Deepika Padukone: I am quite comfortable with saree

Though she sizzled on screen in her latest release HOUSEFULL, in real life she chose to wear a saree when she represented India at Cannes film festival. While her gamble for wearing a saree for a high profile event like this has indeed paid off, didn't she ever feel that it was a risk after all? There haven't been too many success stories after all in the past when it comes to Indian actresses actually managing to make a splash in international arena.

"My funda was simple. I had decided that if I was representing my country then I had to wear something traditional", she confirms her plans, "For me it was more to go with the flow because that was the correct thing to do."

Even as appreciation was still coming in, her first look from Ashtuosh Gowariker's KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SE was out in quick time. Yet again, she managed to catch the attention of one and all as she was seen wearing a cotton saree. No wonder, it seems like wearing a saree is in for Deepika Padukone.

"I am quite comfortable with a saree", reveals Deepika While in an event like Cannes, it was imperative that I took my culture along, the saree look in KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SE is but natural since the film is about a revolution against Brits in the pre-independence era."

Well, for a more full-fledged saree outing, watch out for Deepika once KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SE releases all over on 3rd December.

Deepika, Shahana new best friends?

We’ve not heard of Deepika Padukone talking about too many BFF’s from B-town. We’re sure this young and cool babe has a bunch of friends all over, but most of them are non-filmis.

And that’s the way she likes it. Of course, we do see her hobnobbing at several filmi parties and cricket matches too, but we’ve not really spotted the gal with any other PYT in Bollywood. Apparently, that’s soon changing. Our sources say that Deepika has found a friend in Rock On actress Shahana Goswami. They’re shooting in Mauritius for Break ke Baad¸ and after pack-up, the two spend a lot of girlie time together. Yeah, we guess the single hotties have a lot to bond over. Like men, for starters...

Deepika Padukone vs. Sonam Kapoor -At Loggerheads Once Again

After the much-hyped battle in 2007, between Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor, to snatch the chocolate boy Ranbir Kapoor’s attention, the two are to again fight it out at the box-office for yet another young heartthrob Imran Khan.

In 207, Sonam Kapoor had debuted with Ranbir in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Saawariya’ . Even though the flick had not shown much tingling at the box-office, yet the chemistry between Sonam and Ranbir was quite a rage. They were about to be linked off reel too, when the sexy siren ,Deepika Padukone stepped in making Sonam see blue, and run for her life, right out of Ranbir’s shadows ,to concentrate  more on her career.

Deepika was already a super hit star with her debut film ‘Om Shanti Om’, directed by Farah Khan and co-starring the King of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan. She was lucky enough to get her second flick with Ranbir Kapoor, in ‘Bachchna –E –Haseeno’. Even though the flick had the other two actors -Bipasha Basu and Minisha Lamba in equally important and pivotal roles, it was Deepika’s chemistry with Ranbir that caught the eye of the audiences.

After that, the love story took a turn in the fast lane. Both Ranbir and Deepika were seen like a two some, cozying up together .But, and then this story ended abruptly. However, Sonam remained aloof from all this, and she was saved the embarrassment of being called the loser.

Now with both Deepika and Sonam being starred opposite Imran khan in two separate flicks –Deepika Padukone in ‘Break ke Baad ‘ and Sonam Kapoor  in ‘I hate luv story’s’(Both films are to be released by this year),which pair will make the real splash and create  a box office hit ? Well, let us wait and watch!

Deepika unfazed by fashion critics

She has been collecting both acclaim and criticism from fashion critics for her “short blouse” and sari appearance on the Cannes red carpet, but actress Deepika Padukone says she knows that she looked good.

“I had not even considered a Western outfit. I decided I was going to wear a sari. There are some people who will always find faults. If I had worn a gown, they would have said I should’ve worn a sari. Everyone told me I looked good. If some people have issues, I choose to ignore them,” says the actress, who is currently shooting in Mauritius for Break Ke Baad.

Fashion blogs too have been abuzz with how the actress looked just as she looks every time she wears a sari, with the same hair bun and styling. She also repeated the jewellery that she wore at a recent awards function.

