Sushmita Sen is a name that’s carved in the history of Fashion since the time she was crowned Miss Universe in 1994, the first Indian woman to win the contest. Since then there has been no looking back for her. A successful model and Bollywood actress, Sushmita Sen has always been known for her exquisite work. So when she decided to adopt a girl child, she made it to the headlines of every newspaper and website and certainly her humble deed was appreciated by all. She achieved yet another milestone in 2010 when she acquired the rights to send delegates from India to Miss Universe through a new pageant franchise I Am She - Miss Universe India. Sushmita Sen talks about her journey in the industry, I Am She, her future plans and shares her views about small screen in this exclusive interview with GR8!

Firstly, tell us about your journey in this industry?

It’s a true Cinderella Story. My God Mother waved her Magic Wand and the Universe became my playground. It’s very humbling when one looks back at the roller coaster ride of Life (Smiles).

You won GR8! Women Award for the second time in Dubai, how does it feel?

GR8! I have great regards for this GR8! Women Awards as it honours who you are more than what you do!

A lot of Bollywood actors are seen on TV, if given a chance will you like to feature on TV?

Miss India featured on TV, my films and songs keep featuring on TV, I even judged a dance show couple of years back. And now, ‘I Am She’ is an Annual TV feature! I love TV.

What will you like to do- judge, participate or host a show?

I have participated, been judged and have judged. So maybe the next step would be hosting.

If you get a good script, will you be comfortable doing a TV serial?

Never say never. But where’s the good script?

What is the difference between TV and Bollywood?

The Small Screen, TV is lifelike and the Big Screen, Bollywood is larger than life.

Are you a TV buff?

Not particularly, I am more a news and current affairs person. But I do enjoy watching few TV series.

Which shows do you watch regularly?

I am hooked to any good show like Lost, Entourage, House, Heroes, etc. but travel makes it difficult for me to follow these series.

As a kid the shows that you never missed were…?

Chitrahaar, Small Wonder, Ramayan and Mahabharat on DD and Wonder Years.

The hottest TV personality according to you is…

George Clooney in ER.

The most adorable Bollywood Star on TV?

It has to be Mr. Amitabh Bachchan on KBC. He rules the small screen with his presence.

Do you believe Television in India has progressed over the years?

Of course it has. Indian Television has evolved and with Evolution, Progress is given.

What are the changes that you would want to bring on TV?

Higher production value and more thrillers.

In one word, Indian Television is…

GR8!

Tell us in brief about I Am She?

My Company, Tantra Entertainment Pvt Ltd, holds the exclusive India license for the preliminary to the Miss Universe Pageant. I am the Global Face for the Brand. I Am She Pageant provides an all round grooming and training to all of its contestants. They are judged as per their mental and physical attributes by a panel of experts and the winners of I Am She represents India at the Miss Universe Pageant and other prestigious International platforms.

What made you initiate I Am She?

A destined call from the Miss Universe Organization to take the Indian Franchise. Life does come a full circle!

Your Current Projects and Future Plans?

Reading scripts, managing Tantra Ent. Co, evolving relationships through endorsements, initiating the business plans for my chain of signature SPAs. And most importantly, learning everyday to be a better MOM. The future will reflect my present and the plan is always to count my blessings!

- Dharmishtha Dagai