Sushmita Sen is a bit of a style icon in Indian cinema. The actor’s journey began when she was crowned Miss Universe in 1994 and has taken many shapes and forms over the decades. Recently, she joined forces with Nebula by Titan to unveil the brand’s all-new lineup of seven stunning timepieces, which are inspired by the glory and grandeur of the Art Deco era. The 18K gold watches, which have been designed for the modern Indian and are embellished with precious stones, are a masterclass in precision watchmaking.
We sat down with Sushmita Sen to find out more about the collection, how she resonates with it, and more.
Tell us about your collaboration with Nebula by Titan for their new collection, Art Deco. How do you resonate with the essence of the collection?
Sushmita Sen: Okay, it’s Titan, to begin with—a brand that has been in the public domain and has had a history with the Indian families and people since 1984. And I have a very special story to share, actually. My father, before he named me Sushmita, gave me a pet name, something Bengalis often do—Tee-tan, which is spelled exactly as Titan and means exactly what Titan means—something important and powerful and courageous. And so, my father wanted that for me and named me that…. so one of the earlier gifts I got was a Titan watch from my father. Launching this collection from Nebula, a beautiful brand of 18K gold watches that resonates with authenticity and timeless elegance completes that journey for me, from having a watch which was an aspirational one at that time, to launching this exquisite Art Deco collection for Nebula today, it is very special.
What’s your favourite timepiece from the collection and why?
Sushmita Sen: I love Nebula by Titan’s Art Deco Automatic watch with an open heart…it’s bold and beautiful in 18K gold. It combines the art of jewellery craftsmanship with precision watchmaking. The entire collection has an inspiring story behind it and it’s beautifully crafted. Art Deco architecture was so popular in Mumbai that the city has the second largest concentration of buildings in this style across the world. It defined the modernity of Bombay as it was then known, with exuberance and spirit. And that’s interpreted very authentically and artistically in this collection.
How do you incorporate watches into your fashion choices?
Sushmita Sen: I love watches with big dials. For me, that’s also very empowering as a woman. And I’m somebody who doesn’t like to dress up with a lot of different accessories in my personal life, unless I’m doing a film. I like it simple. So when you have a watch that gives you all that and makes sure you’re always on time, I think that’s it.
Can you share any styling tips for people to incorporate the Art Deco collection into their looks?
Sushmita Sen: Today, I’m wearing an Art Deco Automatic watch. It’s bold and stunning, and I would personally want to wear it with a business suit that would have the vibe of being extremely empowered and like “I mean business and I’m always on time”. So, there!
How would you describe your personal style and how has it changed over the years?
Image: Suparna Mitra, CEO of Titan Watches and Wearables Division, with actor Sushmita Sen
Sushmita Sen: One thing that’s been constant for the last decade I’d say is comfort. Everything else comes second—if you’re not comfortable, it shows. And that to me is not stylish.
A modern fashion trend you love and one you despise?
Sushmita Sen: I don’t! Style, like all other aspects of your life, is ever changing. So one thing works today and another thing works tomorrow depending on your mood, your state of evolution, and your experiences.
What’s your wellness philosophy?
Sushmita Sen: Oh, that’s a good one, because I’m learning to change that philosophy a little bit at this moment. You have to have your heart in the right place. This is something I have deeply reaffirmed in the times that I live in now. Always have to have it in the right place.
