Deepika and Akshay's Dosti has not gone sour

By Subhash K Jha

Deepika says her character in Love Aaj Kal is exactly like her. "It was so much 'me' that sometimes I felt maybe I wasn't doing anything on camera.

I had to look to my director Imtiaz Ali for reassurance. I was reacting on camera the way I do in real life. So far I was always doing things that didn't come naturally to me.This is my most honest performance.

I can feel the growth in me in the four films and six roles that I've done so far. I've become freer with my emotions and lines."

In London Deepika is for the first time improvising on her lines. "I feel confident enough now to give my inputs. Yes I can move around the emotions of my character. I know my space a lot better."

Deepika hopes to create magic with Akshay in Housefull. It was rumoured that Akshay had lost faith in his pairing with Deepika after Chandni Chowk To China.

Deepika scoffs at the rumour. "If that was true you think he would be doing another film with me at this moment? I don't think there's any formula for success.

The failure of China Chowk to China didn't affect me. Of course considering the effort we all put in I was upset. I guess hard work isn't enough. But I learnt a few skills during Chandni Chowk which I'll use in other experiences of my life."