Padma Lakshmi is smoking hot at 38

Padma Lakshmi might be known as Mrs. Salman Rushdie (she was married to the author between 2004 and 2007), but this cookbook author, actress, cooking reality TV judge (Top Chef) and former model is far more complex that just arm candy.

Padma is one of those women who simply stops traffic because she’s tall, exotic looking, beautiful, well mannered and incredibly stylish and chic. No wonder this former model walked the catwalk for some of the top designers: Alberta Ferretti, Emanuel Ungaro and Ralph Lauren. She’s also done ad campaigns for Versus and Roberto Cavalli; and she’s appeared on numerous magazine covers.

In a world where imperfection is seen as evil, Padma proudly displays her scar left behind by a tragic accident at the age of 14. She has a seven-inch scar on her right arm that is very to conceal or hide.

In fact, she explained during a recent appearance on Chelsea Lately that a photographer insisted on photographing the scar for a photo shoot for a high fashion magazine because that imperfection made her even more perfect.

Given her God-given good looks, it’s no surprise that Lakshmi was named number 66 on “The Top Most Desirable Women of 2008″ list for AskMen.com.

More recently, Padma has been playing off of her culinary talents by publishing two cookbooks and by hosting a number of shows on Food Network.

Padma Lakshmi is my Celebrity Beauty Pick because I’m a sucker for anyone who reinvented themselves and also finds success in their new career!

First photo by Richcianci