Manila is my home away from home: Sushmita Sen

After 23 years, Sushmita Sen will be in Manila, Philippines again. She was chosen as 1994’s Miss Universe in this city and she soon returns there for the grand coronation pageant on January 30. Her win was the first time India brought home the title.

Comedian Steve Harvey is hosting the event and model Ashley Graham is hosting it backstage, while Filipino-Hawaiian vlogger Bretman Rock will be the Miss Universe red carpet host.

In an exclusive chat, Sush shares her thoughts on visiting Manila 23 years on and more...

From a winner in 1994 to a judge this year, it must be an emotional return to Manila...

For me, the deciding factor was not just that I was being invited as a judge, but the fact, that I was being invited back to Manila, Philippines, to judge the competition! As I’ve mentioned on Instagram, this is ‘life coming full circle’, bringing us back together to celebrate ‘where it all began’. It’s been overwhelming to receive messages from Filipinos around the world, welcoming me back. This will be one emotional homecoming.

Why haven’t you visited Philippines in the last 23 years?

It has indeed taken me 23 years, despite the fact that I am someone who loves to travel, loves to dive — and Philippines has some beautiful diving sites — and yet somehow, hasn’t happened! I think that life, God’s plans and just the process of this journey of Miss Universe had to complete itself in this beautiful fashion, where I went from being a participant, a winner, to now a judge and it was all destined to happen in the Philippines! It is my home away from home.

Please continue…

It is the one place that has given me love, respect, adulation and this deep sense of belonging, for two decades now, transforming this generous foreign land into my second home. I often say this, that if one has the honour to win the ‘Miss Universe’ crown, there ain’t no better country than the Philippines to win it in, because you will be remembered and cherished and celebrated by generations to follow. I am living proof of that! I am very, very excited!

Are your daughters Renee and Alisah travelling with you?

No. I would have liked that, but I am a hands-on mother. I don’t have nannies running around my children looking after them. If my children travel with me, they come first.

Do you plan to stay back there for a short holiday?

I would have liked that, but this is an official visit. I will definitely go back for a more social visit with my kids at a later stage. On our next trip, I look forward to introducing my children to the country they feel very connected with.