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The lady cuts like a knife

Padma Lakshmi talks about her latest role as the Machiavellian Madhuvanthi opposite Sean Bean in Sharpe. And despite Bollywood disasters, she is back shooting in India

HER SEA OF STORIES Padma Lakshmi: `I was drawn to the swordfights; the sets and the very epic feel of the script'

If you are wondering whatever happened to the gorgeous model, actor and popular television host Padma Lakshmi, the answer, my friend, is she super busy doing what she does best — hosting shows and appearing in television series. After the terrible, terrible Boom (ex-husband-to-be Salman Rushdie was apparently awfully miffed with Kaizad Gustad's muddled heist film) and the execrable Mistress of Spices, Padma is probably giving Bollywood a wide berth. That, however, does not mean she is averse to shooting in India. She appeared on the Planet Food show on the Discovery Travel and Living, gamely rolling out papads. Then she also shot in India with Sean Bean (Golden Eye, Lord of the Rings) for History Channel's action-adventure series, Sharpe, which chronicles the adventures of Richard Sharpe, a Lieutenant in the British military during the Napoleonic Wars of 19th Century Spain. The series, based on Bernard Cornwell's novels, airs on Mondays at 9 p.m. on the History Channel.

In an exclusive interview with MetroPlus, Padma Lakshmi shares her experiences shooting the series.

How did you come to be associated with Sharpe?

I was shooting photos in the market for my cookbook when my cellphone rang and my agent told me to jump in a taxi and go to meet the director. I went, met him and read some scenes, and then they told me I had the part.

Tell us about your role in the series?

I play a courtesan called Madhuvanthi who is the king's favourite. When he dies, I become regent of this imaginary Rajasthani province. I also have a lover who is an English turncoat, played by Toby Stephens. It all ends badly when Sergeant Sharpe, played by Sean Bean, shows up to conquer us. Madhuvanthi is a Machiavellian manipulator who is seasoned in survival. She is not exactly bad, just misunderstood.

What attracted you to the series?

I thought it would be nice to be in India and shoot a film here again. I liked the director, and I knew that with Sean and Toby I would be in good acting company. I was drawn to the swordfights; the sets and the very epic feel of the script. It was fun to be on the sets. There was an easy friendliness on set that made everyone do their job well and with a smile and that's often rare on a film set. The credit for that, I think, should go to the director who always came to work knowing what he wanted, and being in charge in a very caring and organised way. Sean was fun to work with, and Toby also is a very generous artiste.

How does India feature in a series set during the Napoleonic wars?

This instalment of Sharpe is set just after the Napoleonic wars. The original books were not set in India but I think Sharpe in India became a very popular idea in the heads of many fans in England. The series is very successful there, and since there hadn't been a new one in eight to nine years, people really looked forward to it. Looking at the beautiful sets we had, we were very lucky to go to work every day.

Could you share some of your experiences shooting in India?

We shot the film on location, and every palace or fort you see is real. It was wonderful to get access to such historical places and be allowed to roam in them. It was certainly easy to get into character. My bedroom is the Sheesh Mahal in Samod palace. And filming the battle scenes at night was very exciting as well. All the horses, the soldiers: it makes an impression on you, especially when the wind is blowing and you're standing in the actual place. It's humbling.

After the food show, you have chosen to appear in an action adventure. How different were the two experiences?

Since the food show, I've been working in Morocco on The Ten Commandments as Princess Bithia, and in India for Sharpe's Challenge and I have to say both experiences are rewarding ones. I'm blessed to be able to do what interests me for a living, and I hope I can continue that. At the end of the day, you just try to work as hard as possible at whatever you do and hope people will respond positively.

Will we be seeing more of you on telly?

Currently here in the United States, I have a show called Top Chef, which airs on the Bravo Channel on food. It is now the highest rated food show across all cable networks. It's nice to see that I can work in both food and film now. I hope people in India will get a chance to see the show. I think you can download it from bravotv.com. They also make me do a weekly blog about the show. Things are very busy here in New York and the New Year will only be busier, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

MINI ANTHIKAD-CHHIBBER

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