Drop-dead-gorgeous, successful cookbook author and TV host, former Salman Rushdie muse and wife. So, um, what exactly was the inspiration behind the title of Padma Lakshmis second cookbook, Tangy, Tart, Hot and Sweet? "I came up with the name because those are all the flavours that I think make the perfect meal," explains Padma. "Those were also the flavours that were echoed in recipe after recipe."

Ask her about the one dish her palate cant get enough of, "It's a condiment called Chili Honey Butter. Its so simple that anyone can make it and great on anything from your morning toast, vegetables or chicken and fish."

Sounds divine! Much like Padma, who could make even a strawberry tart look sexy. With that in mind, one naturally asks: Aphrodisiacs - a myth, fantasy or reality? "I dont believe that there are any foods that are true aphrodisiacs because of their ingredients. Its more the act of who you are eating those foods with," reveals Padma, adding, "I think one of the most nurturing things you can do is to cook for someone you love, but being a good cook never hurts."

Rumoured to be seeing billionaire Ted Forstmann (whos been linked with Princess Diana in the past), Padma remains tight-lipped on the subject of dishy men. "Im always attracted to men more because of what they have done in their lives rather than what they look like," she offers, "so I cant really name any of the people that we traditionally think of as heartthrobs because I dont look at it that way."

After the clunker Boom, any plans of giving Bollywood another shot? "Im always open to any film opportunity that allows me to work in India because I miss being there, but its hard to divide your time between continents when you have a schedule like mine," says Padma, whos soon launching a jewellery line.

Planning to visit India in the next few months for her charity work with Keep A Child Alive and an AIDS foundation, Padma says her motto has always been, "It's not what you do but how well you do it." Indeed.

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