Padma Lakshmi is an Indian American author, activist, model, and television host born in Madras, Tamil Nadu, India. She is a producer and actress known for Star Trek: Enterprise (2001), Glitter (2001), and Sharpe (1993). She was previously married to Salman Rushdie.
Known For
Credits
Cast Credits
Clean Slate (2025)
Guest starring as Dr. India Bagaria
- Episode 1x05: Closer Than They Appear (Feb 6, 2025)
Jeopardy! Masters (2023)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 1x07: Games 13 & 14 (May 17, 2023) [Uncredited]
Firebuds (2022)
Guest starring as Chef Pavani
(4 episodes)
- Episode 2x08: Hike & Seek (Nov 10, 2023)
- Episode 2x07: Apple Pie Peril (Nov 10, 2023)
- Episode 1x40: Escape from Shelter Island (May 4, 2023)
- Episode 1x39: Shelter Island (May 4, 2023)
Sherri (2022)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 1x132: Padma Lakshmi, Michelle Miller (May 16, 2023)
Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness (2022)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 1x01: Are Bugs Gorgeous or Gross? (Jan 28, 2022)
Snacked (2021)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 1x06: Padma Lakshmi Breaks Down Her Favorite Indian Snacks (Aug 31, 2021)
Selena + Chef (2020)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 3x06: Selena + Padma Lakshmi (Nov 4, 2021)
A Little Late with Lilly Singh (2019)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 2x48: Padma Lakshmi (Apr 8, 2021)
The Food That Built America (2019)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 2x03: The Kings of Burgers (Feb 21, 2021)
Today with Hoda & Jenna (2019)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 4x182: Padma Lakshmi, The Ton3s (Jun 2, 2022)
Live with Kelly & Ryan (2017)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 7x125: Idris Elba, Padma Lakshmi (Mar 8, 2023)
Match Game (2016)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 5x04: Thomas Lennon, Mary McCormack, Rick Fox, Caroline Rhea, Bob Saget, Padma Lakshmi (Jun 28, 2020)
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (2016)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 3x19: August 15, 2018 (Aug 15, 2018)
Hollywood Medium (2016)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 3x05: Erika Jayne Girardi, K. Michelle, Rick Fox, Padma Lakshmi (Mar 28, 2018)
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (2015)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
(2 episodes)
- Episode 2019-03-12: Padma Lakshmi (Mar 12, 2019)
- Episode 2016-03-10: Padma Lakshmi (Mar 10, 2016)
Life in Pieces (2015)
Guest starring as Stephanie
- Episode 3x05: Meal Potty Cart Middle (Nov 30, 2017)
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
(2 episodes)
- Episode 2021-06-09: Samuel L. Jackson, Padma Lakshmi (Jun 9, 2021)
- Episode 2016-12-05: Jason Bateman; Padma Lakshmi; Michael Lewis (Dec 5, 2016)
Celebrity Family Feud (2015)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 11x07: Normani vs. Michelle Buteau and Andy Richter vs. Jason Ritter (Aug 21, 2025)
