Padma Lakshmi poses in lace underwear for Playboy magazine

Padma Lakshmi shows off her svelte figure in white lace underwear and a see-through lace overlay dress in the December issue of Playboy magazine

In the accompanying interview, the 42-year-old Top Chef star admits that her model good looks makes her something of a man magnet, although she is usually unaware of her own attraction.

“A lot of men get frustrated with me, actually, because I am like a guy,” the Daily Mail quoted her as saying.

“Honestly, I’m like a truck driver trapped in this body. I don’t want to be your best friend. I don’t expect you to give me a birthday card or send me flowers."

“Don’t get me wrong. That stuff’s nice, but I am a physical and sensual person. I love to be held. I love massages. I’m just not a Hallmark kind of gal,” she said

Lakshmi, who hails from Chennai, India, also revealed what attracts her in a man.

“I want someone who’s a challenging adversary, who can tease me and get away with it, who can flirt and make me think and laugh and blush,” she said.

“But there’s an art to that. You either have it or you don’t

“Sex is good when the attraction is good. It’s not a technical skill. If my mind is engaged, the body will follow,” she added.