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A new challenge

Padma Lakshmi tells MINI ANTHIKAD-CHHIBBER about her latest assignment as the Machiavellian Madhuvanthi in the tele-series, "Sharpe"

HAVING FUN WITH FOOD AND FILM Padma Lakshmi

If you are wondering what happened to model, actor and TV host Padma Lakshmi, the answer, my friend, is she's super-busy doing what she does best — hosting shows and appearing in television series. After the terrible Boom (novelist husband 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 food show, gamely rolling out papads and 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, 9 p.m., on History Channel.

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

How did you come to be associated with "Sharpe"?

I was shooting photographs in the market for my cookbook when my cell phone rang and my agent told me to jump into a taxi, go and 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 knew that with Sean and Toby, I would be in good acting company. I was drawn to the swordfights, the sets and the epic feel of the script. There was friendliness on the sets that made everyone do their job well and with a smile. The credit goes to the director who always came to work knowing what he wanted, and was in charge in a caring and organised way. Sean was fun to work with, and Toby is a 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 popular idea with many fans in England. The series is successful there, and since there hadn't been a new one in eight to nine years, people really look forward to it. Looking at the beautiful sets we had, we were lucky to go to work everyday. The season that's being shot in India is called Sharpe's Challenge.

Could you share some of your experiences while 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 there. It was certainly easy to get into character. My bedroom is actually the Sheesh Mahal in the Samod palace. And filming the battle scenes at night was exciting. All the horses, the soldiers: it leaves an impression.

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 television?

Currently in the U.S., I have a show called Top Chef, which airs on the Bravo Channel on food. It is currently 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.

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