Sushmita Sen
Sushmita Sen is an Indian actor, best known for Tamil cinema. Sushmita Sen began their career in 1993 and has been a prominent figure in the industry for over 33 years. With 30 credits to their name, Sushmita Sen remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. Spanning 30+ years, Sushmita Sen's career remains one of the longest and most celebrated in Tamil cinema.
- Born
Biography
Sushmita Sen is an Indian film actress, model and the winner of the Miss Universe pageant of 1994. She was the first Indian to win the crown.\r\n\r\nAfter completing her reign, Sen went on to pursue Bollywood. She started her career with the Hindi film, Dastak. She rose to stardom with the Tamil musical Ratchagan opposite Nagarjuna; later, she attained commercial and critical recognition for her roles in Sirf Tum (1999) and the comedy Biwi No.1 (1999). The latter earned her the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award. She has also acted in commercially successful films such as Aankhen (2002), Main Hoon Na (2004) - her biggest commercial success so far — and Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? (2005). She received critical acclaim for her female-oriented roles in films such as Filhaal... (2002), Samay: When Time Strikes (2003), Chingaari (2005), Zindaggi Rocks (2006), Aag (2007) and others.
Personal Info
Career Milestones
Film debut
View film →Highest rated: Dastak (7.3)
View film →Iconic Roles
Main Hoon Na
A glamorous and confident college student who becomes the love interest of the protagonist.
Filhaal
A woman who agrees to be a surrogate mother for her best friend, exploring themes of friendship and motherhood.
Samay: When Time Strikes
A tough and determined police officer investigating a series of murders.
Defining Moments
Winning Miss Universe
Crowned Miss Universe 1994, becoming the first Indian to win the title and gaining international fame.
Bollywood Debut
Made her acting debut in the Hindi film 'Dastak', transitioning from modeling to a film career.
Filmfare Award Win
Won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in 'Biwi No.1', establishing her as a successful actress.
Filmography
See all 30 credits →
Career Analytics
Genre Breakdown
Language Distribution
Films by Decade
Top Co-Actors
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Did You Know?
Sushmita Sen was crowned Miss Universe in 1994, becoming the first Indian woman to win the title.
She was born on November 19, 1975, in Hyderabad, India.
She is a single mother who has adopted two daughters, Renee and Alisah.
She made her Bollywood debut in 1996 with the film 'Dastak'.
She won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'Biwi No.1' (1999).
Photos
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News & Stories
Ranveer Singh with Sushmita Sen's daughters Renee and Alisah
15/12/2016
Shah Rukh Khan with Sushmita Sen and her daughters
7/11/2016
Beauty Queen Sushmita Sen enters the world of Instagram
28/4/2016
Legacy & Influence
Sushmita Sen's legacy in Indian cinema is defined by her pioneering spirit and the powerful, unconventional roles she has chosen. As the first Indian woman to win the Miss Universe title in 1994, she entered the film industry with immense public recognition, but her career trajectory reflects a conscious move beyond glamour. Her early work in films like 'Dastak' (1996) and the Tamil film 'Ratchagan' (1997) established her presence. However, it was her choice of roles that broke the mold of the traditional Hindi film heroine. In 'Filhaal...' (2002), she delivered a nuanced performance in a story centered on surrogate motherhood, tackling a socially complex subject with sensitivity. She further showcased her versatility in the thriller 'Samay: When Time Strikes' (2003) as a dedicated police officer and displayed her comedic timing and star power in the blockbuster 'Main Hoon Na' (2004). Her contribution extends beyond genre; she has consistently portrayed strong, independent women who drive their own narratives. After a hiatus, her powerful comeback in the digital series 'Aarya' reaffirmed her status as a performer of formidable intensity, earning critical acclaim. Off-screen, her public persona as a single mother who has adopted two daughters has made her an icon of modern Indian womanhood, redefining societal norms. Sen's career is not marked by a high volume of films but by the significant impact of her selections, paving the way for more substantive roles for actresses and embodying a blend of grace, strength, and independence that has inspired a generation.