Padma Lakshmi -- in pictures

  • The 'Top Chef' host is greeted by pupils.
    The 'Top Chef' host is greeted by pupils.
  • Actress Padma Lakshmi visits Shanti Bhavan, a boarding school in her home state of Tamil Nadu in India, in 2012. Photo: Shanti Bhavan Children's Project
    Actress Padma Lakshmi visits Shanti Bhavan, a boarding school in her home state of Tamil Nadu in India, in 2012. Photo: Shanti Bhavan Children's Project
  • She has described the visit as one of her life’s “seminal moments”. Photo: Shanti Bhavan Children's Project
    She has described the visit as one of her life’s “seminal moments”. Photo: Shanti Bhavan Children's Project
  • The school says it is grateful for Lakshmi’s personal donations and the corporate donations she seeks in return for her speeches.
    The school says it is grateful for Lakshmi’s personal donations and the corporate donations she seeks in return for her speeches.
  • Lakshmi has said that she could have easily been one of those children. AP
    Lakshmi has said that she could have easily been one of those children. AP
  • Lakshmi says she is committed to supporting Shanti Bhavan and its approach to education. AP
    Lakshmi says she is committed to supporting Shanti Bhavan and its approach to education. AP
  • Her visit to the school still inspires the students, who come from households in poverty, earning less than $2 a day. Getty Images
    Her visit to the school still inspires the students, who come from households in poverty, earning less than $2 a day. Getty Images
  • Lakshmi and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal attend the South Asian Women Get Out the Vote Canvass Event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Getty Images
    Lakshmi and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal attend the South Asian Women Get Out the Vote Canvass Event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Getty Images
  • The TV star shares her tips for building the perfect cheese board. AP
    The TV star shares her tips for building the perfect cheese board. AP
  • As an immigrant, Lakshmi says she supports organisations such as the American Civil Liberties Union. Getty Images
    As an immigrant, Lakshmi says she supports organisations such as the American Civil Liberties Union. Getty Images
  • Lakshmi’s career has been filled with highlights, from creating the Hulu series 'Taste the Nation' to hosting 'Top Chef' to writing a best-selling memoir and numerous cookbooks. Getty Images
    Lakshmi’s career has been filled with highlights, from creating the Hulu series 'Taste the Nation' to hosting 'Top Chef' to writing a best-selling memoir and numerous cookbooks. Getty Images
  • Lakshmi shows her gratitude by giving back to the less fortunate. Getty Images
    Lakshmi shows her gratitude by giving back to the less fortunate. Getty Images
  • Speaking during the Women's March, in Houston. AP
    Speaking during the Women's March, in Houston. AP
  • With British-American fashion designer Tan France during the Global Citizen festival in New York. AP
    With British-American fashion designer Tan France during the Global Citizen festival in New York. AP
  • Lakshmi says of her philanthropy: 'I don’t really feel like I’m a role model. I just feel like I’m in a place where I can help.' PA
    Lakshmi says of her philanthropy: 'I don’t really feel like I’m a role model. I just feel like I’m in a place where I can help.' PA
  • The Netflix documentary Daughters of Destiny takes place at Shanti Bhavan in India.
    The Netflix documentary Daughters of Destiny takes place at Shanti Bhavan in India.