Who Is Padma Lakshmi? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Padma Lakshmi, born on September 1, 1970, is an American TV host, author, and model. Known for her elegance and intelligence, she gained widespread fame as the host of the popular cooking competition show Top Chef. Throughout her dynamic career, Padma has made significant contributions to the culinary world and fashion industry, establishing herself as a multi-talented powerhouse.
As of 2025, Padma is 54 years old, with a career spanning decades. She is not only celebrated for her talent in front of the camera but also for her work as an author and activist, advocating for various social issues.
| Occupation | Women's Rights Activists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 1, 1970 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Madras, India |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | India |
Popularity
Padma Lakshmi's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Padma Lakshmi stands tall at 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) and maintains a stunning figure. As of 2025, her weight is approximately 130 lbs (59 kg). Known for her striking looks, she has consistently impressed audiences with her poise and style, making her a sought-after figure in both fashion and culinary circles.
At the age of 14, Lakshmi was hospitalized for three weeks and eventually diagnosed with Stevens–Johnson syndrome, a rare illness caused by hypersensitivity to an infection or a potentially fatal reaction to certain kinds of medications.
Two days after her discharge from the hospital, she was injured in a car accident in Malibu, which left her with a fractured right hip and a shattered right upper arm. The arm injury required surgery, from which she retained a seven-inch scar between her elbow and shoulder.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Padma's personal life has often been in the spotlight. Currently, she is romantically linked with Adam Dell, a noted entrepreneur and investor. The couple has been together for a while, and their relationship has blossomed in recent years, leading to a deeper bond and shared interests.
Previously, Padma was married to writer Salman Rushdie and has a daughter named Krishna Thea Lakshmi-Dell, born in February 2010. She maintains a close relationship with her family and prioritizes her role as a mother.
Her mother, Vijaya Lakshmi, is a retired oncology nurse. Lakshmi's parents separated in 1971 and divorced the next year, following which her mother immigrated to the United States alone. Lakshmi lived with her maternal grandparents before joining her mother two years later.
She lived in Queens, New York City, before moving to La Puente, California, with her mother and stepfather. Lakshmi has stated that, as a teenager, she was bullied due to her Indian heritage, which caused her to struggle to overcome "internalized self-loathing."
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Padma Lakshmi's estimated net worth is around $40 million. Her earnings primarily stem from her diverse career as a television host, author, and model. Padma also benefits from various endorsements and her business ventures, contributing significantly to her overall wealth.
In effect, Lakshmi began her modeling career at age 21, when a modeling agent discovered Lakshmi while she was studying in Madrid. She has said, "I was the first Indian model to have a career in Paris, Milan, and New York. I'm the first one to admit that I was a novelty." Lakshmi was able to pay off her college loans by working as a model and actress.
Career, Business, and Investments
Padma's career took off in the 1990s as a model, but she quickly evolved into a prominent TV personality. She gained global recognition as the host of Top Chef, which has earned her multiple Emmy nominations. In addition to her television career, Padma is a successful author with several cookbooks to her name.
Furthermore, Padma is also involved in several business ventures, including her own line of spices and cooking utensils. She actively participates in philanthropic efforts, supporting causes related to women’s rights, health, and education.
Born in India, Lakshmi immigrated to the United States as a child. She became a model before embarking on a career in television.
She has written five books: two cookbooks, Easy Exotic and Tangy, Tart, Hot & Sweet; an encyclopedia, The Encyclopedia of Spices & Herbs: An Essential Guide to the Flavors of the World; a memoir, Love, Loss, and What We Ate; and a children's book, Tomatoes for Neela illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, the latter two appearing on The New York Times
best-seller list.
Lakshmi has formed and produced sales for five different businesses. She co-founded the Endometriosis Foundation of America in 2009. She was appointed United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador in 2019. Lakshmi was listed among Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2023.
Social Network
Padma Lakshmi has a significant presence on social media, where she engages with her fans and shares insights into her life, culinary adventures, and advocacy work. You can follow her on:
- Instagram: @PadmaLakshmi
- Twitter: @PadmaLakshmi
- Facebook: Padma Lakshmi
Education
Padma Lakshmi attended Clark University in Massachusetts, where she earned a degree in Theater Arts and Management. Her educational background has played a vital role in shaping her career, allowing her to navigate the complexities of the entertainment and culinary industries successfully.
