Padma Lakshmi Departs 'Top Chef' After 17 Years as Host.

Padma Lakshmi, host and executive producer of Bravo's cooking show Top Chef, has announced that she is leaving the show after its 20th season, known as Top Chef: World All-Stars. Lakshmi has been a part of the show for 17 years and feels it's time to move on to other creative pursuits, including her show Taste The Nation and her books. Top Chef has already been renewed for a 21st season.