Why Did Padma Lakshmi Split From Ex-Husband Salman Rushdie? Identity Crisis, Health Woes And More

Padma Lakshmi needs no introduction in the elite circles of the US. She is a globally-renowned television host, author, model, and activist who has long been in the public eye. But apart from her work, Padma Lakshmi's unsteady relationships were equally in the news. Whether it was her high-profile marriage to Salman Rushdie or a brief relationship with the American venture capitalist, Adam Dell, her fans were always curious to know what went on behind the scenes in her personal life. However, amid all the dating buzz, Lakshmi tied the knot only once and here's why she chose to break free from it.

Padma Lakshmi had a whirlwind romance with Salman Rushdie 

One of the most talked-about chapters of Padma Lakshmi's love life was her relationship with celebrated author, Salman Rushdie. Unlike her recent success, Lakshmi was still a young cookbook author and model trying to make her mark when she met Salman in 1990 and instantly fell for his intelligence and aura. She once recalled in an interview with Jess Cagle how he was a renowned figure in India, and she couldn't help but feel impressed by his interest in her. Sharing her feelings from that time, Lakshmi said:

"Imagine a young woman in her twenties, who loves books and has published her little cookbook and in comes this guy. I mean, he was the best thing that ever happened to me by a mile. The fact that somebody of that stature and calibre was even interested remotely enough in me to want to take me to lunch was kind of unbelievable."

The duo soon went for their first lunch date in Central Park, where his words captivated her, and there was no looking back for them. Soon, Salman Rushdie divorced his third wife, Elizabeth, something he claimed was long over and began living with Padma Lakshmi in 2000. After three blissful years, the former couple decided to tie the knot in 2004. Padma Lakshmi described that the relationship felt wonderful to her due to their shared cultural identity as Indians living in the West, which made her feel understood. However, when her career in the food industry began to rise, cracks began to form in their marriage. Recalling her struggle to be by Salman Rushdie's side, she said: 

"I just wanted my own identity."

Padma Lakshmi's battle with endometriosis brought new issues in her marriage 

Another major cause of strain in Padma Lakshmi and Salman Rushdie's married life was the former's battle with endometriosis. It was a painful condition which had gone undiagnosed for years, affecting her physically and emotionally. At the same time, the chronic pain from the condition left her bedridden at times and strained their intimacy. Lakshmi often felt a pressure to hide her condition from her then-husband, who ended up calling her a bad investment. In the end, Salman Rushdie and Lakshmi parted ways in 2007. Recalling how she struggled with the condition, she said:

"Endometriosis was definitely a major reason that my marriage failed, and I don't think either of us understood it at the time. I think that's also because I hid it to a certain degree, not intentionally, but you know, it's weird to talk about your period all the time."

Padma Lakshmi's bond with Salman Rushdie after their divorce 

After parting ways with her ex-husband, Salman Rushdie, Padma Lakshmi became a vocal advocate for women's health. She co-founded the Endometriosis Foundation of America to raise awareness about the condition. Later, when Lakshmi published her memoir, Love, Loss and What We Ate, she included a chapter about the end of her marriage. It was because Salman Rushdie was a major part of her life, and it marked the beginning of her battle with endometriosis. In turn, she discussed it beforehand with him, and he gave a nod. Padma Lakshmi explained that despite their separation, some part of her continued to love him. 

What do you think about Padma Lakshmi's reason for split with her ex-husband, Salman Rushdie?

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