Mumbai, Sushmita Sen on Tuesday celebrated the 30th anniversary of winning the Miss Universe pageant and said it is an honor which she will always remember.

Sen was only 18 when she became the first Indian woman to win the prestigious beauty pageant.

In a post on Instagram, Sen shared a throwback picture of herself holding a baby from an orphanage she had visited after her win.

“This little girl I met in an orphanage taught me, as an 18-year-old girl, one of the most innocent yet profound lessons in life that I have lived by to this day. This captured moment turns 30 years old today as it marks India's first win at Miss Universe!!!

"What a journey it has been and continues to be... Thank you India for always being my biggest identity and strength!! Thank you Philippines for the infinite love... three more decades ahead!!" the 48-year-old actor wrote in the caption.

Sen also remembered Colombia's Carolina Gómez, who was the first runner-up of the competition.

She added, "I remember and celebrate your kindness, my beautiful @carrogomezfilm."

Sen thanked his fans for their continued support.

"To all my dear fans, friends, family and well-wishers around the world...I know that, each one of you has made a difference in my life and inspired me in ways you never knew about. !!I feel loved!!!What an honor!!!This is next #30.

After winning the title, Sen entered the film industry and debuted with "Dastak" in 1996. She worked in many projects including "Zor", "Main Hoon Na", "Biwi No. 1", "Aankhen". "Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya" and "Dulha Me Gaya".

She recently appeared in the Disney+Hotstar series "Arya", where she played the lead role of Arya Sareen.