Meet the Dynamic Mother-Daughter Duo
There’s nothing quite like watching a mother and daughter team up in the kitchen, and Padma Lakshmi and her adorable daughter, Krishna, are proof of that. Padma, a culinary icon and star of Top Chef, is not only a trailblazer in the food world but also an incredible mom. Her daughter, Krishna, is growing up to be just as charming and talented. Let’s dive into their story and learn more about this special duo.
Padma's Journey to Motherhood
Padma shares her only child with venture capitalist Adam Dell, whose brother, Michael Dell, founded the well-known computer company. In 2009, Padma discovered she was pregnant, but at the time, she wasn’t sure who the father was. She had recently ended a three-year marriage to author Salman Rushdie and was dating two men: Adam Dell and IMG CEO Ted Forstmann, who tragically passed away from brain cancer in 2011.
Padma opened up about her complicated situation on the Today show, explaining, "I probably shouldn’t have been with anybody and just taken the time I needed for myself. But I was presented with two very different, very interesting men, and men do it all the time. I chose to do it. I was open with the men involved." Despite the challenges, she navigated the situation with grace and transparency.
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A Complicated Custody Battle
Even after a paternity test confirmed that Ted Forstmann was not Krishna's father, he fought fiercely to retain parental rights. The three parties eventually settled the custody battle out of court, agreeing to joint custody. This arrangement allowed Padma, Adam, and Ted to co-parent Krishna for several years. In 2017, Padma and Adam rekindled their romance, but she remains focused on her role as a mom rather than rushing into marriage.
Krishna's Life on Set
For Krishna, life isn’t just about school and playdates. She’s often by her mom’s side on set, where she’s become a familiar face. "Now that she’s old enough, she has a scooter and scoots around the sound stage. Everyone knows her, and she knows everyone," Padma told The Daily Dish in 2018. "She feels like she’s a member of the crew." Krishna even has her own little trailer on set, ensuring she can stick to a regular bedtime schedule, even if filming runs late. "Krishna likes to stay up," Padma joked.
Cooking Together at Home
When they’re not on set, Padma and Krishna bond over cooking in their home kitchen. "Krishna has her own mortar and pestle, and she has a wooden kitchen at the end of my kitchen counter," Padma explained. "I put her there so when I’m cooking, she would have something to do. And now, she just sits on the counter with me and actually helps." Krishna has grown more confident in the kitchen and loves experimenting with ingredients. Padma told People in May 2021, "Krishna is a great cook, and loves experimenting with ingredients. It’s been great to see her gain confidence and simply have fun in the kitchen."
Krishna's Role in Padma's Projects
In November 2021, Taste the Nation: Holiday Edition premiered on Hulu, and Krishna made a sweet appearance in the kickoff episode, sharing a Hanukkah dinner with her mom. The episode showcased their incredible bond and left fans smiling. Around the same time, Top Chef announced its 19th season, set to return in March 2022. Padma revealed to People whether Krishna would join her on set in Texas. "Krishna always traveled with me and was on the set of Top Chef all of her life," Padma said. "But now she’s growing up and she has her own life and school is important, so she doesn’t come for the whole season of Top Chef. Whenever I can take her with me for selfish reasons, I just want her close to me."
Final Thoughts
Padma Lakshmi and Krishna have built a beautiful, supportive relationship that inspires fans around the world. Whether they’re cooking, traveling, or simply spending time together, their bond is undeniable. As Krishna continues to grow, Padma remains a dedicated and loving mom, balancing her successful career with her role as a parent. Their story is one of resilience, love, and the power of family.
