Padma Lakshmi Couldn’t Believe She Landed Her First Sports Illustrated Shoot At 52 – HuffPost

Introduction

Padma Lakshmi is a well-known name in the culinary world, thanks to her role as the host of Bravo’s cooking competition show “Top Chef.” However, she recently made headlines for a different reason. The 52-year-old model, author, and TV personality posed in a bikini for the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. In this article, we will discuss Lakshmi’s feelings about the photo shoot and her thoughts on ageism in the modeling industry.

The Photo Shoot

In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel on May 1, 2023, Lakshmi revealed that she had never expected to be asked to pose for Sports Illustrated. “I’ve never been asked to do anything like this before,” she said. “I was thrilled, I was terrified, I was all of the above.” Despite her nerves, Lakshmi looked stunning in a white string bikini as she lounged on a tropical beach. She told Kimmel that she had tried to prepare for the shoot by working out more and eating healthy foods, but ultimately she relied on the expertise of the Sports Illustrated team to guide her through the process.

Ageism and Diversity

One of the reasons that Lakshmi’s Sports Illustrated shoot was so noteworthy is because it challenged traditional beauty standards and ageism in the modeling industry. “They’ve [Sports Illustrated] definitely been a trailblazer in terms of diversity,” Lakshmi told Kimmel. “They’ve been showcasing different body types and ages and ethnicities for a while now.” Lakshmi hopes that her appearance in the magazine will inspire other women over 50 to feel confident in their bodies and pursue their dreams, regardless of their age.

Conclusion

Padma Lakshmi’s Sports Illustrated photo shoot has reminded us all that beauty and confidence come in many forms. At 52 years old, she showed that age is just a number and that it’s never too late to try something new. By embracing diversity and inclusivity, Sports Illustrated has made important strides in the modeling industry and given a platform to people who often feel overlooked. Padma Lakshmi’s debut in the magazine is a significant step forward in the fight against ageism and body shaming.