“My stylist Anaita Adajania suggested my look. As a youth icon at an international platform, I have to balance both the traditional and the modern looks, which is what I have been doing. I’m sure Rohit (Bal, who designed her sari) and Anaita knew what they were doing,” says Deepika.

She adds that she didn’t see anything breathtaking in terms of fashion on the red carpet. “I was there just for a day and no one really caught my attention.”

About speculations that she, Aishwarya Rai and Mallika Sherawat avoided each other at the festival, she says, “I was there just for a day. I’m not aware of who else was there and what they were doing.

Deepika Padukone in traditional Bengali saree

Om Shanti Om girl Deepika Padukone recently walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in saree, which got her praises from all quarters. But how comes she carried it off like a pro when she was known for western outfits? Maybe her role in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey helped her. The first look of the film tells it all.

Well, you will see Deepika in a different avatar in Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey, where she acts with Abhishek Bachchan. She wears a traditional Bengali saree in the film. Initially, she found hard to shot action sequences in saree but soon got used to it.

Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey is a period thriller based on the book Do and Die by Manini Chatterjee, which is about the Chittagong Uprising of 1930. In the film, Deepika plays a Bengali revolutionary who braved all odds and fights for her country. It is scheduled for release on December 3, 2010.

Aishwarya Rai at Cannes: Did Deepika Padukone drape her in a saree?

Aishwarya Rai is finally at the 63rd Cannes film festival in a saree. Though, she makes a hue and cry about wearing revealing clothes  in a Bollywood film, she doesn’t hesitate to flash her cleavages at Cannes.

And, despite being an ambassador from India, she has been lashed and whipped for donning western attires always and never resorting to an Indian garment. However, with Deepika Padukone as a competitor this time, Aishwarya’s western costumes were a tad overshadowed by the ravishing saree worn by Shahrukh Khans’ shantipriya from ‘Om Shanti Om’.

Aishwarya has been a regular at Cannes but 2010 makes it even more special as her task gets magnified with promotional campaign for her next big release Raavan opposite hubby Abhishek Bachchan.

A sudden display of a saree has made tongues wagging. Many feel that she is making a point after Deepika spat venom on her in a sarcastic remark. Some feel that Ash wants to retort back to her critics while some say she is making a point to Deepika and the media. And the general feeling is that her traditionally Indian character in Raavan demands that she showcases her Indian side.

Nevertheless, a feeling lurks in the depths of the mind, is Deepika Padukone to be credited for finally putting a saree on Aishwarya’s protesting body………

Deepika Padukone Cannes Film Festival 2010 Photos

Aishwarya Rai v/s. Deepika Padukone: Clash at Cannes

Opponent 1: Aishwarya Rai

Armour Attire: Gowns (western)

Opponent 2: Deepika Padukone

Armour Attire: Saree (Indian)

Battlefield: Cannes Film Festival, France

Clash at Cannes: Deepika Padukone’s traditional Indian look is creating a strong buzz as against the western outfits of former Miss World Aishwarya Rai. With the media sensationalizing each and every move, the Red Carpet appearances of the two damsels have become more like a war of the two women.

Deepika speaks: Deepika’s decision to drape the 6 yard cloth has come from her childhood desire of spreading Indianness to far-away shores. She says, “When I started modelling, I promised myself that whenever I attend an international event, I’d wear a saree and not western clothes. I get enough opportunities at home to wear western clothes. When I’m seen at an international event I’d rather be fully Indian.”

Deepika spits venom at Aishwarya Rai: In a very shrewd and subtle manner, the leggy lass spat venom at Aishwarya as she shrugged off any question on her by stating, “I wouldn’t like to comment on others.” She added with intentional sarcasm, “It felt good to be so Indian so far away from home.”

I’d rather be fully Indian: Deepika

Now the story can be told. You know, don’t you, that the gorgeous Deepika Padukone shimmered down the red carpet at Cannes on Friday wearing a saree by designer Rohit Bal.

There’s a reason why she chose the Indian national costume for her first major international appearance. The actress told BT from the French Riviera, “When I started modelling, I promised myself that whenever I attend an international event, I’d wear a saree and not western clothes. I get enough opportunities at home to wear western clothes. When I’m seen at an international event I’d rather be fully Indian.”

