Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Maninee De Recalls Sushmita Sen’s Push Toward Miss India
Maninee De shared a story about Sushmita Sen encouraging her to join the Miss India 1994 contest.
De said Sen took her by the hand to the audition.
Sen told De that she looked unique and special.
De said those kind words helped her see herself differently.
Sen later won Miss Universe 1994.
A psychotherapist explained that people sometimes begin believing in themselves because someone else believes in them first.
Over time, that borrowed confidence can become their own.
The expert also said kindness can help open opportunities for other people.
She encouraged people to tell others when they see their potential.
Maninee De said Sushmita Sen personally brought her to the Miss India 1994 audition.
Sen reportedly praised De’s distinctive appearance, intelligence, speaking style and uniqueness.
De said Sen’s encouragement made her feel recognized in a way she had not experienced before.
Sushmita Sen went on to win the Miss Universe 1994 title.
Psychotherapist Delnna Rrajesh said encouragement can help people develop self-belief and should eventually become internalized.
- Who
- Actor Maninee De and Sushmita Sen; psychotherapist Delnna Rrajesh also commented on the significance of the story.
- What
- De recalled how Sen encouraged and accompanied her to the Miss India 1994 audition.
- When
- The event discussed took place in 1994; De shared the memory on the Main Character Energy podcast.
- Why
- Sen encouraged De after recognizing qualities including her uniqueness, intelligence and speaking ability.
- Event
- Miss India 1994 audition
- Person encouraged
- Maninee De
- Encourager
- Sushmita Sen
- Sen’s achievement
- She won Miss Universe 1994
- Podcast
- Main Character Energy with Kai and Anj
- Hosts
- Anjali Kir and Kainaz Jussawalla
- Expert perspective
- Delnna Rrajesh said encouragement can help people develop self-belief