India, June 2 -- When Lalit Modi made his relationship with Sushmita Sen official in 2022, the announcement sparked a social media frenzy, with many people branding the former Miss Universe a "gold digger." Now, the businessman and IPL founder has addressed the backlash, defending Sushmita and insisting that money had nothing to do with their relationship.

In a podcast interaction with Humans of Bombay, Lalit Modi opened up about his decision to make his relationship with Sushmita Sen public through a social media post and reflected on the whirlwind of reactions that followed.

He said he shared a special bond with Sushmita and revealed that their relationship eventually ended due to the challenges of maintaining it over long distances. ...