Padma Lakshmi Embraces Her Age: Feeling Confident at 53 (Interview Exclusive)

Padma Lakshmi Says Shes at Her Sexual Peak at 53 I Feel Great About That

Padma Lakshmi Courtesy of Bare Necessities

Padma Lakshmi is fully embracing the process of aging and the wisdom that comes with it.

At 53 years old, Lakshmi shared with We during an exclusive interview on Wednesday, May 29, at the Crosby Street Hotel in New York City. She was promoting her Bare Necessities collaboration and confidently stated, "I'm at my sexual peak. Let's just be honest about it. I feel great about where I am at this stage in my life. I am not concerned about others' opinions, not even my mother's, unless she is very supportive."

Lakshmi shared that there was a time in her life when she felt a lot of fear. Coming from a traditional South Indian family, she was worried about her grandfather seeing certain photos. However, she no longer feels constrained by those fears and the pressure to meet their expectations.

As she has grown older, Lakshmi has become more outspoken and enjoys expressing herself freely. In her 2016 memoir, Love, Loss and What We Ate, she candidly shared her thoughts and feelings without holding back.

"I just shared everything so that I could take away the power," she explained. "Nobody could say anything about me that I hadn't already said about myself."

Lakshmi expressed that she finds it "so liberating" not to care about others' opinions. She aims to evoke the same feeling in people who wear her lingerie line with Bare Necessities. "I want them to feel happy, confident, and comfortable," she emphasized. "No matter how beautiful you may look, if you're not comfortable, you won't exude beauty."

Padma Lakshmi Says Shes at Her Sexual Peak at 53 I Feel Great About That

Padma Lakshmi Courtesy of Bare Necessities

She continued: “I want people to wear these things, feel good, and then go on to do the things that truly matter in life, like falling in love, pursuing their projects, spending time with their kids, and dancing until midnight.”

Lakshmi, who has a 14-year-old daughter named Krishna, shared that she weighs about 35 pounds more than she did at age 23. Despite this, she feels “so much sexier” and loves her current body, stating, “I wouldn’t go back to that body.”

Lakshmi sees aging positively, despite the common negative perception. She proudly embraces being 53 years old and challenges stereotypes about age.

A few years back, Lakshmi wore a 34C bra size. However, she is now surprised to find herself fitting into a 36DD.

She expressed her sadness over beautiful dresses in her closet that no longer fit, waiting for her daughter to grow into them. Finding bras that fit her new body was a challenge as she struggled to find ones that were both functional and stylish. She often encountered bras that made her feel matronly and not true to herself.

She went on to criticize the societal pressure on women to fit into a narrow definition of attractiveness based on size and appearance, calling it nonsense.

With reporting by Travis Cronin

Editor's P/S:

Padma Lakshmi's journey of self-acceptance and embracing aging is inspiring. Her perspective on sexuality, body image, and societal expectations challenges the common negative perceptions associated with aging. Lakshmi's confidence and willingness to share her experiences openly empower others to embrace their own unique journeys. Her collaboration with Bare Necessities aims to promote comfort, confidence, and liberation, encouraging individuals to prioritize their happiness and well-being over societal pressures.

Lakshmi's experiences highlight the importance of breaking free from cultural and societal norms that restrict self-expression and body positivity. Her advocacy for inclusivity and embracing diversity in body shapes and sizes is a reminder that beauty and confidence come from within. Lakshmi's message encourages individuals to celebrate their own unique qualities and defy the narrow definitions of attractiveness imposed by society.