In 1994, Sushmita Sen, who went on to become Miss Universe, posed for an unforgettable photoshoot in front of the Taj Mahal—an experience that turned out to be more challenging than glamorous.

Designer Ritu Kumar recently shared a video from her archives capturing the iconic shoot. She captioned it, “Sushmita Sen’s Miss Universe Photoshoot,” and offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the preparations.

Kumar recalled, “In 1993, I signed an agreement with the Miss India team to design clothes for the contestants. When Sushmita won the Miss India title in 1994 and subsequently Miss Universe in the US, I had the privilege of creating her wardrobe for the tour. I sent her outfits made from bandhani, zardozi, kurta-pajamas, and saris, all of which were well received.”

The designer also shared the story behind the Taj Mahal shoot. Upon Sushmita’s return to Delhi after her US tour, Kumar received a frantic call. The shoot was scheduled for the next day, but the outfits sent were too casual—shorts and t-shirts, deemed inappropriate for the historic mausoleum.

“At night, we rummaged through the store, found a pink sari, quickly tailored a blouse, and gathered some key pieces. Within hours, we were ready,” Kumar wrote. She added, “The shoot was hectic, and poor Sushmita even fainted at one point, but the final images were worth every bit of effort.”

Kumar fondly remembered the moment: “I still think of her in that pink sari, crowned, with UP Police personnel around us applauding. These images were featured across the country’s leading publications, giving credit not just to us but, most importantly, to the weavers.”

Sushmita Sen, a former Miss Universe, gained widespread recognition in films like Biwi No 1, Main Hoon Na, Do Knot Disturb, and Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya. She returned to acting with the International Emmy-nominated series Aarya, recently appearing in its third season. She also starred in Taali, portraying transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant.

Source NDTV