“Saif said I’ve spoken through my eyes in Race 2” – Deepika Padukone

By Satish Sundaresan -

February 9, 2013 - 9:53 AM IST

Deepika Padukone is one of the few people whose name will be etched in pure gold whenever there's a list of 'models turned successful actors'. This leggy damsel, whose phone hasn't stopped ringing ever since Race 2, her latest offering to the silver screen crossed Rs. 100 cr and her performance was appreciated by the classes and masses alike.

Satish Sundaresan of Bollywood Hungama caught up with Deepika, who spoke exclusively to us all the way from Kashmir where she is presently shooting for her next film Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani. Here are the excerpts:

To begin with, Deepika, heartiest congrats on the super success of Race 2. How does it feel to be an integral part of the first hit of the year?

It really feels great. I can proudly say that the year 2012 was a great year for me. At the same time, 2013 is an important year for me and I am happy that it has started off on a good note. It's a genre of action thriller that I have not done before. And I am so glad that it worked.

“Saif said I’ve spoken through my eyes in Race 2” – Deepika Padukone

Were you always wanting to attempt this genre or you signed the film since it came your way?

I always wanted to attempt this genre. But I was slightly nervous about the audience's reaction to the same. But I am so glad that everyone has appreciated my work in the film and also because the film is doing well!

Needless to say that your look in the film has become the talk of the town. Please tell us something more about it.

It's all due credit to Anaita, my hair and makeup team. They have done a fantastic job. For a film like Race 2, the glamour quotient was one of the most quintessential aspects. I have to give it to the whole team, who spared no effort to do full justice for the same.

The success of the film has given Bollywood its topmost contender for the Numero Uno slot. What has the film's success given you?

At a creative level, it has done wonders to me. The fact that the audiences all over have appreciated me in the role of a character that I haven't played before means a lot to me. All of these simply give an artist the confidence to go out there and to do different kinds of roles.

What has been the best compliment for the film and from whom?

The best compliment came to me from Saif and lot of other people who said that I have emoted and spoken a lot with my eyes. That really means a lot to me.

Talking about eyes, you recently went onto pledge themâ€¦

Yes I did. I was at an awards ceremony recently, when someone from the media asked me if, I will ever donate my eyes. And my reaction to that was an impromptu 'yes'. Frankly speaking, I never really had thought about pledging my eyes before that. But, I am so happy now to be a part of such a noble cause.

Post Race 2, what's keeping you busy now?

Presently, I am busy with Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani. I can't tell you how excited I am about this film. Post that, I have Chennai Express and Ram Leela.

What was it about the film that made you say yes to the role?

First of all, it was the basic idea of being a part of such a franchise. That apart, I always wanted to work with Abbasji and Mustanji. I always wanted to do a thriller and here was my chance to do the same.

Lastly, now that you are shooting for Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani in Kashmir, how has the Kashmir experience been? Is this the first time that you have been to Kashmir?

Yes. It's my first time experience in Kashmir. We have come to shoot the snow here. I can't reveal anything more than this.