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Deepika Padukone: I did have that angst with Ranbir
One of the top actresses in the film industry today, Deepika Padukone seems very kicked about her film Desi Boyz. In the film that releases today, November 25, Deepika is cast opposite John Abraham for the first time. The film also stars Akshay Kumar and Chitrangada Singh.
In conversation with Sonil Dedhia, Deepika talks about the film, her relationship with former beau Ranbir Kapoor and her being linked with Siddharth Mallya.
Were you disappointed that Aarakshan failed at the box office?
Yes and no. The film taught me a lot. It gave me the opportunity to work with one of the finest actors India has ever seen.
On the other hand, it is disappointing when a film doesn't live up to expectations, but one must take the positives and keep moving on.
Desi Boyz revolves around the two boys. Were you at any time sceptical of doing the film?
No, I don't think so. The film revolves around two boys (Akshay Kumar and John Abraham) who are hit by recession and their lives take a complete twist. What these two boys end up doing is for the girls in their lives and so in that sense, my character was completely justified. When I agree to do a film, I look at it in totality rather than just concentrating on my character.
'John is a wonderful co-star'
Your chemistry with John Abraham in the promos has become the talk of the town.
The credit goes to Rohit (Dhawan, the director of the film). He thought there would be fresh chemistry with the pairing of John and me. Sometimes, the most unusual pairings work.
How was John to work with?
He is a wonderful co-star and very easy to work with. He is extremely caring and supports everyone on the sets. He makes sure that everyone around him is comfortable and happy.
Is it true that you agreed to be a part of this film because Rohit Dhawan is a good friend?
Yes, I have known him for many years and it did influence me to do the film. But the fact cannot be denied that he wrote an interesting script.
Today, every other filmmaker is making a romantic comedy and to make a film in a similar genre but yet make it look different is not easy. I think Rohit has proved himself with this film.
'I think Rohit Dhawan has proved himself with this film'
What is your take on Rohit Dhawan's skills as director?
He never made anyone feel that he is a new director. He knows exactly what he is doing and what he wants from his actors. The fact that he has directed four actors speaks about his confidence.
He has been in the industry for some years assisting his father (David Dhawan) and knows his craft really well.
You mentioned that a lot of filmmakers are making romantic comedies. How is Desi Boyz different from the rest?
Everyone has been saying that the film looks fresh. I don't know whether it is the casting or the script or the way the film has been shot. The film is a breezy and feel-good film.
What do you look for when you are working with a young and debutant director?
As I mentioned earlier, Rohit was super confident of what he was doing. He has written the film himself and hence had tremendous clarity about the subject. The faith a director has in his own work and in his film gives an actor a sense of security to work with him/her.
'Ranbir will always remain very special to me'
You are doing Ayan Mukherji's Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani with Ranbir Kapoor. Are you excited?
I am really excited and looking forward to doing this film. Ranbir is a brilliant actor and I am sure I am going to learn a lot from him.
The fact that the film is directed by Ayan Mukherjee is pretty exciting. He is a brilliant director and I guess he is the right person to direct the film. Nobody knows Ranbir and me better than Ayan. He is the right person to bring us together in a love story.
How has your equation been with Ranbir all these years?
I think we are in a very friendly and comfortable space. We are very close friends and I think he will always be very special to me, not because of what we shared but because of the kind of person he is.'Ranbir and I have moved on'
Ranbir was quoted on a television show saying "Deepika has some angst against me... I think it would have been more graceful of her if she had picked up the phone and spoken to me about it rather than speaking on a public platform." Your reaction?
Yes, I did have that angst and I guess any woman would have reacted similarly in the situation that I was in. There are a lot of things that were written about us and our personal life, but today we have put it all behind us and moved on. We are both happy and comfortable with each other and I think that is what matters to me.
Sonam has been talking against Ranbir. Recently she said that he is a mama's boy. How much truth is there in it?
She has made those comments so you should ask her (Smiles).
Ranbir and you were very vocal about your relationship but off late, you have been very guarded in what you say.
Yes, of course. As I said, too much was said about us and there is always constant speculation from the media and other people. This speculation is not restricted to the couple but also brings in their families.
There were all sorts of predictions of where the relationship was heading and that puts a strain on any couple in the limelight. Some people can handle it but I can't.
