I'm a self-made woman: Sushmita Sen responds to being dubbed ‘gold digger’ for dating Lalit Modi

Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen has given a shut-up call to those calling her a “gold digger” for dating former IPL chairman and business tycoon Lalit Modi.

News of the couple dating has subjected Sen to a lot of hateful messages and made her the centre of memes and jokes that insinuate the Main Hoon Na actor is in a relationship with Modi “for his money”. Breaking silence on the subject, Sen penned a note on Instagram for people "ignorant with their cheap and funny gossip."

She wrote, "It’s heartbreaking to see just how miserable and unhappy the world around us is becoming. The so-called intellectuals with their idiosyncrasies, the ignorant with their cheap and at times funny gossip, the friends I never had and the acquaintances I’ve never met are all sharing their grand opinions and deep knowledge of my life and character. I'm monetising the ‘Gold Digger’ all the way!"

Snubbing haters, she added, "I dig deeper than Gold and I’ve always (famously) preferred Diamonds! And yes, I still buy them myself!"

Sen concluded with gratitude and said, "I love the all-heart support my well-wishers and loved ones continue to extend. Please know that your Sush is ABSOLUTELY fine because I’ve never lived on the transient borrowed light of approval and applause. I am the Sun perfectly Centred in my being & my conscience."

Earlier, she took to Twitter with two news articles on Sunday that criticised people for bringing her down and weighing her love with incentives. The first article was from the publication She The People. Using the headline as her caption, the post read “The Problematic Culture Of Calling Women Gold Diggers.” She added a heart, hug, thumbs up, and folded hands emojis along with the hashtag #SelfMadeWoman.

The second article featured was by Vogue India, the headline of which read, “Sushmita Sen and Lalit Modi’s relationship reactions are a masterclass in hypocrisy.” Sharing a part of the article, she wrote, “The former Miss Universe’s dating choices remain continually, and inexplicably, a matter of public debate.”

Sen received a lot of support from her fans and actor Priyanka Chopra also gave her a nod for showing the haters how it is. A fan also called her response "dignified."

Earlier this week, Modi surprised everyone with a public announcement confirming their courtship. Sharing pictures of their vacation in Sardinia and Maldives, he called Sen his "better half." Sen also posted a clarification on her Instagram saying that she isn't married but is "surrounded by love."