The multifaceted, empowered and elegant 67 year old Sushma Sharma from Pune, who is an actor, a fashion model, and a lawyer, was crowned the winner in the Platinum category, by Bollywood actor Anjana Sukhani, at the 7th season of Miss & Mrs INDIA Empress of the Nation 2026. That’s not all – she also bagged the title of Mrs Popular in the Platinum category!
Conceptualized by Anjana and Karl Mascarenhas, Founders, DIVA Pageants ( www.divapageants.com), the event was held on 2nd Aug 2026 at the HYATT Pune with a grand showcase of elegance, leadership, and empowerment. Presented in association with TruPeak, the event celebrated accomplished Women from across India.
And was she nervous or excited on stage? “I was very excited, and enjoying every moment. I even did 10 pushups on the request of the celebrity host Aman Yatan Verma,” she laughs. “DIVA Pageants inspired me to participate and challenge myself to grow with confidence and grace,” beams Sushma Sharma.
But her story would be incomplete without the unstinted support of her husband and children who have been her greatest cheerleaders. “My greatest strength has always been my family – my husband Ajitkumar - Retd Chief Commissioner of Customs, my daughter Dr. Chandani, and my son Parrth. Their love and encouragement made this journey possible,” she smiles.
“And of course, a big thank you to my mentors, Anjana and Karl Mascarenhas. Going through the very fruitful and life transforming grooming sessions imparted by them, I became an even better version of myself, and I will always be grateful to them,” she adds.
Sushma will be representing India on an international platform next year, and is looking forward to this incredible journey.
Her story reflects the essence of modern Indian women - balancing careers, family, and personal dreams while stepping confidently onto the world stage.
