Populist desires

Considered one of the brightest young stars in Hindi cinema, she has already worked with Yash Raj Films and directors like Farah Khan (Om Shanti Om), Imtiaz Ali (Love Aaj Kal), Sajid Khan (Housefull), Ashutosh Gowariker (Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey) and Prakash Jha, and is now looking for fresh laurels in Jha’s Aarakshan after her hit item song appearance in Dum Maaro Dum.

What role does her latest film play in her career? “It’s my first issue-based film and I am the only lead actress among four male protagonists,” she replies. “The film is of great socio-political relevance as it deals with the issue of reservation and the commercialisation of education.”

She adds, “A film, irrespective of the genre, has to be entertaining for me. Like Farah Khan, Imtiaz Ali and Prakashji make different kinds of cinema but they are all
making entertaining films and the audience shares the same sentiment. Critical acclaim may be important, but entertainment is important too.”

What are the genres she enjoys watching or acting? “I love watching rom-coms, but, as an actor, I would love to do an action film because I have enjoyed watching action movies too. But that will happen only when I work with the right production banner and director,” she says.Mainstream inclination

The actor also considers comedy — today’s top genre in terms of box-office potential — as the most difficult. “You have to be spontaneous. You know your punch line but you have to pretend that you have just thought of or heard it for the first time and when a situation or line is truly hilarious, you cannot even laugh!” she says. “I am doing a comedy film again — Desi Boyz — after Housefull.” Deepika doesn’t believe in doing ‘different’ films or de-glam roles just to prove that she is a serious actress.

“I do not understand how one can be a better actor by doing a certain kind of cinema or
wearing less make-up,” she says firmly. “At the end of the day, films are a visual medium and I think that it is an actor’s business to look good,” she adds.

Coming back to Aarakshan, she says that working with Amitabh Bachchan was an overwhelming experience. “The way he interacts with people and carries himself is awe-inspiring,” says Deepika. “With Saif Ali Khan, this was my second film after Love Aaj Kal, and it is always a pleasure to work with him. Again, his persona and acting are very impressive. I hope Aarakshan does well so that the message we are trying to convey through the film will be absorbed by the audience. I am confident that every Indian will relate to it at some level.”

How did she feel as the sole girl among four men? “You know, I have been asked this question before as well, but I have genuinely not even thought about it while making the film,” she says. “I never felt, ‘Oh my god, I am the only girl among these powerful actors.’ So I never felt intimidated. But I must say that for a serious film like Aarakshan, we had a lot of fun while working on it. Saif has a great sense of humour and Manoj Bajpayee, Pratik and, of course, Amitabh Bachchan and Prakashji were great people to work with.”
And when will we see her with Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan? “I often ask myself that question,” she laughs. Where does she see herself five years from now? “I see myself doing exciting films. For me, it’s most important that I enjoy work and I really love what I do!”