'I dont think I need to define my relationship with Siddharth Mallya'
You don't deny that Siddharth Mallya and you are more than friends but you don't accept it either. Where does this put your relationship with him?
There is no definition to it and I don't think I need to define it for anyone.
You also said that you find Siddharth very attractive.
Of course I said that. I find him very good looking.
How do your parents react to all the rumours surrounding you?
I think they have always been very supportive of all the decisions I have taken so far. I have made some wise decisions and some foolish ones but they have never complained. At the end of the day, they know I am very independent.
I know what I am doing and I know that even if I make mistakes they will always be there. Without them I wouldn't have been what I am today.
'I get upset when false stories are written about me'
You recently said that your father Prakash Padukone should be conferred the Bharat Ratna.
Actually, the words were put in my mouth. I was at a press conference in Indore when a journalist suddenly said that he had read an interview of mine where I had said that my father should get the Bharat Ratna. I have never made a comment like that at any point of time.
My father has won the Arjuna Award and that in itself is a huge achievement. Having said that, if people or the government are considering him for the Bharat Ratna, it will be a big honour as he has contributed to the growth of sports in India.
Your mother has voiced her opinion on the kind of person she is looking for your marriage. What are you looking out for in your ideal man?
She has definitely set a high benchmark because I think daughters look for the same qualities their fathers have, in their husbands, and she has made it really difficult for me (Smiles).
'I am really fond of Priyanka Chopra'
Priyanka recently said that if she had to kiss a woman, she would kiss you.
(Smiles) The first time I heard about it I started blushing like a 16-year-old. I didn't know what to do and couldn't stop smiling. I think it is a huge compliment.
I am really fond of Priyanka and I've known her from the time she started as an actor and I had just started modelling. She has great energy and is always chatty.
There are reports that you are doing a steamy scene with Saif Ali Khan in Race-2...
Well, there are intimate scenes in the film, but it is definitely not the way it has been reported. After all, it is just a part of the film. I don't treat it differently from any other scene in the movie and I don't think there is any need to sensationalise it.
If you are romantically cast opposite someone in a film, there are bound to be romantic or emotional scenes. There is no need for anyone to raise their expectations.
You are doing a film called Rana with superstar Rajnikanth. Have you raised expectations for yourself?
I have already worked with one superstar, Amitabh Bachchan, and it was like a dream come true. I think it will be the same with Rajni sir. It feels like an accomplishment or like a milestone in my career.
'I am constantly striving to be the best'
What do you think about the Deepika Padukone that you read about in the newspapers every day?
(Thinks) Good question. A lot of it is true and a lot of it is false. It really hurts when false stories are written about me and I do get upset because every article that is printed gives some kind of impression about me to the people who read it.
It is very important for the media to portray a person as he/she really is. At the end of the day, there is nothing much I can do about what the media writes about me. Eventually, people love us for the films that we do.
At the same time, how important is it for an actor to stay in the limelight?
I don't think it is really important to be in the limelight, unless your film has been appreciated and has done well and you genuinely have something to say.
Have you ever received hate mail from fans?
So far I haven't, or someone is filtering them for me! I reply to all my fan mail personally. I think it is the best way to stay in touch with your fans. It may be the traditional way, but I enjoy it. I am not a Twitter person.
How do you react when you see yourself on the big screen?
I am very critical about my work. It is very hard for me to please myself. I rarely appreciate my own work and I guess that is because I am constantly striving to be the best. There is still a long way to go and there are still a lot of things that I need to achieve.
'Cocktail drained me physically, emotionally and even mentally'
You have an interesting line-up of films next year...
I am really looking forward to Homi Adajania's Cocktail where I am paired opposite Saif Ali Khan. It is a film which drained me physically, emotionally and even mentally to a point. It is one of those films where I have really pushed my boundaries.
Apart from that, Race-2 and Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani are going to keep me busy and excited.
How would describe the following actors?
John Abraham: Intelligent, charming and very simple.
Akshay Kumar: Very disciplined and fit.
Rajinikanth: Legend.
Saif Ali Khan: Worldly. He is very intelligent and has travelled all over the globe. He can talk about movies, music, life and a lot of different things.
Ranbir Kapoor: Charming, and a brilliant actor.