Lakshmi confesses to romancing billionaire Forstmann

New York: Former model and celebrity chef Padma Lakshmi has publicly confessed her feelings for US billionaire Teddy Forstmann after declaring him "the person that I love". The 39-year-old actress, who was married to author Salman Rushdie, gave an emotional speech at The Endometriosis Foundation of America`s Blossom Ball recounting her own struggle with the medical condition and her delight at falling pregnant last year. The `Top Chef` host gave birth to daughter Krishna in February this year and she publicly thanked Forstmann for supporting her throughout the pregnancy, acknowledging their romance for the first time, reported New York Post. "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," Lakshmi said during her speech. The Indian-born beauty, who has repeatedly refused to name the father of the baby, has been linked to Forstmann for months and he was initially rumoured to be the child`s dad. However, more recent reports suggested venture capitalist Michael Dell fathered Lakshmi`s tot. Lakshmi announced she was expecting her first child in October, branding the pregnancy a "medical miracle" after years of struggling with endometriosis, in which the lining of the uterus grows in other areas of the body. She divorced famed author Rushdie in 2007. PTI