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Deepika: No cold war between Kareena and me

Deepika Padukone's next film Aarakshan will see her amidst powerhouses like Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan and Manoj Bajpai.

The actress talks to Patcy N about her experience of working on the Prakash Jha film and her stand on caste-based reservations in India.

What was it working with Amitabh Bachchan?

Initially, it was overwhelming, because we have gown up watching his films. He is a legend. To share screen space with him and be in the same frame with him is like an achievement. The way he interacts with people, the way he conducts himself has also been a great learning experience.

Does he give you tips when you work with him?

Once he did give me a tip. I had understood a line a certain way, which was also fine, but he asked me to try it another way and it made sense.

It feels nice when you have that kind of relationship with your co-star. I am glad he took the liberty to tell me that may be I could try it another way. I am glad that I tried it.

'Saif is one of the most talented actors we have'

Saif and you are a 'happening' pair. This is your second film with him. Then there's Race 2 and Cocktail. How is your chemistry with him off screen?

I don't really interact with my co-stars other than my professional working space unless of course when I bump into them. Plus, everyone is just so busy doing their work.

Professionally, he is definitely one of the most talented actors we have. I am a huge fan of his. We worked very well together in Love Aaj Kal. People loved us in the film; the film also did really well. It is nice that they like us as an on-screen couple and repeat us.

What are the Saif films that you like?

Omkara, Salaam Namastey and Kal Ho Naa Ho.

'It doesn't matter how many people are in the film, or there is an Amitji or a Saif'

What made you say yes to this film? How did you work to ensure that your character makes an impact, when you have to compete with experienced actors like Amitabh and Saif?

I completely felt the script; it is something I related to. I believed that as a film, it would be entertaining. It doesn't matter how many people are in the film, or there is an Amitji or a Saif. What is important is my contribution to the film, how important my character is. All our characters are very well written. I think each one has a story to tell, everyone makes an equal contribution to the film.

The character that I play is a girl called Purbi Anand. I am a college student. My father, played by Amitji, is the principal of the college. Prateik plays my best friend Sushant. He is in the college and so is Saif.

Through the film you will see my relationships with these three different characters and how my character reacts when the issue of aarakshan (reservation) flares up and how I am caught between all these relationships.

'We are not taking sides in Aarakshan'

What is your take on reservation?

I can't say that I am for it or I am against it. It is a very sensitive issue. It is something that has existed in our country for more than 50 years. Having done the film, I understand the advantages and the disadvantages, so it is very difficult to take sides.

Have you faced any problem because of reservation at any point in time?

No.

Is Aarakshan pro or anti reservation?

We are not taking sides. We are just stating facts the way they are.

'I am a very good cook'

This film demanded you speak in pure Hindi. How did you manage? Any anecdotes?

Not really. Yes, I was new to some words and had to understand the meaning, but I have never had a problem with my dialogues or understanding the language.

How was it shooting in Bhopal?

It is one of the most beautiful cities that I have shot in. We were there for around two months, and I really want to go back. It is really pretty; it is quiet. My room overlooked the lake. Every evening sir (Jha) would pack up by 5.30 or 6, and I would get to sit in my balcony and watch the sunset. I got a lot of time to spend with myself, which is very rare in an actor's life. It was wonderful.

Your culinary abilities are tested in this film, it seems you were struggling to make round Rotis and Jha and Saif helped you?

That is not true. There is a scene in which I am not supposed to know how to cook and make round rotis. Saif comes and helps me. But in reality I am a very good cook; I love to cook.

'I have done eight so called glamorous films'

What's more satisfying for an actor -- being acknowledged as beautiful and glamourous, or a serious, meaty role? You seem to be gravitating towards the latter with Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey and now Aarakshan.

It is just a coincidence that I had Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey and Aarakshan back to back. I can't plan the release of a film. If I have done two serious films, I have done eight so called glamorous films.

I think what is important apart from good looks and glamour is to make an entertaining film. The audience should be entertained whether it is a romantic film, an issue-based film, or a drama.

What kind of movies do you like to watch?

Love stories.

You travel so much for your work. Does that make you homesick?

Not really. I miss my ghar ka khana (home-cooked food) more than I miss the house.

'Bachna Hai Haseeno didn't do justice to Ranbir and me'

What kind of media reports about you upset you?

Any kind of untrue speculation.

In a recent interview you said you wanted to work with Ranbir Kapoor (with who she had a messy break up). Why?

From the newer generation I feel he is one of the most talented actors. I think he is very good in Wake Up Sid, Saawariya and some of his other films. I think Bachna Hai Haseeno didn't do justice to us as an on-screen couple. So, I want to work with him.

Does it bother you when you are linked with your co-actors?

No, that's the way it is. It is inevitable.

Neil and your tweet made news. Was he really standing outside your house for three hours with a rose in his hand?

I don't know. He tweeted saying he was. Neil is a very good friend. He is someone who I can just call up middle of the night if I ever have a problem. We were just fooling around, so I don't think the media should read too much about it.

'I have been touch with Rajnikanth to make sure he is okay'

Is there really a cold war between Kareena and you?

That is not true at all. In fact, it is upsetting when people say that because we have actually reached the stage today where we are very comfortable with each other. We sit together and we can talk. When she came to London and Hyderabad to meet Saif we all hung out together. So, it is upsetting when they report something that is not true.

Have you been in touch with Rajnikanth regarding his health and your film Rana?

I have. I spoke to him last week and when he had just came back from Singapore. I am very close to his daughter, so I have been touch to make sure that he is okay and that's about it.

Have there been any feelers from Hollywood? Do you see yourself doing films there?

There have been, but I am very happy doing what I am doing here.

So, if you get a good opportunity you won't take it?

If it is something very good, I might consider it. What I have been offered so far has not really been the kind of film that I would like to do.