Padma Lakshmi strips down for glamorous Pirelli Calendar shoot

Forget about her role in “Top Chef,” Padma Lakshmi is now making waves as a top model!

Following Pirelli’s announcement on Instagram that Padma Lakshmi would be part of the prestigious annual calendar, the TV host shared a glimpse of the sultry photoshoot in some behind-the-scenes videos.

The Instagram series showcased the 53-year-old star striking poses in a sheer gown, elegantly covering her chest while a crew member fanned her hair.

Other clips capture Lakshmi standing waist-deep in water, wearing a soaking wet white blouse.

She is also spotted strolling along the beach in a white robe during breaks from the shoot.

“A while back, you might remember that I traveled to Miami for a secret project. Well, I can finally reveal that it was for the Pirelli Calendar photoshoot!” the “Top Chef” host announced in her caption, giving a shoutout to this year’s photographer, Ethan James Green.

Lakshmi expressed that it has always been a dream of hers to be a part of the Pirelli Calendar, which has previously featured renowned personalities like Naomi Campbell, Serena Williams, and Nicole Kidman.

“The @pirelli calendar is iconic, and when I was modeling in Italy in the 90s, I’d always wondered what it would be like to be photographed for it,” she continued. “I can’t believe I finally got to fulfill a major bucket list item for the 25-year-old me. Better late than never!!!”

In the photos, the author of “Love, Loss, and What We Ate” flaunts a natural, dewy makeup look with loose curls, giving credit to the talented glam team behind her transformation.

“Thank you Pirelli for making a dream come true, and thank you to the amazing glam team: @tonnegood, @fulviafarolfi, @lucas.a.wilson for not only making me feel safe and cared for but also beautiful, womanly, and completely comfortable in my own skin.

“I’m grateful that I waited until now to do it because I cherish it much more,” Lakshmi added, before concluding with a few words of encouragement.

“Ladies, don’t let anyone ever tell you it’s too late. Your best life and work could be just ahead of you. That’s how I’ve been feeling lately, and I hope the same for you.”

This sentiment echoes one that Lakshmi recently shared while starring in her Bare Necessities lingerie campaign.

“I’m more confident now, physically and otherwise,” the model confessed. “And I would never go back to my 20s, even if it meant I had a body that was more fit, skinny, tight, and perky in all the right places. You know, I look OK now!”

Lakshmi is not the only recognizable face set to grace the pages of the 2025 Pirelli calendar.

The brand also teased beachy images of Hunter Schafer, Simone Ashley, and Jodie Turner-Smith in its announcement post.

We are eagerly anticipating the final results!