She cleverly declined to comment on the fact that Cannes regular Aishwarya Rai Bachchan appeared on the red carpet in a gown. “I wouldn’t like to comment on others,” said Deepika, adding that she finds the saree very sensuous and “it felt good to be so Indian so far away from home”. However, the goss is that Cannes first-timer Deepika had made discreet inquiries about what Ash would be wearing before deciding her own look. No matter, the two lovely Indian actresses made spectators’ day at the film festival by proving that variety is indeed the spice and curry of life.

Her moment on the red carpet aside, Deepika apparently has not found Cannes exciting enough. She said she hardly met anyone at the film festival except German F1 superstar Michael Schumacher and caught just one film, the French Tournee, which she enjoyed. So, on Day 2, Deepika set off on her own to take in the sights and sounds of the scenic seaside town. “There’s so much to Cannes besides the festival,” she said. “The first time I came here was in 2002. Not for the festival but as a tourist. And I remember standing outside the venue and taking pictures. I had promised myself that next time... I’d be back as part of the film festival... and here I am.”

Deepika Padukone suggestion to Dhoni and Yuvi

Dhoni’s luck charm seems to be fading away. Earlier in his career, whatever ho does, it turned into golden act, but now it is reversed. After the debacle performance at the T20 world cup, Dhoni couldn’t figure out where he went wrong and blamed it on IPL after game parties. How ridiculous he is?

Even the Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone feels the same. Reacting to Dhoni statement “If you are playing late night matches and then enjoys late night parties, it definitely takes a toll on your body. But it is your responsibility to justify your selection in Indian team by giving importance to cricket over night parties. You need to learn to do little sacrifices for the country” actress said.

What a suggestion from Deepika to all party animals in the Indian team. Yuvi are you listening to your Ex sugestion?

Deepika walks Cannes red carpet in saree

Cannes has been getting ample doses of Bollywood glamour courtesy Aishwarya Rai and Mallika Sherawat, but it was Deepika Padukone who flew the flag for India high on the French Riviera, looking glamorous in a saree.

While both Aishwarya and Mallika opted for Western couture, the 24-year—old took the six yard route to style as she stepped out on the red carpet in a Rohit Bal saree.

She teamed the cream and gold confection with Kundan jewellery, a stone studded clutch and added a quirky touch with a chunky watch.

The former model’s traditional attire was complimented by a sparkly bindi and a neat bun, which left the ‘RK’ tattoo on her neck visible.

Deepika, who is at the prestigious film festival as the brand ambassador of Chivas Regal, attended Mathieu Amalric’s French movie, ‘Tournee’ along with Bal.

“When one is representing India in a very visible platform like the Cannes, gowns and elaborate western dresses do not really represent India. One should not only feel Indian, but also look Indian,” the designer said.

Actor Nandita Das who was a part of the Cannes jury in 2003 had won praise for wearing Indian ensembles at the festival including a silk saree, which she said had been a part of her wardrobe for years.

The saree has moved on from being a daily Indian staple to an international style statement.

Sugababes, the popular girl band sported sarees and bindis in their latest avatar as Indian brides.

The musical trio of Amelle Barabah, Heidi Range and Jade Ewen got an Indian make-over for the cover of Asian Woman magazine, reported Sun online.

Earlier the American group Pussycat Dolls had walked the red carpet wearing sarees to announce their single ‘Jai Ho.’

Liz Hurley, Victoria Beckham and Ashley Judd are some other Hollywood beauties who have worn the Indian ensemble.

Deepika Padukone at Cannes Film Festival

Actress Deepika Padukone, who has reportedly rekindled her romance with long-time boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor, has clarified that she is not planning to get married anytime soon.

"I am just 24 and I have a enough time to decide whom and when to get married to. So, whenever that happens, I will let you people know," Deepika told reporters at a press conference here Wednesday.

Right now Deepika is excited about walking the red carpet at the ongoing 63rd Cannes International Film Festival for liquor brand Chivas Regal.

"This is the first time I am going to a festival like this. Initially I was a bit hesitant but now I am looking forward to meet great people from all across the globe," she said.

