It's very hard to be at the number one position: Deepika Padukone

It’s not easy to be in showbiz. Ask Deepika Padukone. At the launch of Hema Malini’s Beyond the Dream Girl, Deepika sighed, “It’s very hard to be at the number one position. People only see the success and glamour behind it and not all that’s actually gone into attaining it. The immense sacrifice needed to get to this place is usually not noticed by people. By the end of the day, whatever it is, gets translated onto the silver screen through the character we portray.”

Dippy reminisces, “When I first came to Mumbai, I had to live by myself, I had my parents’ support. Maybe it’s their upbringing that makes me what I am. They understood me, and the fact that I was passionate and focussed on my profession. Without my parents’ support, it would not have been possible for me to be where I am.”

Hema also took the opportunity to relive her youth, and spoke about being busy with films, how her parents looked for a husband for her, all while drawing a blank for the perfect match. When quizzed about her own match, Deepika blushed. “Tomorrow when my father reads this in the papers, I don’t know what he’ll have to tell me!” she laughed. “To be very honest, I’ve not given much thought about this. We work passionately with an intention to get constant work in films, and look forward to working with the best directors in this endeavour. Yes, as far as romantic relationships are concerned, they’re complicated. It’s very difficult to find someone who will understand your success, your passion for work, and also come to terms with the fact that sometimes we may earn more money than them.”

Deepika also compared working in Padmavati to Hema’s Meera, where the latter is seen as a princess. “Yes, it’s on par with the budget, as cinema has grown multifold. When making a film today, there are multiple problems to face. The budgets have also grown. Hemaji mentioned she was not paid well, but today we’re given our cheques on time,” she said.