One of the sauciest actresses of Bollywood, Sushmita Sen aka Sush, turns 40 today. Her sensual smile, svelte personality and unconventional tinge make Sush unique.

Since the year she walked away with the Miss Universe crown to now, she has never done anything by the books. That’s exactly what makes her awesome.

Her love life has been an open book, which the feisty actress never shied away from flaunting. Whether it was her fling with a much-married man or younger models, Sush made her affairs public.

Because Scorpio women don’t give a damn about frivolous society talks. In the glam fraternity, everybody hides their lovers, but not the stunning Sush. Well, what a refreshing actress she is!

Another trait that makes her an absolute favorite with us is the deadly combo of beauty and brains. While we had just heard of this elusive term, here’s an actress who’s lived by this principle. Her beauty is obvious, anybody can see that. But her smartness seeps through every time.

Sample the pageant answer when asked what the essence of being a woman was… "Just being a woman is God's gift that all of us must appreciate. The origin of a child is a mother, and is a woman. She shows a man what sharing, caring and loving is all about. That is the essence of a woman."

If these things weren’t enough to send us into a deep inferiority complex, the Bong beauty decided to adopt two girls while she was still in her 20s. The self-made actress not only makes for a fantastic mother, but also a caring friend to her adopted daughters.

We know for sure that the young girls would grow up to be strong, independent and awesome women. What say?

Did you know that she also loves poetry and has penned down many verses? Damn in. Is there anything she can’t do? She is indeed the epitome of modern and traditionality.

Rooted in her beliefs, but also flamboyant and outspoken in her demeanour. She sets serious girl goals for us… we do hope that she comes back on the big screen soon. Happy birthday, Sush! Stay awesome.