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Ever since Lalit Modi, the founder of the Indian Premiere League, announced his relationship with Sushmita Sen, the internet has made it its business to comment on the Bollywood actor’s motives for dating an older man and ridiculed their relationship. She finally addressed those claims saying she “digs deeper than gold”.

Sen broke her silence on Sunday and a shared a photo of herself in the middle of the ocean, her back to the camera. She wrote, “Perfectly centred in my being and my conscience… I love how nature merges all its creation to experience oneness… And just how divided we are when we break that balance. It’s heartbreaking to see just how miserable & unhappy the world around us is becoming…”

She talked about how people who don’t even know her are taking jabs at her character. “The so-called intellectuals with their idiosyncrasies… The ignorant with their cheap and at times funny gossip. The friends I never had and acquaintances I’ve never met [are] all sharing their grand opinions and deep knowledge of my life and character, monetising the ‘gold digger’ all the way!!! Ah these geniuses!!!”

The 46-year-old actor clapped back at them and said, “I dig deeper than gold and I’ve always (famously) preferred diamonds!! And yes I still buy them myself!!!” Miss Universe 1994 addressed the well-wishers and thanked them for their support. She told them the negativity doesn’t deter her because she is not dependent on external validation. “Please know, your Sush is ABSOLUTELY fine because I’ve never lived on the transient borrowed light of approval and applause. I am the sun — perfectly centred in my being and my conscience!! I love you guys!!!”

Modi made his relationship status public on Friday. The 58-year-old businessman shared photos with his “better looking partner” and said he’s “over the moon” about the new beginning. The Main Hoon Na actor made “clarifications” after the announcement picked up hype and said she’s not married but she’s “in a happy place, surrounded by unconditional love”.