The Late Late Show with James Corden (2015)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 2018-03-06: Eric Bana, Padma Lakshmi, Anders Holm (Mar 6, 2018)
Hot Ones (2015)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 3x01: Padma Lakshmi Gracefully Destroys Spicy Wings (Jan 19, 2017)
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2014)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
(3 episodes)
- Episode 2023-03-17: Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, Padma Lakshmi (Mar 17, 2023)
- Episode 2016-04-05: Greg Kinnear, Padma Lakshmi, Andrew Dice Clay (Apr 5, 2016)
- Episode 2014-11-19: Jon Stewart, Padma Lakshmi, Jim Gaffigan (Nov 19, 2014)
Hollywood Game Night (2013)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 2x05: We'll Need to See Your TV ID (Jan 27, 2014)
Anderson Live (2011)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
(3 episodes)
- Episode 2x131: Co-Host Padma Lakshmi | Video Vigilantes Solve Crimes (Mar 27, 2013)
- Episode 2x123: Co-Host Padma Lakshmi | Josh Henderson (Mar 15, 2013)
- Episode 1x42: Intervention of a Mom Addicted to Perscription Pills | David Arquette & 'Top Chef' Challenge w/ Padm (Nov 8, 2011)
Watch What Happens Live (2009)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
(16 episodes)
- Episode 20x138: Jon Batiste, Padma Lakshmi (Aug 10, 2023)
- Episode 20x47: Ike Barinholtz, Padma Lakshmi (Mar 9, 2023)
- Episode 18x176: Padma Lakshmi and Jason Blum (Oct 28, 2021)
- Episode 18x114: Top Chef: Gail, Padma, & Tom (Jul 1, 2021)
- Episode 17x103: Padma Lakshmi & Tom Colicchio (Jun 18, 2020)
- Episode 17x49: Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio & Gail Simmons (Mar 19, 2020)
- Episode 16x32: Padma Lakshmi & Dr. Oz (Feb 27, 2019)
- Episode 15x27: Nina Agdal & Padma Lakshmi (Feb 14, 2018)
- Episode 14x41: Tom Colicchio, Padma Lakshmi and Top Chef Winner (Mar 2, 2017)
- Episode 13x172: Padma Lakshmi & Tyler Perry (Oct 20, 2016)
- Episode 12x196: Adriana Lima and Padma Lakshmi (Dec 3, 2015)
- Episode 11x202: Padma Lakshmi & Olivia Munn (Dec 11, 2014)
- Episode 10x39: Padma Lakshmi & Tamar Braxton (Aug 14, 2013)
- Episode 9x09: Maggie Q & Padma Lakshmi (Jan 16, 2013)
- Episode 8x43: Alicia Silverstone & Padma Lakshmi (Nov 6, 2012)
- Episode 6x23: Padma Lakshmi & Michael Showalter (Feb 8, 2012)
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (2009)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 2013-11-01: Harrison Ford, Padma Lakshmi, Big Sean feat. Kid Cudi (Nov 1, 2013)
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular (2007)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 2022-07-04: Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular 2022 (Jul 4, 2022)
Top Chef (2006)
Starring as Host
(218 episodes)
- Episode 20x14: Fin. (Jun 8, 2023)
- Episode 20x13: Champions in Paris (Jun 1, 2023)
- Episode 20x12: Goodbye, London! (May 25, 2023)
- Episode 20x11: Battle of the Wellingtons (May 18, 2023)
