The 31st of May 2013 proved to be magical for this dimpled beauty who has carved a niche for herself in the world of Bollywood. When the vivacious Veronica from Cocktail got transformed into the delightfully subtle Naina in ye Jawaani Hai Deewani, it became clear that this 'star' is here to stay. Yes, Deepika Padukone has arrived yet again and this time with a bigger bang and a better performance than before.
Beaming over the success of her recently released Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani, Deepika takes on our questions with a new zeal and fresh spirit. Be it tough, controversial, or personal, she answers it all to exclusively to Pinkvilla!
We love this Deepika who is all praises for her ex-boyfriend, Ranbir Kapoor and more so for her colleagues and directors Katrina Kaif & Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Get your cuppa and enjoy the joy ride as Deepika chats with Mauli Singh....
YJHD has grossed 100 crores in the first week. Congratulations! Is it because it brought back the hottest pair of ex-lovers together, onscreen?
It’s a combination of a lot of things. Ranbir and I have got a lot of appreciation for our performances. I attribute the success to the film itself. It made people laugh; cry and the characters were so real. I also feel that Pritam's music has contributed a lot to the film's success and a good word of mouth.
We rarely see ex-lovers romancing onscreen in Bollywood. How difficult was it for both of you?
For the world it might seem like two ex-lovers are coming together. But in reality we were two individuals who Ayaan thought were right for these parts. And it so happened that we had known each other from before which made it easier.
Where there points during the shooting when you got reminded of the romantic times spent with Ranbir?
No, not at all. The atmosphere on a film set is so different. You are performing a scene and there are hundreds of people watching you. We are in a great space as far as our relationship is concerned and it will always be like that.
Do you think Ranbir and you are more compatible as friends than lovers?
It’s very unfair to keep dragging our personal equation into this. I wish for once people forget our personal equation and give both of us some credit as actors for having brought what we have onscreen. You either have chemistry with an actor or you don't and I am glad we do. A large part of YJHD's success had to do with our onscreen chemistry. I am sure we are going to do a lot more films together but chemistry doesn't have to do with our past equation.
How did the respective partners react to your decision of working again? Did they feel insecure?
I don't know. I am not in a relationship to be answerable to anyone. I am not sure where Ranbir stands in his life. We are friends but we have created certain boundaries. At no point, while working or not, we have discussed our personal lives with each other.
Pinkvilla recently had a feature on who they would like to see on the next season of Koffee with Karan. There was a huge request from fans to see Katrina and you together in one of the episodes. If such a request came your way, would you accept it?
Sure, why not? I think she would be a lot of fun on a show to be with.
You said in your interviews that you identify a lot with your character Naina. She thinks of herself as boring. Do you?
I wouldn't say I am boring. (After a pause) Actually I still believe I am a boring person.
In what sense?
I am not someone who did anything different or out of the box. I have an OCD when it comes to being organized or planned. But I have become more easy and spontaneous now.
Were you also a geek like Naina in your school days?
Not at all. I was never academically inclined. That’s the only difference between Naina and me. I was a very average student and always interested in sports, dramatics and dance. There was a phase where I was playing professional badminton. I had also done little bit of modeling as a child and that’s when the acting bug bit me.
What is your younger sister Anisha inclined more towards - Bollywood or sports?
She is following her own path. My parents are encouraging her to find her true calling in life. She is free to do what she wants and whenever she wants. There is absolutely no pressure.
Do you think there are enough meaty roles for women in Bollywood? Are you happy with the kind of roles coming your way?
Well, for the kind of films I am being offered, I really can't complain. I couldn't have asked for more.
Which has been your most challenging role so far?
I know Naina got a lot of appreciation but for me Veronica was more difficult because it’s very different from the kind of person I am. Veronica was out of my comfort zone.
Mallika Sherawat called Bollywood regressive at a Cannes interview. What's your opinion?
Absolutely not. Her statement was regressive. It’s sad that she feels this way for a country that has given her so much.
We heard rumors about Sanjay Leela Bhansali losing his temper and screaming at you during the shoot of Ram Leela. Is it true?
I have been working with Sanjay for over six months. Of course he is a task master but as long as you are getting some good work done, nothing else matters. Every director is a task master to some extent. They are the captain of the ship and have a massive responsibility to put a film together. It’s not an easy job.
Were you having a trouble managing dates between Ram Leela and Chennai Express?
I have finished the shooting Chennai Express. Now we just have to market and promote the film.
Ranbir Kapoor as a friend or a boyfriend?
Haha!! (mockingly) As a friend any day.
-- By Mauli Singh