Deepika Padukone has teamed up again with ex-flame Ranbir Kapoor for Ayan Mukerji’s Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. The actress speaks to Sreya Basu in Mumbai on the film and more
BACHNA AE Haseeno (2008) was the first film you and Ranbir Kapoor did together. How was it working with him again after 5 years in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani?
We all know what a big star he is today, what amazing performances he has given so far. He had won all awards last year as well as this year. It feels great to see his growth as an actor.
Tell us about your character Naina Talwar in the film.
Naina Talwar is a girl who is extremely introverted and shy. She is not comfortable about herself. She appreciates people around her but cannot understand how to open up in front of them. The film is about her journey of experiences of meeting people, and then, how she comes to be on her own. Eventually as Naina grows old with her own experiences, she becomes a young, confident girl.
How much can you relate to that character?
I can identify myself with that character a lot. I was like Naina.
What is the one thing you learnt from Ranbir during the making of the film?
The one thing I noticed during shooting, which I don’t think I will be ever able to do, is that Ranbir never prepares for a scene; even if he has a difficult one, say, with two pages of dialogue. He is never stressed or worried even if he has an emotionally straining scene to shoot.
You are doing Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Ram Leela with Ranveer Singh. How was the experience?
Sanjay Leela Bhansali creates magic. He has the capability to bring out that performance from an actor which he/she could never have imagined to be able to do.
You are also doing Rohit Shetty’s Chennai Express with Shah Rukh Khan. How was it working with him again after your debut film Om Shanti Om in 2007?
I am always ready to do any film with Shah Rukh Khan… only difference is that while working in Chennai Express I felt more confident and comfortable than I was during Om Shanti Om.
Now that you are bagging some of the biggest projects of Bollywood, what is the one thing that you look for in a script before saying yes?
I have always done only those films in which I had my belief. I have never really cared if a film is big or small or if people expect me to do the film or not. Fortunately, I have played my cards right so far.
Is it really difficult for actors to be friends?
Yes, a little. But it’s not difficult to be cordial. I feel when you are working in the same industry, the least you can do is to be warm and nice to people around you.
Tell us the secret of your good looks.
I try not to get fidgety with my skin. I maintain a healthy diet, drink enough water and try to get adequate sleep. I know I am sounding like a dietician, but these are the little things that I maintain. (TWF)
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