'I'm still single!' Padma Lakshmi denies relationship with hotelier Vikram Chatwal - and insists she's still looking for Mr Right
Padma Lakshmi has denied rumors that she is dating high-flying hotelier Vikram Chatwal.
It was reported yesterday that a romance between the pair was 'blossoming', but today, the Top Chef host, 42, insisted that she was still waiting for Mr Right.
She told People: 'I'm still single ... and searching!'
Just good friends: Padma Lakshmi has denied that she is in a relationship with Vikram Chatwal, who owns New York's Dream Hotel - despite bringing him as her guest to her annual Blossom Ball on Monday night
The New York Post reported yesterday that Ms Lakshmi and Mr Chatwal, who owns New York's Dream Hotel, had been on vacation together in India recently.
And on Monday night, the mother-of-one brought Mr Chatwal to her annual Blossom Ball benefiting the Endometriosis Foundation of America.
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But on the rumors surrounding the status of their relationship, Ms Lakshmi said today: 'Vikram and I are just friends and will remain just friends.'
So insistent is she about her single status, she even took to Twitter, adding: 'Pls stop the lies. I'm NOT dating anyone or vacationing with or "cozy" with anyone.'
Sparking rumors: The pair were first spotted together in courtside seats at a Knicks vs. Nets game in December 2012 and were later seen keeping close company over Christmas and New year holidays
Until now, though, Ms Lakshmi and Mr Chatwal have done little to dispel rumors of a romance.
The pair were first spotted together in courtside seats at a Knicks vs Nets game in December 2012 and were later seen keeping close company over Christmas and New Year holidays.
They were also spotted boarding a private jet in Los Angeles earlier this year, and were said to be 'inseparable' at the Dream's New Year's Eve party.
Whether they are an item or not, both parties have their fair share of relationship baggage and trauma.
It has been 18 months since the former model's ex-boyfriend Theodore 'Teddy' Forstmann died of cancer.
Former love: It has been 18 months since the 42-year-old model and Top Chef host's ex-boyfriend Theodore 'Teddy' Forstmann died of cancer
First marriage: Ms Lakshmi wed Salman Rushdie in 2004 - their marriage ended three years later
Mommy's girl: Despite years struggling with endometriosis, a condition that causes pelvic pain and has been associated with infertility, Ms Lakshmi gave birth to Krishna, now three, in February 2010
Mr Chatwal is still married to model Priya Sachdev, and Ms Lakshmi's previous marriage to author Salman Rushdie, which ended in 2007, fueled international tabloids.
As did her custody battle with venture capitalist and ex-boyfriend Adam Dell, the father of her only daughter, Krishna Thea Lakshmi-Dell.
Despite years struggling with endometriosis, a condition that causes pelvic pain and has been associated with infertility, Ms Lakshmi gave birth to Krishna, now three, in February 2010.
The father's identity was not initially given, but it was later revealed to be Mr Dell - brother of Dell computer founder Michael Dell.
Even though ‘Teddy’ Forstmann wasn't found to be Krishna's father, he changed his will to give an undisclosed sum to the toddler before he died in November 2011 at the age of 71.
Charity travel: Ms Lakshmi visited the Keep a Child Alive HIV center in Pune, India last month
Visiting family and friends: The cookbook author also attended a family wedding (left) as well as visiting Keep a Child Alive HIV centre (right)
Home: Ms Lakshmi also took her daughter to India as a travel companion for the two week trip
The financier had dated Ms Lakshmi for several years, including during the birth.
In Forstmann’s will filed at Manhattan Surrogate’s Court, he refers to her as his ‘friend’ and says that he forgives all loans he had given her. Details of Krishna’s trust fund and the money given to her mother have not been made public.
At the time of his death, Mr Forstmann, who was also linked to Princess Diana in the years before her death between 1994 and 1996, was worth $1.8billion.
It had been reported that despite not being her father, Mr Forstmann had been ‘carrying out the role of father since the moment Krishna was delivered into his arms.
Ms Lashimi publicly declared her love for Mr Forstmann by saying: ‘I am lucky to have someone who unwaveringly gave me love and manly support — and is also the person that I love. So thank you, Teddy.’
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