In the past Aishwarya Rai and Mallika Sherawat earned flak for their bad dressing sense at the Cannes, but Deepika is unperturbed and says she is least bothered about criticism.

She has decided to wear a sari, designed by Rohit Bal, at the red carpet.

"Sari is a very sensual garment and whenever people from other countries discuss about sari, they just say one word - wow!!," said Deepika.

She also admitted that she feels very comfortable in a sari and can drape one in just 30 seconds.

Deepika's debut record unlikely to be broken

52 crores at the end of first week (as confirmed by the co-producers of the film - EROS) means that Akshay Kumar as well as Deepika Padukone have now enjoyed the biggest starts ever of their career, with Housefull surpassing the first week collections of Kambakkth Ishq and Om Shanti Om respectively. While it is quite clear that the film will surpass the collections of Akshay Kumar's biggest money spinners till date - Welcome and Singh is Kinng - both of which crossed the 70 crores milestone, chances are bleak that Deepika Padukone's Om Shanti Om record of 88 crores would be beaten.

Release of Badmaash Company means that Housefull did have good competition after all. Though it was expected by many that the Shahid Kapoor starrer won't be able to make much of an impact, the fact remains that it has done so indeed due to which Housefull has taken an initial hit. However, next week being pretty open with only Bumm Bumm Bole, Admissions Open and Kushti for competition, the ground is open for both Badmaash Company and Housefull to make a sustained impact. That would decide the journey of Housefull from being a mere hit to a super hit.

As has been forgotten by the entire industry, the media too completely ignored the other release of the week - Chase. With just a few lakhs coming in its kitty which won't be good enough to recover even the print and publicity cost, Chase is an out and out disaster and doesn't have much in it to make any impact on home video or satellite circuits as well. Have we seen the last of such inconsequential and insignificant films? Not yet, as one can pretty much see in the current week.

Salman set to romance Deepika Padukone

He is known to have romanced the most gorgeous women onscreen and dated the most scintillating beauties off-screen. And now, Salman Khan is set to woo yet another stunning lass.

As per the latest buzz, the dashing actor will be seen opposite Deepika Padukone in an upcoming film to be directed by his brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri. Even though the two have been approached for a number of projects earlier, this is the first time plans have fallen into place.

According to sources, Salman and Deepika have been repeatedly approached for a series of films earlier but things couldn’t be finalised over some reason or the other. The duo was earlier reported to have worked together in Anees Bazmee`s film. But as gossip-mills went after this hot couple, Anees cleared the air by denying all such reports.

Confirming the news a source said, “Deepika is the first choice for Agnihotri. He really wishes to cast her opposite Salman.”

However, things are much more complicated than it may seem. Deepika is known to be in close proximity with Shah Rukh, which is one of the main reasons for Salman not wanting to work with her. What’s more is that Dips is also stated to have rekindled her romance with Ranbir, who because of his reported relationship with Katrina, is not in Salman’s good books either.

Deepika Padukone impressed by Lafange Parindey co-star Neil Nitin Mukesh

Filming for Lafange Parindey is drawing to an end and Deepika Padukone showed some class by appreciating and thanking her co-star Neil Nitin Mukesh.

Early Sunday morning on May 9, she tweeted:

"have 2 days left to complete LP...tday was my last day with neil...its been an absolute pleasure working with him.

"Soo much passion, enthusiasm, commitment, dedication...but more importantly a good and kind human being!...thank u neil!"

Shooting for the Pradeep Sarkar directed film started on February 18, 2010.

The action packed film is a gritty romance set on the streets of Mumbai, inspired by the city's bike gangs.

This is the first film featuring Deepika and Neil and they seem to have hit it off well.

The lead pair is reported to have filmed some serious and authentic looking action sequences.

Ranbir demands space from Deepika

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone have finally decided to give their relationship another chance. Grapevines are there that the two ex-lovers have decided to give their relationship another chance and have mutually agreed to give it a final shot.

According to the new deal, this time Ranbir wants more space in the relationship. Deepika was very protective about her beau Ranbir which eventually caused frictions in their love life.

As to everyone’s knowledge, Deepika once even landed on the sets of Prakash Jha’s Raajneeti when she got to learn that beau Ranbir was getting extra-friendly with his co-star Katrina Kaif during his shoots.

