SRK is that person in my life: Deepika

SRK is that person in my life

Three films and eight years after knowing her mentor and co-star, Deepika Padukone's finally in a comfort zone

Sarita A Tanwar

Apart from Kajol, Deepika Padukone is the only actress who can claim to have worked with Shah Rukh Khan in three films. She was also launched by the superstar in his home production Om Shanti Om and then went on to act with her in Chennai Express and Happy New Year. Their equation with each other has changed over the eight years they have known and worked together.

You've worked with SRK in three films. Are you still scared/in awe of him or would you say you are now buddies?

Scared, no. I have never been intimidated or scared when it comes to him and I give him the credit for it. I am very, very dependent on him now in terms of...(breaks off) You know there are always those few equations in everyone's lives that you build along the way and you know that you can rely on those people. You can trust them and rely on them to be there if you're ever stuck or confused about anything in life. He is definitely that person in my life. I think that's how the relationship has evolved.

Please continue...

I remember reading that after Om Shanti Om, Farah (Khan) was upset with me because I had not kept in touch. But I didn't know any better. In my mind, I was thinking these are big people, wouldn't I be disturbing them by calling, etc. I didn't know how to conduct myself. I had to explain this to her later, when I had the courage to. I was like, Please don't misunderstand me'. I mean not only was I adapting to a new industry, I was adapting to a new city as well. There was so much going on and in my mind, it was always like even though Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan said, Baby, if you ever need anything, we are a phone call away', I always felt they are saying it because they have to say it. I would be like How can I call them now in the middle of the day, middle of the night or land up at their house?'

You were hesitant..

Yes. I remember the first time, the gates to Mannat opened and Farah took me to meet him. I'll never forget that visual in my head. I didn't know any better about how to deal with these relationships that we had built over a period of time. But now, today, I understand what they meant back then. I have also become more comfortable, I have also realised that relationships are very, very important. So today, I use that offer, if I may say so.

What's the best advice he has given you?

There are certain things that you learn along the way just by observing people. I remember him telling me, Whatever film you do, make sure you have fun'. This thing has always stayed with me " doing films where I know I'm going to enjoy myself and where I'm going to enjoy working with the people I am working with.

sarita.tanwar@dnaindia.net

September 7, 2015 Bolly-Freak 4497 reads 5 comments