Rubbish to say that America is only for whites, says Padma
American author and television host Padma Lakshmi has never shied away from speaking her mind — be it about body positivity, racism or US President, Donald Trump. She has been quite vocal about the immigration policy of the Trump administration, and even became an ambassador for the American Civil Liberties Union.
Talking about what drove her to activism, she says, “The ACLU have been vocal about civil rights in the US, as it not being respected or followed. This is an issue close to my heart, as I am an immigrant and so was my mother. Immigrants work really hard and we are a big part of the reason why America is a successful country and a global superpower. To diminish our contribution to the economy and the American culture is criminal, and to say that American land is only for white Americans is rubbish. Without getting too political, I think it’s important to speak out and help protect people who don’t have protection of their own.” Padma had immigrated to the US with her mother when she was four. Today, she is a single mother to her daughter, Krishna Thea.
Many Indian actors such as Irrfan, Priyanka Chopra and Anupam Kher are making an impact in Hollywood, and Padma welcomes them all. “It’s great to see that Indian people are making a mark and the world is becoming a smaller place and a bigger place at the same time. I would love to see more Indian artists and actors do well internationally, because for a long time, I felt very lonely (laughs).” Among the many Indian actors, she thinks Irrfan is fantastic and deserves all the success. “I have seen his performances in a number of films, and he reminds me of Om Puri. But he has a greater range than Om did. I don’t know him personally, but I really admire him as an artist,” she says.
Television host and author Padma Lakshmi feels lucky that she gets to be part of a cooking reality show and “not cook a damn thing”. Padma has been the host of the US reality television show AXN’s Top Chef for the past 12 years. Ask her what works for her with the show after 14 seasons, and she says, “We are on top, which is the big motivation. The show airs in over 60 countries, so we feel proud of that fact. And even after 14 seasons, we have a lot to say and share with the world. We make every season better and teach the audiences about cuisines from around the world. What keeps the show fresh is that we travel a lot and incorporate local specialities into the challenges for the contestants.”
Although reality shows are entertaining, the fact remains that most reality show stars fade away once the show wraps up. Padma agrees, saying, “Yes, most reality shows don’t produce actual success stories even with the people who win the shows. But we are a glaring exception. I am proud of the fact that not even American Idol or The Voice produces as many legitimate stars as we have. The winners of our show have made a name in the culinary world, and they are legitimate stars in the industry, with Michelin star restaurants.”
From being a model and hosting a successful TV show to writing books, Padma has had quite a career, but she says success has not changed her much. “I am more careful with security issues and don’t reveal too much about my private life, as I’ve learned the hard way that it doesn’t pay to talk too much. I don’t think I’ve changed otherwise as a person. I am much more mindful of my time and am choosy about what I spend my time on,” she says.
I don’t think I’ve changed as a person. I am much more mindful of my time and am choosy about what I spend my time on. PADMA LAKSHMI ACTOR