JOIN USThey were a couple who parted ways but mended their relationship and reunited as friends. No one really knows what exactly happened between them, but Deepika Padukone candidly admits that her ex-boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor has always been very special to her. The two have reunited in real life and reel life after five years for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (YJHD), which is reaping gold at the box office.
“I have always believed that chemistry can’t be created between two people. You either have it or you don’t. The script can only enhance it. I am glad that Ranbir and I do,” says Deepika, who was seen with Ranbir in the 2008 hit Bachna Ae Haseeno. “He has been a very special person for me in my life. I am glad that we share an on-screen chemistry. I am looking forward to doing more films with him,” the 27-year-old adds.
Deepika is one of the top-notch actresses in Bollywood but she believes in competing with herself.
“I think it completely depends on what each one’s understanding of competition is. For me, competition is good; that is what keeps me on my toes and keeps me going. I am always trying to better my own work, do better than my earlier films, do films that are challenging and exciting for me. That is my competition,” she explains.
What does success mean to her? “At some level, I feel it is nice to know that a film of yours is doing well at the box office and has also got great reviews. That feels like
success,” she replies. “The best feeling is when you are remembered for the character you play on the screen and people associate you with that character. There is no better feeling than that feeling,” adds the actress of hits like Love Aaj Kal, Housefull and ‘Cocktail’.
Coming from a sports background, the actress, who started her career in Hindi films with runaway 2007 hit Om Shanti Om, says that the position she enjoys in the industry didn’t just land in her lap. “I have worked really hard with a lot of commitment, dedication and sacrifice. But it is not like a race. I am not looking at the finishing line. The opportunities in this industry are limitless and the idea is to always do something new and
exciting and enjoy your work,” she says.
The actress is playing special roles in her forthcoming films ‘Chennai Express’ and Ram Leela.
“The next two films are very special. I play a South Indian girl in ‘Chennai Express’ and a Gujarati in Ram Leela. I won’t go into the details of the characters or the films. These two films will be different from what we have done before,” she concludes.