Sushmita was not that well-known. Everyone’s eyes were on Aishwarya only,” he said.
He also recalled an emotional moment behind the scenes. “When I went to the changing room, Sushmita was sitting in a corner and crying. She said, ‘Everything is fixed, I will not win.’ I encouraged him and said, ‘If you are capable, you will be selected.’ No one can buy a jury. She went and gave her best performance. In the end she won,” Kakkar said.
Communication skills were Sushmita’s plus point.
According to Prahlad Kakkar, Sushmita Sen had another big plus point. “Sushmita studied in a convent school. Her communication skills were very strong. That level of polishing was not there in Aishwarya,” he said. If seen today, that decision of 1994 proved to be historic for India. Sushmita Sen became Miss Universe and Aishwarya Rai became Miss World – both the crowns were won by the country.