Padma Lakshmi Makes Her SI Swimsuit Debut

It’s one more accomplishment for the successful model and philanthropist.

Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi will be featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s 2023 issue. 

Lakshmi, who began her modeling career in college, had a daylong shoot in Dominica with photographer Yu Tsai to capture her dazzling debut. Becoming an SI Swimsuit model is yet another accomplishment Lakshmi can add to her growing list of accolades. 

You can see five incredible photos from the shoot over at SI Swim.

“Mother, author, activist, TV host, Emmy-nominated producer, philanthropist and now, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model. Padma’s list of accomplishments is as stunning as she is, and it’s an absolute honor to feature her in the 2023 issue,” SI Swimsuit editor-in-chief MJ Day said. “The importance of Padma’s presence here is multifold. She is here because she feels better than ever both inside and out. At 52, she has curated a life that represents who she authentically is: a powerful, beautiful, brilliant, accomplished woman in her prime. She can make the world look and listen and is here to remind us all that women can be all of these things and feel sexy AF. We will let the photos speak for themselves.”

Yu Tsai

Along with the coveted title of SI Swimsuit model, Lakshmi is also an actress, New York Times best-selling author, philanthropist, activist, culinary personality and mother. She produces and hosts Bravo’s Top Chef in addition to hosting and serving as an executive producer for Hulu’s Taste the Nation. Lakshmi is also the author of a best-selling children’s book, Tomatoes for Neela, as well as a memoir and multiple cookbooks. Lakshmi is the co-founder of Endometriosis Foundation of America and was appointed United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador in 2019. 

As for her shoot with SI Swimsuit, Lakshmi praised the experience.

“From the first conversation to the fitting to every interaction I’ve had with MJ and everyone, they said this is about you feeling good and your comfort level,” Lakshmi says. “I want everybody to see this pictorial and understand that sometimes a whole new phase that’s even more exciting than anything you’ve ever experienced before can happen well over 40.”