Sushmita Sen, the celebrated Miss Universe winner, recently shared her experience managing the Miss India Universe franchise from 2010 to 2012, during a time when Donald Trump owned the organisation. In an interview
promoting her series Aarya, she recalled the surprising offer to take on the franchise and the challenges that came with Trump’s involvement.
“The Miss Universe Organisation called me, and said, ‘Would you like to take the franchise?’ I was like, ‘What? Really? That was like a dream!’ I signed a pretty intense contract when I took on this franchise, and that was owned by Donald Trump — which didn’t make it easy or fun,” Sushmita said.
She clarified that Trump was not her direct boss, explaining, “Luckily, the only people who were my boss at that time were Paramount Communications and Madison Square Garden, because they owned Miss Universe when I was an employee of Miss Universe for a year. I was a franchise owner for Donald Trump.”
Though she met Trump due to the franchise connection, Sushmita declined to discuss him further, saying, “The point is that it doesn’t matter.” On the impression Trump left on her, she added, “There are some people who leave an impression, not necessarily because of their achievements or power. Just for the people that they are. He is not one of them.”
Donald Trump owned the Miss Universe Organisation from 1996 until 2015, during which time he was also a well-known businessman before entering politics. He became the 45th President of the United States in January 2017, serving until January 2021. After losing the 2020 election, he ran again in 2024 and became the 47th President, beginning his new term in January 2025.
Sushmita Sen made history in 1994 when she became the first Indian woman to win the Miss Universe title. Her win was a proud moment for India and opened many doors for her in acting and modelling. Since then, she has remained a popular and respected figure in the entertainment world.
After a career hiatus, Sushmita Sen landed parts in the hit show Aarya and the biopic Taali, where she played transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant. Her performances were praised by many.
