Deepika Padukone never thought of getting into films, as her family has not connection with films whatsoever.
However, she modeled all the way to films. Having acted in a Kannada film, she is entering Bollywood in a big way by acting opposite none other than Shahrukh Khan in Om Shanti Om. Now, she speaks about the film, her love life and what not.
You had a buffet of offers. Why did you decide on Om Shanti Om as your debut?
Yes, I got a lot of offers but I wasn’t ready then. The time I was offered OSO was when I had decided to act. I had done quite a bit of modelling and wanted to give acting a try. That’s when Farah approached me and I accepted. Today, I’m so glad that I waited since I could not have had a better debut. Farah and SRK have taken superb care of me. Farah treats me like her child.
Did you always want to be a Bollywood heroine?
I never wanted to be a Bollywood heroine. The thought never crossed my mind. As a child, I never stuck poses in front of the mirror. It slowly crept up on me as I started interacting with people and began discovering myself.
What was your perception of a Bollywood heroine?
For me, Bollywood meant buying a Rs 150 ticket and sitting in an air-conditioned theatre. I don’t come from a film family. To me, a Bollywood heroine meant someone I see on the big screen, who is based in Mumbai and whom people attribute larger than life proportions.
And now?
Now I think that it’s tough being a Bollywood heroine. You need to work really hard.
Has Shah Rukh Khan given you any tips?
(Laughs) Oh he has given me lots of tips, not just about acting but about what life is going to be all about when the film releases and also what life is all about.
Since its Farah’s film, how hard did you rehearse to get the dance steps right?
Lots of rehearsals. Now it’s for all of you to tell me how good or bad a dancer I’m. But I enjoy dancing.
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