There’s nothing you can’t like about Ranveer: Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone has had three massive releases this year — Piku, Tamasha and Bajirao Mastani. With every bit of praise that has been consistently coming her way for all these films, Bajirao… being the latest, the glow on her face is unmistakable. We settle down for a chat in her vanity van parked at the Mehboob Studios where she goes on to talk about her films, the directors she has worked with this year, what irritates her about rumoured boyfriend Ranveer Singh and how she missed Shah Rukh Khan while promoting Bajirao Mastani. Excerpts:

First of all, that would be the chance to work with Sanjay (Leela Bhansali) for the second time. Every time you work with him, you discover new things about yourself, as a person and as an artist. You face challenges that drain you both physically and mentally. And then you come out rejuvenated and refreshed because creatively, it is such a satisfying experience. I think that has been my biggest takeaway from this film.

It’s tough on a physical and an emotional level, because you are juggling three completely different films with completely differently characters. The interpretation of each character is different and so are the directors and their temperaments. So yes, in some ways it’s not the most ideal work scenario for me. If I had my way, I would have liked to do one film at a time. But having said that, I was not going to give up on any of the film experiences. I am greedy like that and I wanted to be a part of all of them. Those are times you realise that physically you will be going though a lot, simply by moving from one set to the other.

Emotionally, too, you are switching moods. As an actor, you are required to manipulate your moods and feelings everyday, in keeping with the character you play. It’s not easy at all. And then, the promotions suck the life out of you — that’s in fact more difficult than the film itself. Films are still fun and we are creative people; we enjoy being on a film set. What is actually more exhausting are the promotions.

Shoojit (Sircar) is a very spiritual person and a lot of that you seen in the character Piku. He has a different take on life, on people and on the universe in general. As for Imtiaz, he’s my jaan — he knows me better than I know myself, and he’s first my friend and then my director. His words mean a lot to me. Working with Sanjay sir has been creatively my most satisfying experience. He’s someone, like Ranveer said recently, who gives you wings to fly. He makes you feel like you are greatest actor in the world and then gives you a really difficult challenge to overcome.

I would like to play a sportsperson for a simple reason that they are just made differently. I have a living example at home and I get to meet some of the most iconic sportspersons. To answer your question, I can’t think of anyone in particular right now. But someone I am hugely inspired by from current times would be Roger Federer and Rahul Dravid. Being a woman, obviously I cannot essay their characters. But they are people I am hugely inspired by.

Two things actually. The confidence and strength that my family has given me. On a personal level, I attribute my success to my determination.

Nothing really, but yes, he’s a very special person in my life. I started my career with him and we’ve done some special films together. We would spend a lot of time while promoting our films. But yesterday, all of a sudden, the realisation hit me that he has been promoting a film without me. On a personal level, I missed him this time round. Professionally, I wish them as much luck as I wish for my own film. I have grown up watching Shah Rukh and Kajol. There is a reason why we believe in love of a certain kind, and I think they have hugely influenced that idea.

I like how simple and grounded he is. There’s nothing that you can’t like about him.

He eats too much junk food!