Padma Lakshmi glitters

padma lakshmi is a best-selling author, a skilled chef and a globe-trotting fashion model. since catching the eye of helmut newton six years ago at age 21, the new delhi-born lakshmi has graced the pages of elle, vogue and glamour, traipsed down runways for versace, armani and ralph lauren, and been considered all the more exotic for the seven-inch scar on her right arm - the result of a rather serious car crash she endured as an adolescent.now the leggy lakshmi is making her film debut in the mariah carey rags-to-musical riches vehicle glitter as a diva from planet witch. lakshmi is hoping the role will launch her movie career and help pave the way for her produc-tion company, lakshmi films. lakshmi's career isn't the only thing cooking in her life--she's been romantically linked with author salman rushdie for a year and a half. "he's one of the greatest intellects of our time," says lakshmi. "he's as big as faulkner or hemingway, and when i think about that, i wonder when he's going to figure out that i'm just a silly girl."