Padma Lakshmi, originally known as the first internationally successful Indian supermodel, is now a successful actress, award-winning writer and the host of Bravo's Emmy and James Beard nominated "Top Chef," as well as being the new face of Pantene's Nature Fusion line.

Because of Padma's unique natural beauty and strong Indian roots, she is the perfect representative of the new Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion collection, which features the essence of the India-derived Cassia seed in an amazing fusion of nature and science. Pantene is thrilled that Padma has joined the Pantene family and will star in the collection's advertising in 2009.

As an accomplished writer, Padma is the author of Easy Exotic. The book is a low-calorie, low-fat ethnic cookbook and is currently in its third printing. Her second cookbook Tangy, Tart, Hot & Sweet, is a bestseller and is filled with more than 150 recipes from around the world and intriguing personal memoirs. Additionally, she has contributed to national and international magazines and is the founder and CEO of the Padma Collection, a line of fine jewelry which recently launched—and sold out—at Bergdorf Goodman.

Padma began modeling while an exchange student from the university where she received a B.A. in Theater Arts. She was discovered by a modeling agent while sitting in a café and since then has appeared in numerous fashion editorials and walked the runway for many international designers.