Ranveer is expressive, Ranbir is detached: Deepika

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone were at their candid best during their visit to TOI

Ranveer, do people confuse you with Ranbir? Do you consider him competition?
Ranveer: Yes, all the time! It can be confusing, especially if you are not a follower of Hindi films, as our names sound similar. I remember during the promotions of Ladies VS Ricky Bahl, there were these two guys arguing with each other as to who was I. 'Yeh toh Ranbir Kapoor ke chhote bhai hai' said one! As for the answer to your second question, Ranbir has set the benchmark and is leading the way for all young actors. His films have delivered and his performances have been fantastic. I have great respect and admiration for him.

If the promos are anything to go by, there's a lot of sexual tension between Deepika and you in Ram-Leela...
Ranveer: You will see it even more in the film. I knew 'it' was there as it was on paper. After the first narration, I immediately went to meet Mr Bhansali and said, 'Sir, there's a lot of 'that' in this.' He was like, 'Yeah baby, that's the way it is'. He has created a world where the people are very raw and passionate. And I am only too happy that I got such a wonderful, professional co-star who doesn't have hang-ups. Otherwise, it can get very difficult to do such scenes with somebody who's cagey.

Anything funny that happened while you guys were shooting the intimate scenes?
Deepika: Before every shot, he'd spray deo under his shoes, inside his socks, between his toes, behind his back, under his ear...it was hilarious! He has definitely got an OCD problem " he actually brushes his teeth on the set.
Ranveer: Deepika does it too (sprays the perfume) in the most elegant and poised way. (Stands up and mimics her) (Deepika jokes " that bum will come out now!) I remember when we were shooting for the kissing scene everyone is talking about, something happens and we were to react to it and snap out of the kiss. One time, however, I did not react. Sir (Bhansali) screamed, reaction de re! I was kind of lost in the moment. When you really feel it, then these things can happen.
Deepika: It's a kind of film where you carry the emotions home and come back the next day with that heaviness. There's a two-page monologue in the film, which we shot first. It took me a couple of days to tell myself the scene is over, so move on.

Deepika, how different are Ranveer and Ranbir as co-stars?
Deepika: They are very different people. The only similar trait they share is their talent. For me, they are the best two actors of our generation. Ranveer is very versatile " he established himself from his very first film. He is a method actor. For Ranbir, on the other hand, acting comes effortlessly. On the personal front, Ranveer is more expressive. When he enters a room, he is full of life...he doesn't hold back. Ranbir is more detached. He's quieter, calmer...more of a thinker. I've had a great experience working with both of them.

Do you stand by your statement that Ranbir is your favourite co-star?
Deepika: Better co-star? Hmmm... I can't say that. I've had four amazing co-stars "Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh. Great chemistry comes with great comfort and I have been comfortable with all four of them. In fact, if I am asked to choose between these four, I would want them all! When Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani happened, I genuinely thought Ranbir and I had the greatest chemistry. Not just me, but everyone felt it. I didn't expect the same response to my pairing with Ranveer, but I am not complaining. When you have a film as intense and passionate as Ram-Leela, it's important that the chemistry comes through.