Deepika is my tallest actress: Abhishek Bachchan

Actor Abhishek Bachchan says he is glad that he didn't have to look down at Deepika Padukone while shooting Ashutosh Gowariker's Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey, because she is the 'tallest' actress to have appeared with him till date.

'Deepika (who is 5' 9') is the tallest of the ladies I have worked with. I could finally look at my co-actress in the eyes and didn't have to look down upon her. It was really nice and tall working with her,' said Abhishek, who is 6' 3'.

Abhishek and Deepika, along with director Ashutosh Gowariker and other cast and crew members, were here Monday to promote Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey, a film based on the Chittagong Uprising of the 1930s. The film releases Friday.

Dressed in a grey jacket and a pair of jeans to beat the Delhi chill, Abhishek looked dapper with a pair of shades and humbly responded to flying kisses from young girls at a shopping mall.

Deepika too looked graceful in a simple churidaar-kurta paired with golden Kolhapuri slippers.

Responding to a query regarding rumours that she has turned down an offer to work with Shahid Kapoor due to height issues, Deepika said: 'If that was the case, I won't be doing any movies at all!'

'If actors suit the character and the film, it doesn't matter if the girl is taller than the guy...So really, if directors start getting bothered by my height, I won't get any film at all.'

Deepika to do a Munni

Item numbers are back, thanks to Malaika Arora's Khan's glamorous Munni badnaam stint in Dabangg.

And while Katrina Kaif is already scorching up screens with her Sheila Ki Jawani number in Tees Maar Khan, her archrival Deepika Padukone is aggressively sexing up her own act. She will feature in the title track of Rohan Sippy's, Dum Maro Dum.

The title track will be played towards the climax of the film, which is very crucial to the script.

The song, Dum Maro Dum, was a smash hit in Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971), featuring Dev Anand and Zeenat Aman.

The song is being re-worked by Pritam and will have Jaideep Sahni's lyrics.

A source says, "This climax song will be shot at Mehboob studio, where a jungle set will be put up and will be choreographed by Ceaser.

A lot of laser will be used. It will have a hip hop-cum-rave party set-up, but Deepika won't be seen as a hippie."

It's not a surprise though. In the past Rohan Sippy has remixed 'Sabse Bada Rupaiya' for his film BluffMaster.

So we can expect another cool number coming on its way.

The official spokesperson of the film and actress said denied the news.

Careful with the jhatkas, Deepika!

Recent item songs
Munni Badam Hui- Dabangg
Sheila KI Jawaani- Tees Maar Khan
Apni Toh Jaise Taise-Housefull

Classic item songs
Pyaar Do Pyaar Lo- Jaanbaaz
Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hain- Khalnayak
Mehbooba O Mehbooba-Sholay

I’ve found a friend in Deepika Padukone, says Imran Khan

Young star Imran Khan comes across as the quintessential guy, girls would love to take home to meet the parents!

“It’s definitely my USP on screen,” Khan’s quick to add. Only that in real life fiancee Avantika Malik’s done it already and the couple is now set to have a January wedding.

“It’ll be a small and private affair,” is all that the actor confirms for now. “I have left it to our families to make the wedding preparations.”

The actor also admits that the feeling is yet to sink in and all that he has on his mind now are his films — Mere Brother Ki Dulhan with Katrina Kaif, Delhi Belly and Short Term Shaadi with Kareena Kapoor — for which the shooting’s begun already.

“I think it’ll be in January itself that I’ll get into the shaadi mode,” he adds.

But that’s next year. For now, the actor’s basking in the success of his latest flick with Deepika Padukone that’s got a thumbs up at the BO.

What’s also clicked is the live-wire chemistry the actor shares on-screen with Deepika. “Deepika and I shared a certain comfort level that made it easier to do the romantic scenes,” he reveals.

And was Aavantika comfortable with the on-screen kisses? “Of course. She knows it’s a part of my profession and is quite understanding about it.” Khan himself is quite comfy with his ‘lover-boy’ image on-screen, a tag that he’s earned post the success of his recent hits including I Hate Luv Storys.

“I do enjoy action, but I think they don’t leave much scope to act. Whereas, this genre allows an actor to display a larger range of emotions,” reasons Khan.

The actor’s also unperturbed about his constant comparison with Ranbir Kapoor.