- Episode 20x10: Thali Time (May 11, 2023)
- Episode 20x09: Restaurant Wars (May 4, 2023)
- Episode 20x08: Street Food Fight (Apr 27, 2023)
- Episode 20x07: Hands Off (Apr 20, 2023)
- Episode 20x06: Top Chef Is No Picnic (Apr 13, 2023)
- Episode 20x05: Holiday Vacation (Apr 6, 2023)
- Episode 20x04: Spurred Lines (Mar 30, 2023)
- Episode 20x03: Cheeky Pints and Pub Bites (Mar 23, 2023)
- Episode 20x02: Rice, Rice Baby (Mar 16, 2023)
- Episode 20x01: London Calling (Mar 9, 2023)
- Episode 14x14: Comida Final (Mar 2, 2017)
- Episode 14x13: Trial by Fire (Feb 23, 2017)
- Episode 14x12: Cooking Away in Margaritaville (Feb 16, 2017)
- Episode 14x11: Adiós Charleston, Hello James Beard (Feb 9, 2017)
- Episode 14x10: Shrimp Boats and Hat Ladies (Feb 2, 2017)
- Episode 14x09: For the Kids (Jan 26, 2017)
- Episode 14x08: Restaurant Wars (Jan 19, 2017)
- Episode 14x07: Booty (Jan 12, 2017)
- Episode 14x06: A Southern Legend (Jan 5, 2017)
- Episode 14x05: Smoke 'em If You Got 'em (Dec 29, 2016)
- Episode 14x04: The Feast of Seven Trash Fishes (Dec 22, 2016)
- Episode 14x03: Choke Holds and Clammy Hands (Dec 15, 2016)
- Episode 14x02: Southern Hospitality (Dec 8, 2016)
- Episode 14x01: Something Old, Something New (Dec 1, 2016)
- Episode 13x15: Finale (Mar 17, 2016)
- Episode 13x14: Magic Hour (Mar 10, 2016)
- Episode 13x13: Back Where It All Started (Mar 3, 2016)
- Episode 13x12: Wok This Way (Feb 25, 2016)
- Episode 13x11: Hammer Time (Feb 18, 2016)
- Episode 13x10: Restaurant Wars, Part 2 (Feb 11, 2016)
- Episode 13x09: Restaurant Wars, Part 1 (Feb 4, 2016)
- Episode 13x08: Where's the Beef? (Jan 28, 2016)
- Episode 13x07: Back in the Day (Jan 21, 2016)
- Episode 13x06: Banannaise (Jan 14, 2016)
- Episode 13x05: Big Gay Wedding (Jan 7, 2016)
- Episode 13x04: It's a Dry Heat (Dec 17, 2015)
- Episode 13x03: Spines and Vines (Dec 10, 2015)
- Episode 13x02: Pop Up Pandemonium (Dec 3, 2015)
- Episode 13x01: Stop the Presses (Dec 2, 2015)
- Episode 12x15: Mano a Mano (Feb 11, 2015)
- Episode 12x14: Holy Escamoly! (Feb 4, 2015)
- Episode 12x13: Getting Prickly in Mexico (Jan 28, 2015)
- Episode 12x12: The Final Battle of Bean Town (Jan 21, 2015)
- Episode 12x11: Sous Your Daddy! (Jan 14, 2015)
- Episode 12x10: For Julia & Jacques (Jan 7, 2015)
- Episode 12x09: Big Sausage (Dec 17, 2014)
- Episode 12x08: Clean Up in Aisle 21! (Dec 10, 2014)
- Episode 12x07: Restaurant Wars (Dec 3, 2014)
- Episode 12x06: The First Thanksgiving (Nov 19, 2014)
- Episode 12x05: It's War! (Nov 12, 2014)
- Episode 12x04: 12 Chefs Walk Into a Bar... (Nov 5, 2014)
- Episode 12x03: The Curse of the Bambino (Oct 29, 2014)
- Episode 12x02: Boston's Bravest and Finest (Oct 22, 2014)
- Episode 12x01: Sudden Death (Oct 15, 2014)
- Episode 11x17: Finale (Feb 5, 2014)
- Episode 11x16: Maui Wowie (Jan 29, 2014)
- Episode 11x15: Leaving New Orleans (Jan 22, 2014)
- Episode 11x14: Po' Boy Smackdown (Jan 15, 2014)
- Episode 11x13: Oui Si a Challenge (Jan 8, 2014)