Well, let’s hope that their love life stays healthy and lasts for ever this time.

Ranbir, Deepika get back together

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone were Bollywood’s hottest couple before their unexpected split in October last year. While Ranbir was linked to several women in the interim, starting with Katrina Kaif, rumours suggested that there was something brewing between Deepika and Siddhartha Mallya. But amid all the speculation, it is becoming increasingly evident that Deepika and Ranbir are on the verge of a reconciliation. The possibility was further fuelled after they were spotted coming out of a Juhu multiplex recently after watching a late night show of Deepika’s latest film Housefull.

According to an industry source, the couple recently had a long and serious chat and decided to give their relationship another shot. Says the source, “Nearly seven months of separation made Ranbir realise the depth of his love for Deepika. He might have been attracted to some of his leading ladies such as Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra, but he never really got over Deepika. Deepika too still loves him very much.”

The long chat they had also set the future ground rules for the relationship. Deepika wants Ranbir to tone down his ‘friendly’ encounters with PYTs in Bollywood, Ranbir wants Deepika to give him some breathing space. Neither of them wants to repeat the mistakes they’ve made in the past. On November 3 last year, Mumbai Mirror had reported how a suspicious Deepika had suddenly landed on the sets of Raajneeti in Bhopal, where Ranbir was shooting with Katrina.

“The past is past. Right now, Deepika and Ranbir are in a very happy frame of mind. They’ve had a tumultuous time since they parted ways and never really stopped pining for each other. But all’s well that ends well,” says the source.

Text messages sent to Deepika and Ranbir did not elicit any reply.

Deepika Padukone not dating Ranbir Kapoor or Sidhartha Mallya

Deepika Padukone says she is not dating Ranbir Kapoor or Sidhartha Mallya, but hints she could be dating someone else.

Deepika, reportedly saw her recently released film Houseful with ex Ranbir Kapoor at a theater in Mumbai on Friday, April 30. The sighting led to speculation that the couple, who had split in October 2009, had since reunited. The speculation wasn't entirely unwarranted because in December Ranbir reportedly told the press that he hoped to get back with Deepika.

In an interview with TOI, Deepika refutes the speculation saying, "If I go out with somebody for dinner or a movie, that doesn't mean I'm dating somebody."

The way we understand, when a single girl goes out for dinner or a movie with single boy, it is called a date.

Addressing reports linking her with Sidhartha Mallya, the 23-year-old son of Vijay Mallya who is now owner of the RCB IPL team, for which she is the brand ambassador, Deepkia said: "Likewise, if I am sitting with the owner of my team, and we hug because our team has won, that does not mean we are dating - we are celebrating the victory of our team. But then people want to jump to conclusions."

Which of course doesn't explain why Sidhartha follows her on Twitter?

Sidhartha was recently appointed Deputy General Manager (New Generation Sales Outlets) of United Spirits Ltd. We wonder if following Deepika on Twitter is part of the charter of his duties?

Which is not to suggest one cannot have a life. One can. It just doesn't make sense denying it.

Asked whether she was still single, Deepika ducked the question.

We think we understand. After her relationship with Ranbir Kapoor unraveled, Deepika said that the next time around she wouldn't acknowledge a new relationship till it had run its course for some time.
Elsewhere in the interview, Deepika refutes reports that she is always guarded and politically correct.
Deepika says she is restrained by nature. She thinks before she talks. That is the way she is. It is not because she wants to be politically correct.

Talking about the rampant trend to work long hours, Deepika says she likes her job but also wants a life. She will never work 24/7.

"I think. In the last few years, everybody's life has become so much about work that people are losing out on relationships, quality family time. I think our society and its culture is changing, and, at least as far as I am concerned, I don't think it's a good thing. I think it's nice to have a good balance. "

On her advent into Bollywood, she says she always knew she would be a model and then end up in Bollywood.

"I always knew that I'd always be part of this industry. I knew that - it has to do with what you attract to yourself and to a degree it has to do with destiny also - I somewhere always knew that I would be part of the glamour world; I knew that I'd become a model, and from there I would go on to become a part of Indian cinema - so it's something I always looked forward to."

