Top Chef may have made Padma Lakshmi a household name, but even the seasoned host was once left a little nervous around one of the culinary world’s biggest legends – Anthony Bourdain. As the world remembers him on what would’ve been his 69th birthday, the former host opened up about how his larger-than-life presence left a lasting impression.
Her candid and heartfelt words showcased just how much respect – and a bit of awe – she had for the man who changed the way we see food and travel. Let’s dive deeper!
Why did Padma Lakshmi once feel intimidated by Anthony Bourdain?
Even after several years of hosting Top Chef, Padma Lakshmi once felt a little intimidated by Anthony Bourdain. That’s right – the late chef and TV star had a bold personality and a razor-sharp mind that could easily catch anyone off guard, even someone as seasoned as Lakshmi.
As fans remember Bourdain on what would have been his 69th birthday, Lakshmi opened up about her bond with him. She recalled, as per People, how their connection grew stronger after she became a mother to her daughter, Krishna. The late chef, who was a father himself, softened when it came to talking about their daughters. She also added:
Tony saw the humanity in every person. I really got close to him after the birth of my daughter. I may have even been a bit intimidated by him before that. I think he could see what I was dealing with and juggling. And he had a lot of empathy for that.
Despite his tough and no-nonsense image, he always had a warmer side that came through in those moments. The former host also described him as witty and never full of himself, adding that he never acted like a celebrity, even though he was one.
Whether it was bouncing her baby on his knee or cracking a cheeky joke, he made an impression that she would never forget.
Bourdain’s sudden passing in 2018 left Padma Lakshmi, as well as the entire culinary world, in utter shock. But she said what made him so special was his deep curiosity, empathy, and ability to connect with people through food.
While he left the world at the age of 61, he’ll always be remembered not just as a legend but also as a friend who cared deeply and made the world feel a little more connected.
Interestingly, Bourdain was known for his dislike of cooking shows, as he had said several times in the past. But in this list, he would place Top Chef better than the rest, more evident from the fact that he also made several appearances on the show.
Padma Lakshmi struggled to film Top Chef after Anthony Bourdain’s passing
When Anthony Bourdain passed away, Top Chef was in the middle of filming Season 16 in Kentucky. While the news of his demise hit hard, for Lakshmi, it was more than losing a colleague – it was losing a friend.
She shared via Bravo TV that the day he died was extremely difficult for her and the whole crew. Everyone was shocked, as the late chef seemed happy in his life.
His career was booming, he had a loving relationship, and above everything else, he adored his daughter. So, no one saw it coming. Still, despite her feelings, the work had to go on, and the Top Chef team had to film as planned.
But the emotions were heavy, and Lakshmi added that if they had the choice, they would’ve stayed in bed or spent the day remembering him together.
But instead of that, they pushed through and tried to stay focused on what was supposed to be done. However, apart from her sadness, the former host admired how real he was.
He always spoke his mind and stood up for others, especially women in kitchens. That’s what made working without him so hard. Anthony Bourdain’s presence was big, and his loss was even bigger.
Part 2 of the Top Chef Season 22 finale is set to air on June 12 on Bravo.
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