Designer Ritu Kumar revealed the chaotic, last-minute circumstances surrounding Miss Universe 1994, Sushmita Sen's, iconic photoshoot at the Taj Mahal.
Following her US tour, Sushmita Sen was scheduled for a next-day shoot at the Taj Mahal, but the provided wardrobe consisted of "shorts and t-shirts," which were deemed inappropriate ("too skimpy to be worn outside a mausoleum").
Ritu Kumar's team received a frantic late-night call and rushed to open their store. They quickly secured a pink sari and altered a blouse to prepare the necessary attire within hours. The photoshoot proved "extremely demanding and 'hectic.'" Due to the exertion, Sushmita Sen fainted at one point.
Despite the difficulties, the resulting images of Sen in the pink sari and crown were highly successful, published widely, and Ritu Kumar confirmed the final pictures were "worth our toils." The images also brought credit to the weavers and were witnessed by proud, applauding UP Police personnel.
