Deepika Padukone's Interview

WORKING WOMAN
So how’s life post ‘Om Shanti Om’?
It’s been good, it’s been hectic. It’s always a good feeling when your work is appreciated.

How was it working with Farah Khan?
It was a great experience. I got to learn a lot from her. She’s been here for 15-17 years. She has learned everything on the job. She is so educated, technically. I learned from her professionally and personally.

Is it true she made you cry?
Yes, I cried once during the shoot. But she didn’t make me cry. Throughout the shooting, I hadn’t upset her. But on one particular day, I was fumbling with my lines. I was feeling guilty that I upset her. It was because of that.

What’s the worst criticism you’ve received?
I haven’t received any criticism.

Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’ or Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Om
Shanti Om’?
I think ‘Om Shanti Om’ is one of his best films. I’m a big SRK fan. He tries different things in different films.

Did you ever think of making a career in sports?
I have played national level badminton, but I never considered taking it up as a career. I was never interested in professional sport.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
You could have easily participated in the Femina Miss India pageant, but you
did not. Why?
Well, everyone thought I had the potential to make it there. But the challenge for me was to make it without a platform. I don’t have anything against pageants. I just wanted to make it on my own.

Did you always want to be a Bollywood actress?
No, I didn’t want to be an actress. I was interested in modelling.

How does it feel to be the object of collective lust?
I think it’s a great compliment. I haven’t received any negative vibes, so far.A lot depends on how you carry yourself.

What do your parents have to say about your success?
Of course, they’re really happy. No one from my family has been a part of the glamour world. They have always been supportive about whatever I wanted to do. I wouldn’t have been here without their support.

If a role demanded it, would you go for cosmetic surgery?
Never!

How does it feel to be a part of Femina’s list of 50 most beautiful women?
Well, it does feel wonderful. I think it’s a very difficult thing to shortlist 50 beautiful Indian women. I think all women are beautiful. God’s gifted everyone with different types of beauty. It need not always be physical. But I’m happy, nonetheless.

FAST & FURIOUS RUMOURS
Are you single?
That’s a secret.

What’s cooking between you and M S Dhoni?
Nothing at all! These are all rumours.

What about Nihar Pandya?
There’s nothing going on.

We hear you had a tiff with Sonam Kapoor…
That is absolutely untrue. You can ask her.

Are you on a signing spree post ‘Om Shanti Om’?
Not exactly. I’m very selective about what I do. I’m doing two movies after ‘Om Shanti Om’. One is a Yash Raj film with Ranbir Kapoor. Siddharth Anand is directing that. The other is Nikhil Advani’s ‘Chandni Chowk to China’.

RAPID FIRE
Acting or modelling?
Acting.

Badminton or cricket?
Badminton.

Besides Farah Khan, who would you have liked to make your debut with?
I couldn’t have asked for a better debut!

Vamp in an A-grade movie or leading lady in a C-grade movie?
Vamp in an A-grade movie.

Item number with big bucks or meaningful role for free?
Meaningful role for free.

Aamir Khan or Leonardo DiCaprio?
Aamir Khan.

Filmfare Award or Oscar?
Filmfare Award.

STYLE FILE
Which is your favourite perfume?
Hugo Boss.

Who are your favourite Indian and international designers?
There is no particular favourite international designer. Among the Indian designers, my favourites are Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Malhotra and Rohit Bal.

Are you saving up for a car?
I have booked a car that I am getting in two weeks. It will be my second car.

What’s on your shopping wish list?
I picked up the latest iPod Touch. I don’t splurge!

Which designer would you choose for your wedding outfit?
It would have to be a combination of Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Malhotra and Rohit Bal.

The one gadget that you can’t live without?
My phone.