Padma Lakshmi

Fashion, films, books, charity and appreciation for paintings are some of the special interests of Padma Lakshmi. On September 1, the model-turned actress celebrates her birthday and we wish her luck on her special day. (REUTERS/Jeff Zelevansky)

As a former high-fashion model, Padma Lakshmi made her mark strutting down runways in the 1990's for such haute couturiers as Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren and Alberta Ferretti. (REUTERS/Arko Datta)

The one time wife of controversial novelist Salman Rushdie, Padma Lakshmi was also a best-selling author in her own right. Her first book, the award-winning 'Easy Exotic: A Model' Low-fat Recipes from Around the World'(1999) sold extremely well, winning her accolades from the culinary world. (AFP/Robyn Beck)

Originally known as the first internationally successful Indian supermodel, Padma Lakshmi started modelling while an exchange student in Spain with Clark University where she received a B.A. in Theater Arts.  (REUTERS/Keith Bedford)

Padma Lakshmi twirls her dress while displaying an ethnic outfit by fashion designer Tarun Tahliani during a show in front of Bombay's historic Gateway of India in Mumbai. (REUTERS/Arko Datta)

Padma Lakshmi is also an accomplished writer and the author of Easy Exotic for Miramax Books. (BCCL/Manoj Kesharwani)

She has won the International Versailles Event for best cookbook by a first time writer.  (BCCL/Manoj Kesharwani)

On the big screen, Padma joined Aishwarya Rai and Dylan McDermott in Paul Mayeda Berges' newest film 'Mistress of Spices'.   (BCCL/Manoj Kesharwani)

Model Padma Lakshmi poses for a photoshoot. (BCCL/Manoj Kesharwani)

Model Padma Lakshmi arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar party at Morton's restaurant in West Hollywood. (REUTERS/Ethan Miller)

Padma Lakshmi was discovered by a modeling agent while sitting in a cafe. (BCCL/Manoj Kesharwani)

Since then Padma has appeared in numerous fashion editorials and walked the runway for the likes of Ralph Lauren, Emmanuel Ungaro  (BCCL/Manoj Kesharwani)