Biography

Has battled endometriosis for many years.

Speaks five languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Italian and Spanish.

Has a seven inch scar on her right arm as a result of a major auto crash that she was in as a child.

Gave birth to her 1st child at age 39, a daughter Krishna Thea Lakshmi (now Krishna Thea Lakshmi-Dell) on February 20, 2010. Child's father is her ex-boyfriend, Adam Dell, brother of Dell Computer founder Michael Dell.

Was discovered by a photographer while spending part of her senior year studying in Spain and he convinced her to begin modeling.

"In India and Italy, where I lived for a long time, we like healthier, more voluptuous types." (2007)

"I write cookbooks and I'm an actress - two things that aren't always compatible, at least for the waistline." (2007)

The best part of modeling was traveling and increasing my knowledge of world cultures. (December 2007)

Some of my friends and people in the art world, including women, say they admire my body. I am proud of my body. Some compare it to the Chola bronzes. And they all wonder how I keep myself so fit. (December 2007)

I was brought to believe that the female form is a beautiful thing. I think it's not so much what you do but how you do it that matters. I don't think I've done anything that was exploitative. (December 2007)