- Episode 11x12: Mississippi Mud Bugs (Jan 1, 2014)
- Episode 11x11: Giving It the College Try (Dec 18, 2013)
- Episode 11x10: Like Mama Made (Dec 11, 2013)
- Episode 11x09: Restaurant Wars (Dec 4, 2013)
- Episode 11x08: Piggin' Out (Nov 20, 2013)
- Episode 11x07: Jazz Hands (Nov 13, 2013)
- Episode 11x06: Campfires, Cream Cheese and Countryside (Nov 6, 2013)
- Episode 11x05: Lea Michele's Halloween Bash (Oct 30, 2013)
- Episode 11x04: Captain Vietnam (Oct 23, 2013)
- Episode 11x03: Commander's Palace (Oct 16, 2013)
- Episode 11x02: Rebuilding New Orleans (Oct 9, 2013)
- Episode 11x01: Soiree in the Swamp (Oct 2, 2013)
- Episode 10x17: Finale Part 2 (Feb 27, 2013)
- Episode 10x16: Finale Part 1 (Feb 20, 2013)
- Episode 10x15: Glacial Gourmand (Feb 13, 2013)
- Episode 10x14: Kings of Alaska (Feb 6, 2013)
- Episode 10x13: Chefs at Sea (Jan 30, 2013)
- Episode 10x12: Wolfgang Clucks (Jan 23, 2013)
- Episode 10x11: Restaurant Wars (Jan 16, 2013)
- Episode 10x10: Battle Before the War (Jan 9, 2013)
- Episode 10x09: Past Suppers (Jan 2, 2013)
- Episode 10x08: Jalapeno Business (Dec 26, 2012)
- Episode 10x07: Foiled Again (Dec 19, 2012)
- Episode 10x06: Even the Famous Come Home (Dec 12, 2012)
- Episode 10x05: Pike Place Pickle (Dec 5, 2012)
- Episode 10x04: 50's Food Flashback (Nov 28, 2012)
- Episode 10x03: Tom vs. Emeril: Turkeypocalypse (Nov 21, 2012)
- Episode 10x02: A Shock at the Space Needle (Nov 14, 2012)
- Episode 10x01: The Ultimate Chef Test (Nov 7, 2012)
- Episode 9x17: Finale (Feb 29, 2012)
- Episode 9x16: Fire and Ice (Feb 22, 2012)
- Episode 9x15: Culinary Games (Feb 15, 2012)
- Episode 9x14: Mentors (Feb 8, 2012)
- Episode 9x13: Bike, Borrow & Steal (Feb 1, 2012)
- Episode 9x12: Block Party (Jan 25, 2012)
- Episode 9x11: Fit for an Evil Queen (Jan 18, 2012)
- Episode 9x10: Restaurant Wars (Jan 11, 2012)
- Episode 9x09: BBQ Pit Wars (Jan 4, 2012)
- Episode 9x08: Tribute Dinner (Dec 21, 2011)
- Episode 9x07: Game On (Dec 14, 2011)
- Episode 9x06: Higher Steaks (Dec 7, 2011)
- Episode 9x05: Don't Be Tardy for the Dinner Party (Nov 30, 2011)
- Episode 9x04: Red Hot Chili Cook Off (Nov 23, 2011)
- Episode 9x03: Quinceanera (Nov 16, 2011)
- Episode 9x02: The Heat is On (Nov 9, 2011)
- Episode 9x01: Everything's Bigger in Texas (Nov 2, 2011)
- Episode 8x17: Reunion Special (Apr 6, 2011)
- Episode 8x16: Finale (Mar 30, 2011)
- Episode 8x15: Last Supper (Mar 23, 2011)
- Episode 8x14: Island Fever (Mar 16, 2011)
- Episode 8x13: Fit for a King (Mar 9, 2011)
- Episode 8x12: Give Me Your Huddled Masses (Mar 2, 2011)
- Episode 8x11: For the Gulf (Feb 23, 2011)
- Episode 8x10: Lock Down (Feb 16, 2011)
- Episode 8x09: Feeding Fallon (Feb 9, 2011)
- Episode 8x08: An Offer They Can't Refuse (Feb 2, 2011)
- Episode 8x07: Restaurant Wars: One Night Only (Jan 19, 2011)
- Episode 8x06: We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat (Jan 12, 2011)
- Episode 8x05: Dim Sum Lose Sum (Jan 5, 2011)
- Episode 8x04: Advantage Chef (Dec 22, 2010)