Deepika is passionate about her work and couldn't be without it. But she is not in it for money and will always work at her own terms.

"I cannot work like a machine, and say I'll work in six films a year, and for each film I'll charge so much, so that by the end of the year I'd have made X amount of money - that's definitely not it. I am not a part of the industry as a business. I do it because I love it, am passionate about it, I love being in front of the camera. I don't need to work; I don't need to support a family, it's not a business. "

Housefull goes house-full

Defying all critiques, Sajid Nadiadwala has got houses full during the weekend of his movie release week. The film managed to get the biggest opening of the year and fulfilled the name given to it, Housefull.

One of the major reasons for this, say experts, is that the movie has come out after almost two months of dry spell. Post IPL time has also given it the boost. But most importantly, the star power of the movie has been able to give it the push.

The jodi of Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Deepika Padukone, Lara Dutta and Arjun Rampal, along with a storyline that is comedy, has been able to attract the audiences.

Besides, the huge promotional activities that were done by the producer also did its job. During the first week itself it crossed Rs. 30 crore and as per latest reports it has earned Rs. 64 crores, till now.

The opening has been so strong that the industry people are comparing Housefull's opening with that of 3 Idiots.

Marketers are capitalizing on it and have come out with posters where they have tried to show that the movie is a bigger blockbuster than 3 Idiots.

Deepika Padukone HOUSEFULL is bindaas about bikini!

Deepika Padukone, the leggy beauty of tinsel town who played the part of Sandy in Sajid Khan’s ‘Housefull’ opposite Akshay Kumar and wowed the audiences with her fabulous toned figure in two piece bikini, feels that  the shot was in accordance with the demand of the script and should not be given undue importance.

In fact, the bindaas Bangalore babe is unfazed about her swimming costume and slams the critics by saying that on a beach she would be expected to wear bikini not a suit while filming for a romantic flick.

In any case, Deepika Padukone had been a top notch model before coming into bollywood with Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Om Shanti Om’, and hence wearing bikinis should never have been a big thing for the stunning beauty. Then, bikini show had also been necessitated due to presence of two other hot beauties –Lara Dutta and Jiah Khan—in the film.

As Lara and Jiah were supposedly doing the bikini shot, Deepika did not have much of the choice in the matter. But the bikini shots had been aesthetically shot and never looked vulgar on the screen. Then, it can not be denied that bikini shots invariably prove to be hit with hoi polloi and this was no exception.

Akshay Kumar’s ‘housefull’ opened to almost full houses last Friday. The romantic comedy has come out beautifully on the screen.

The most remarkable thing about the whole project has been the crackling chemistry between Riteish Deshmukh and Akshay Kumar, which successfully tickled the funny bones of audiences.

Housefull's cast at Diesel's showroom

In a promotional event, the team of Housefull - Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Deepika Padukone, Jiah Khan, Arjun Rampal, Sajid Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala - decided to go window shopping at Diesel's first official outlet in India at Juhu.

While Padukone tried on shades in one corner, Rampal occasionally poked his own face on the poster of the film, Housefull, calling it "flat". Kumar, Khan and Deshmukh walked around the newly opened Diesel store with the founder and president of the brand, Renzo Rosso. Nadiadwala followed them casually. Rosso, who soon discovered Jiah, kept her engrossed in conversation in a separate corner. His take on celebrities and their purpose: "I've watched some Bollywood films, and celebrities are very important, it is through them that brands get noticed," says Rosso.

Sajid's Housefull, which hit theatres yesterday, is the biggest release after the Indian Premiere League dry spell. And he made his faith in the film and its anticipated success more than evident. "I am not nervous at all," said Sajid, but a perturbed Rampal, openly refuted his sentiments, saying, "I am very, very nervous."

Creating havoc as a team, the cast kept poking jokes at each other and occasionally burst into mock punch-n-hug moments. Kumar said working with Deshmukh was like "working with a dog." On the topic of her co-star Padukone, Jiah said, "She's Cleopatra. I'd like to bathe her in milk," as Padukone's jaw dropped. She then clearly complemented Sajid by calling him "the most insensitive director ever!" All in jest of course.

Deepika Padukone hot wallpapers (1st May)