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Deepika Padukone: I don't feel I have achieved anything yet
The Ranveer-Deepika linkup, controversy surrounding its title, its opulence scale -- Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela has constantly been in the news in the days leading up to its release on November 15.
Oddly enough, the film's lead pair and rumoured couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone found time to address the media only a couple of hours before their film hit screens nationwide.
In this interview that followed, the duo talk about their much publicised film and the challenges they faced while shooting for it.
With so much controversy around the film, are you nervous or excited?
Deepika: I am excited because I have worked really hard for the film. We were all emotional when the shooting ended. It felt like the whole burden was off my shoulders.
We got a positive response for the trailer. There is a good buzz about the film and our chemistry in it.
How did Sanjay Leela Bhansali react to the controversy?
Deepika: He has been very busy and we have not been able to speak to him since a few days. The director has lots of responsibility irrespective of the controversy.
We know that there is no problem with the film. We know that the Censor Board passed it with a U/A certificate. Apart from that, we don’t have to know anything.
We are very sure of our content. Since day one we have been saying that this is an intense, passionate love story. We make films to entertain people, to make them laugh and make them happy.
Our intention is not to make people unhappy or hurt anyone’s sentiment.
'The fact that my fans haven't written me off inspires me'
How different is your character in this film from characters you have played in the past?
Deepika: My fans have always supported me in everything I've done so far.
There was a phase when my films were not doing well. In fact, four or five of my films failed at the box-office consecutively. Even then my fans gave me a lot of love and support.
It gives me strength and inspires me because my fans haven't written me off.
I am 15-films-old in this industry. This year I have played characters like Naina Talwar (Yeh Jawaani Hain Deewani), Meena Lochani (Chennai Express) and now Leela (Goliyon Ki Raas Leela Ram-Leela).
I hope that this year ends well for me and my audience gives me the same kind of appreciation they gave to Yeh Jawaani Hain Deewani and Chennai Express.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali said that after Vyjayantimala you are the most beautiful actress he has seen…
Deepika: I think that is a huge compliment coming from Sanjay sir.
But we all know that when Sanjay sir directs any film he falls in love with his actors.
'I am not from the industry; I've learnt everything on film sets'
You once said Imtiaz Ali tapped your potential in Love Aaj Kal. Do you think he has helped you in your career?
Deepika: Yes. Whatever I have achieved in my career today is because of a couple of people who have motivated and supported me.
Imtiaz is one of them, Dinesh Vijayan, producer of Love Aaj Kal and Cocktail, is a good friend.
Whenever I am confused about something I consult Karan Johar.
Ranveer gives a clear perspective on things when I am confused.
I have been very fortunate to have had people like Farah (Khan) and Shah Rukh (Khan) to guide me. I am not from the industry; I've learnt everything on the film sets.
Are you scared of having achieved so much in such a short time?
Deepika: I don’t feel I have achieved anything yet. I feel there is still a lot to do.
I hope I get the opportunity to play more challenging, amazing roles like I did this year. I still have a lot more to achieve.
'I did not want to let Bhansali (sir) down'
Did Bhansali put pressure on you because this film is a tribute to his mother Leela?
Deepika: He didn't ever put any pressure on me, but I personally felt it. Ever since I went on the sets, I had this feeling that I have to be outstanding in this for Bhansali’s sake as I did not want to let him down.
I know what his mother’s name means to him and he gave that name to me so there was a sense of respect.
After the film was over, he gave me a hug. He made me feel that I had done justice to the role. I’m happy about that.
What is the best scene in this film?
Deepika: In every film there is at least one scene that is very good and stands out. Like in Chennai Express the bhoot scene stood out.
When you watch this film, you will realise that the whole film is marvellous. Every scene is haunting and memorable.
'I don't give importance to the 100-crore club'
What was it like working with Supriya Pathak?
Deepika: She is one of our finest actresses. We felt honoured to work with her.
I have recently worked in the film Finding Fanny Fernandes, with Pankaj Kapoor (Supriya Pathak’s husband), and Naseeruddin Shah. It is great to work with talented actors like them.
Two of your films have entered the Rs 100-crore club. What is your view on it?
Deepika: I don’t give importance to the 100-crore club.
I give importance to things repeat value of a film, whether it will be will this film be remembered even after 10 years? will it be a classic?
For me that is a successful film. After earning 100 crore if no one likes the film after a year then what is the point of it?
'Bhansali sir is a director who drains you out'
We have seen you in just one look for a while now. Now that the film has released, will you change it?
Ranveer: I have fallen in love with my moustache. It's like it has become part of me. I will remove it on November 15 for the shooting of Kill Dill.
If I didn't have to change my look to suit my character, I would keep this earring, long hair, long beard and moustache.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali said it was difficult to control your energy on the set…
Ranveer: I want a director who can extract all the energy out of me. Bhansali sir is a director who drains you out.
I love that because I love when someone pushes me beyond my boundaries. Challenging things are always fulfilling.
'He is a very special and rare filmmaker'
What do you think of Bhansali as a filmmaker?
Ranveer: For me Bhansali sir is a very special and rare filmmaker. I’ve been seeing Hindi films since my childhood, and it was after watching all the films that I felt I wanted to be an actor.
I am a big admirer of Hindi films. Bhansali sir is an outstanding filmmaker. He doesn't make many films. As a fan and admirer, when his film releases, it is an event for me. This film is more his than Deepika's and mine.
Which is your favourite Bhansali film?
Ranveer: He has made different kinds of film. It is difficult to pick one -- Khamoshi, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Black, Guzarish. I even liked Saawariya.