- Episode 8x03: New York's Finest (Dec 15, 2010)
- Episode 8x02: Night at the Museum (Dec 8, 2010)
- Episode 8x01: History Never Repeats (Dec 1, 2010)
- Episode 7x14: Season Finale - Part II (Sep 15, 2010)
- Episode 7x13: Season Finale - Part I (Sep 8, 2010)
- Episode 7x12: Gastro-nauts (Sep 1, 2010)
- Episode 7x11: Making Consessions (Aug 25, 2010)
- Episode 7x10: Covert Cuisine (Aug 18, 2010)
- Episode 7x09: Restaurant Wars (Aug 11, 2010)
- Episode 7x08: Foreign Affairs (Aug 4, 2010)
- Episode 7x07: Power Lunch (Jul 28, 2010)
- Episode 7x06: Cold War (Jul 21, 2010)
- Episode 7x05: Farm Policy (Jul 14, 2010)
- Episode 7x04: Room Service (Jul 7, 2010)
- Episode 7x03: Capitol Grill (Jun 30, 2010)
- Episode 7x02: Outside the Lunch Box (Jun 23, 2010)
- Episode 7x01: What's Your Constituency? (Jun 16, 2010)
- Episode 6x16: Watch What Happens Reunion (Dec 16, 2009)
- Episode 6x15: Finale (2) (Dec 9, 2009)
- Episode 6x14: Finale (1) (Dec 2, 2009)
- Episode 6x13: Culinary Olympics (Nov 18, 2009)
- Episode 6x12: Strip Around the World (Nov 11, 2009)
- Episode 6x11: All Stars Dinner (Nov 4, 2009)
- Episode 6x10: Meat Natalie (Oct 28, 2009)
- Episode 6x09: Restaurant Wars (Oct 21, 2009)
- Episode 6x08: Pigs and Pinot (Oct 14, 2009)
- Episode 6x07: Dinner Party (Oct 7, 2009)
- Episode 6x06: Penn & Teller (Sep 23, 2009)
- Episode 6x05: Camping (Sep 16, 2009)
- Episode 6x04: Vivre Las Vegas (Sep 9, 2009)
- Episode 6x03: Thunderbirds (Sep 2, 2009)
- Episode 6x02: Bach/elorette Party (Aug 26, 2009)
- Episode 6x01: Sin City Vice (Aug 19, 2009)
- Episode 5x15: Watch What Happens Reunion (Mar 4, 2009)
- Episode 5x14: Season Finale, Part 2 (Feb 25, 2009)
- Episode 5x13: Season Finale, Part 1 (Feb 18, 2009)
- Episode 5x12: The Last Supper (Feb 11, 2009)
- Episode 5x11: Le Bernardin (Feb 4, 2009)
- Episode 5x10: Super Bowl Chef Showdown (Jan 28, 2009)
- Episode 5x09: Restaurant Wars (Jan 21, 2009)
- Episode 5x08: Down on the Farm (Jan 14, 2009)
- Episode 5x07: Focus Group (Jan 7, 2009)
- Episode 5x06: 12 Days of Christmas (Dec 17, 2008)
- Episode 5x05: Gail's Bridal Shower (Dec 10, 2008)
- Episode 5x04: Today Show (Dec 3, 2008)
- Episode 5x03: Foo Fighters Thanksgiving (Nov 26, 2008)
- Episode 5x02: Show Your Craft (Nov 19, 2008)
- Episode 5x01: Melting Pot (Nov 12, 2008)
- Episode 4x15: Watch What Happens Reunion (Jun 18, 2008)
- Episode 4x14: Top Chef Miami Finale Live! (Jun 11, 2008)
- Episode 4x13: Puerto Rico (Jun 4, 2008)
- Episode 4x12: High Steaks (May 28, 2008)
- Episode 4x11: Restaurant Wars (May 21, 2008)
- Episode 4x10: Serve and Protect (May 14, 2008)
- Episode 4x09: Wedding Wars (May 7, 2008)
- Episode 4x08: Common Threads (Apr 30, 2008)
- Episode 4x07: Improv (Apr 23, 2008)
- Episode 4x06: Tailgating (Apr 16, 2008)
- Episode 4x05: The Elements (Apr 9, 2008)
- Episode 4x04: Film Food (Apr 2, 2008)
- Episode 4x03: Block Party (Mar 26, 2008)
- Episode 4x02: Zoo Food (Mar 19, 2008)
- Episode 4x01: Chicago: Anything You Can Cook I Can Cook Better (Mar 12, 2008)
