Padma Lakshmi Pays Tribute as Top Chef Fatima Ali Passes Away

“Goodbye lil’ sis,” said Padma Lakshmi in her heartfelt tribute.

Pakistani-American Top Chef contestant Fatima Ali passed away on 25 January.

(Photo: Twitter/Altered by TheQuint)

Fatima Ali, who competed in the fifteenth season of Top Chef, passed away on Friday, 25 January, after a long battle with a rare form of cancer called Ewing’s sarcoma.

Ali was diagnosed with the rare ailment that affects the bones and tissues, had a relapse, and was re-diagnosed with cancer in October.

“Goodbye lil’ sis,” said Padma Lakshmi

Tributes poured in for Ali, who was a favourite on and off the screen. Top Chef host and Ali’s close friend, Padma Lakshmi posted a heartfelt tribute on Twitter.

“ Goodbye lil’ sis. One of our brightest stars has fallen from the sky.... I have no words,” said Padma Lakshmi in her tweet.

She also posted a short video featuring Fatima and herself.

Ali had shared her last health update on Instagram about two weeks ago in which she said, “I’m sick and unfortunately I’m getting sicker. Right now all I need are prayers; prayers that are simple.”