Is Padma Lakshmi Still Married? A Look at the 'Taste the Nation' Star's Love Life

Nov. Four 2021, Published 6:04 p.m. ET

For nearly 15 years we have now been welcoming Padma Lakshmi into our homes, hearts, and stomachs. Okay, that last part sounds a little bit ordinary, but seeing as she's the longest-running host of Top Chef, we take her meals advice beautiful severely. And while we know virtually all there is to learn about her from a culinary perspective, her non-public life is still a little of a mystery. Let's spend somewhat time (or thyme) getting to know her. Is Padma Lakshmi still married? Here's what we all know.

Is Padma Lakshmi still married?

In July 2007 Padma and her then husband, author Salman Rushdie, introduced their divorce. They began dating in 1999, and ultimately wed 5 years later. In a 2016 interview with People editor Jess Cagle, Padma said about Salman, "The fact that somebody of that stature and caliber was even interested remotely enough in me to want to take me to lunch was kind of unbelievable."

Their courting moved briefly and was incredibly passionate. The two have been hooked up by a shared background, which Padma appreciated. "For me, it was wonderful because I finally had somebody who understood me because he too was Indian and he was also living in the West and he was very nimble in navigating those two worlds," she instructed People.

Why did Padma Lakshmi and Salman Rushdie divorce?

Unfortunately, as Padma turned into more a hit, which required time away from Salman, the marriage grew strained. "I just wanted to also do something else on my own,” she explained in the People interview. "I just wanted my very own id." Sadly, during this time, Padma was diagnosed with endometriosis which made sex very painful. Her inability to be intimate further complicated things between them. At one point he even called her a "unhealthy investment." Wow, just wow.

Padma opened up about their time together in her 2016 book Love, Loss and What We Ate. Prior to its publication she graciously warned Salman about revealing details of their demise. He was very understanding of her right to share her story with the world. Regardless, Padma had this to say to People: "I imply, glance, he’s the most renowned proponent of unfastened speech. Plus, he is a large boy. He can handle it."

What is Padma Lakshmi up to now?

Relationship-wise, Padma was recently linked to poet and MacArthur fellowship recipient Terrance Hayes. According to People, they were seen together in June 2021, walking her dog Divina. She also shares an 11-year-old daughter with her former partner Adam Dell.

Okay, enough about love, let's get to the good stuff: food.

Her popular Hulu show Taste the Nation returned Nov. 4, 2021, with a special holiday edition. The original show, and the holiday version, showcases how immigrants influence American food.

For the holiday special, Padma travels to New York City to smoke fish and bagels at Russ & Daughters. She then pops right down to Miami for some pork served with garlicky mojo sauce throughout the Cuban Nochebuena. Padma also heads to Los Angeles and Cape Cod, and we'll be heading to our fridges, for no matter snack we will conjure up for the occasion.

Taste the Nation: Holiday Edition is recently streaming on Hulu.

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