- Episode 3x16: Finale: Part 2 (Oct 2, 2007)
- Episode 3x15: Finale: Part 1 (Sep 26, 2007)
- Episode 3x12: Manhattan Project (Sep 19, 2007)
- Episode 3x11: Snacks on a Plane (Sep 12, 2007)
- Episode 3x10: Chef Overboard (Sep 5, 2007)
- Episode 3x09: Second Helping (Aug 22, 2007)
- Episode 3x07: Guilty Pleasures (Aug 8, 2007)
- Episode 3x06: Freezer Burn (Aug 1, 2007)
- Episode 3x05: Latin Lunch (Jul 18, 2007)
- Episode 3x04: Cooking by Numbers (Jul 11, 2007)
- Episode 3x03: Family Favorites (Jun 27, 2007)
- Episode 3x02: Sunny Delights (Jun 20, 2007)
- Episode 3x01: First Impressions (Jun 13, 2007)
- Episode 2x13: Finale Part 2 (Jan 31, 2007)
- Episode 2x12: Finale Part 1 (Jan 24, 2007)
- Episode 2x11: Sense and Sensuality (Jan 17, 2007)
- Episode 2x10: Unhappy Customers (Jan 10, 2007)
- Episode 2x09: Seven (Jan 3, 2007)
- Episode 2x08: Holiday Spirit (Dec 13, 2006)
- Episode 2x07: The Raw and the Cooked (Dec 6, 2006)
- Episode 2x06: Thanksgiving (Nov 22, 2006)
- Episode 2x05: Social Service (Nov 15, 2006)
- Episode 2x04: Less is More (Nov 8, 2006)
- Episode 2x03: Food for the People (Nov 1, 2006)
- Episode 2x02: Eastern Promise (Oct 25, 2006)
- Episode 2x01: Into the Fire (Oct 18, 2006)
- Episode S09 Special: Texas' Reunion Special (Mar 7, 2012)
- Episode S07 Special: Watch What Happens Reunion (Sep 22, 2010)
- Episode S03 Special: Holiday Special (Dec 6, 2007)
- Episode S03 Special: Reunion (Oct 10, 2007)
- Episode S03 Special: Watch What Happens (Jul 25, 2007)
- Episode S03 Special: 4-Star All-Stars (Jun 6, 2007)
The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2003)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
(2 episodes)
- Episode 2014-10-10: Shia LaBeouf, Padma Lakshmi, Gina Rodriguez (Oct 10, 2014)
- Episode 2007-12-11: Padma Lakshmi, Blake Lewis (Dec 11, 2007)
Jimmy Kimmel Live (2003)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 2023-05-01: Charlie Day, Padma Lakshmi, Bebe Rexha (May 1, 2023)
Last Call with Carson Daly (2002)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 2018-03-15: Padma Lakshmi, Youngr, Matthew Heineman (Mar 15, 2018)
Family Guy (1999)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 11x16: 12 and a Half Angry Men (Mar 24, 2013)
Whose Line Is It Anyway? (1998)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
(2 episodes)
- Episode 19x02: Padma Lakshmi 2 (Oct 21, 2022)
- Episode 10x18: Padma Lakshmi (Aug 11, 2014)
Good Morning America (1975)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 2023-08-15: Rise and Shine III (Aug 15, 2023)
Saturday Night Live (1975)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 49x03: Nate Bargatze / Foo Fighters (Oct 28, 2023)
Today (1952)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 2023-03-07: Jimmy Fallon, Padma Lakshmi, Anthony Rapp (Mar 7, 2023)
The Emmy Awards (1949)
Guest starring as Padma Lakshmi
- Episode 2024-09-15: The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards (Sep 15, 2024)