DIVA With back-to-back successes, Deepika Padukone is aiming for the sky. SANA SYED
The foundation to her glam debut was laid on the ramp. She may be the face of reputed brands like Maybelline, Kingfisher Airlines and Levi Strauss but what really lent Deepika Paudokone the status of a promising and sizzling superstar are her box-office successes “Om Shanti Om” and “Bachna Ae Haseeno”. With no filmi background, Deepika has established that it just takes the right attitude and relentless effort to carve a place in the film industry. “People often do not realise the kind of labour one has to put in becoming a successful star. If you are confident, sincere and talented, making your presence felt on the silver screen is not a difficult task,” she avers.
Natural progression
Asked if Bollywood was a planned move or a chanced occurrence, the candid beauty immediately replies, “It was at the back of my mind but the venture was more of a natural progression. After two years of modelling I wanted to do something else and then Farah Khan approached me for ‘Om Shanti Om’.” Deepika had earlier worked in “Aishwarya”, a Kannada film before her Bollywood debut. “Om Shanti Om” proved the right launch pad with the film becoming major hit both in India and abroad. Whether it is Shantipriya’s subtle emotions or Sandy’s effervescence, behind every perfect scene was Deepika, the meticulous actor. She received the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award and was even nominated for Filmfare Best Actress Award.
What’s next?
So what is keeping her busy these days? “My next releases are *Chandni Chowk to China’ opposite Akshay Kumar and an untitled film directed by Imtiaz Ali with Saif as co-star, slated to release in January and February 2009 respectively.” Beside these, she will accompany Shah Rukh Khan during the “Temptation Reloaded 2008” world tour in October. This leading lady of Bollywood is happy doing films at home at the moment. “I do not plan things too much ahead and, as of now, have not considered venturing into Hollywood. It is not important which car I drive or how many houses I have. But when the people, critics and media appreciate my work it means my toil has paid off. Working in films is more of a creative satisfaction rather than anything else,” observes Deepika.
Love life
This bold beauty from Bangalore does not believe in hiding her love life. She believes in falling in love and feels, “love is a sacred emotion”. Though it might be a little disappointing for the young men hoping for her favours, this elegant lady has no reservations in admitting, “I have already lost my heart to one”. No points for guessing that he is none other than the Casanova of “Bachna Ae Haseeno”. And what makes their chemistry so rocking, on and off the screen? “Ranbir is not only a talented and fantastic actor but a great human being,” she adds.Behind all the glitz, glam and the niceties of stardom, Deepika is a simple girl who loves spending quality time with her family. Fans might vote for her as the sexiest woman; but the man in her life adores Deepika more for her beauty. And among the millions of admirers she has, one is the coolest dude of Indian cricket. Isn’t it a well-known secret?
