New York, Apr 27 (IANS): Supermodel-actress Padma Lakshmi has revealed that late pop star Prince was a "huge influence" on her life.

"He was a huge influence on my life and my adolescence. I grew up with Prince," Lakshmi, 45, told people.com at the TIME 100 Gala here on Tuesday.

"I don't remember being this upset when any other performer passed away. Not Michael Jackson, not anybody. Bowie, yes, because I know Iman and David," she said, adding, "And I knew Prince too, but I wasn't that close to him. But I just knew him. I've been depressed all week".

Lakshmi was a big fan of the "Purple rain" singer and much to her surprise, the late singer was a fan of her reality TV series "Top Chef".

"He was a 'Top Chef' fan. He was very generous. He was funny. He knew what it was," she added.

Not only did the mother of one recall dancing at his final "Saturday Night Live" appearance, Lakshmi also remembered her favourite Prince memory.

"He was very mischievous. You think that's an act, but he's very witty. He had a great sense of humour," she explained.

"I didn't know how small or how much shorter he was than me when I first was talking to him like this. That was a shock. He was 5'2". And barefoot, I'm 5'9". It was incredible to see him live," she added.

Prince was found dead at the age of 57 at his home at Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minnesota, on April 21.