Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi says he is defending his former partner, actress Sushmita Sen, against criticism that describes her as a “gold digger.” The allegations gained attention after Modi and Sen became public about their relationship in 2022. In his remarks, Modi addresses the online narrative that followed his announcement of their romance on social media, saying he is disappointed by the way the story is portrayed. He also characterizes his own role in the relationship, describing it as one where he acted like a “kept boyfriend,” according to the reports. Modi’s comments are framed as a response to the “gold digger” tag directed at Sen, which he dismisses. Across the coverage, the focus remains on Modi’s attempt to counter negative perceptions of Sen tied to their public relationship and the reaction that followed their 2022 headlines.