“It doesn’t matter to either him or me, so why should it bother us.” Working with the top bevy of beauties, does he have any favourites?

“Well, I’ve found a friend in Deepika. Katrina’s an intelligent girl and there’s so much one can learn from Kareena.” And if he had to choose any one? “Now that’ll get me into serious trouble, so I’ll let people keep guessing this one,” he smiles.

I haven’t worked with Ranbir Kapoor enough, says Deepika Padukone

Actress Deepika Padukone has spotted a similarity between her ex-boyfriend, actor Ranbir Kapoor and her latest co-star Imran Khan. Padukone thinks that Khan and Kapoor have a similar style of working and approach towards films.

“I think they are both very similar. In fact all our styles, Kapoor, Khan and mine are very similar. Our working style and understanding of cinema is sort of changing and which is why our choices in films are also changing.”

She continues, “The audience these days prefer a real performance over something melodramatic and I think that somewhere that reflects in the choices that we (present generation actors) make. This is why you will see that our choices in films are also out of the box.”

Padukone explains, “Imran is a little more rehearsed but that is because he likes to know what he doing. Ranbir is a lot more spontaneous but the truth is that I haven’t worked with Ranbir enough to say anything more about his working style. I didn’t know Imran before this film but we got along really well. Ranbir is someone I am looking forward to doing a full-fledged role with.”

While talking about the men in her life, one cannot resist but ask her about businessman boyfriend Siddharth Mallya, the man she is spotted the most with.

She sports a mysterious grin and says, “I’d rather that people keep speculating because even by setting the record straight, speculation is always going to be there.”

That aside, the pretty actor is also on Twitter but she uses it only for professional reasons.

“It is nice for your fans to see what the person himself or herself has tweeted but I will not say something random like ‘I am feeling blah’. That is where u draw the line. I am letting people reach out to me, but just professionally,” he ends.

Music of Abhishek Bachchan & Deepika Padukone's Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey launched

The music of Abhishek Bachchan & Deepika Padukone's Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey, which is directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar was launched recently in Mumbai.

The launch was attended by the maharani of Sawantwadi, prince of Sawantwadi, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher. All guests were requested to attend the event wearing hues of white and red including the lead actors, who sported the costumes of their on screen avatars.

Their attire complimented the authentic and original methods of sound recording commonly used in 1960s and 1970s Bollywood before the modern music technologies of today’s industry were introduced.Over 90 per cent of the music featured in Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey was actually recorded live, music director Sohail Sen, used a live strings section instead of modern pad and live double bass instead of bass guitar to compose the soundtrack.

Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey is based on the novel Do And Die by Manini Chatterjee about the Chittagong Uprising of 1930. The period thriller will be released in cinemas on Friday, 3 December, 2010. The film is distributed worldwide by Cinergy Independent Film Services.

I never took a break in a relationship, says Deepika

Deepika Padukone is very sensitive when it comes to relationships and so she couldn't connect to her character in the forthcoming film Break Ke Baad. But the actress took the challenge because she wanted to do something different from her previous roles.

"I think the reason I chose to do the film is: one, I thought this is very different from the characters I played in my previous films. Also because the character is very different from the kind of person I am, especially her take on relationships," Deepika, 24, told IANS in an interview.

"The way I think of a relationship is very, very different. Aaliya reacts without thinking; I am not like that. I am a little more sensitive; I think before I do something. Her professional side I connect with, but her personal side I don't connect with.

"Aaliya is very, very focussed about her career. She wants to achieve a lot for herself. She wants to go to Australia and become an actress. She is independent and very ambitious and these are the characteristics that I identify with.

"But at the same time she is a girl who doesn't believe in love, commitment, relationship and marriage. And she is also a little insensitive and immature and I don't identify with these things," said Deepika.

Directed by Danish Aslam and produced by Kunal Kohli, the film shows how the psyche of individuals act as villains in their love life. Deepika is paired with Imran Khan in this 'hatke' romantic film, which released Friday.

Deepika could never understand the concept of taking a break in a relationship.

"I never really understood the concept of a break. Two people in a relationship should try to make it work. Personally I never took a break in a relationship. I don't know what it means," said Deepika who recently broke up with her actor boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor.

Asked if not getting space in a relationship means being over-possessive, she said: "Not necessarily. After doing the film, I realised that when people say let's take a break that means there are a lot of problems in a relationship, but at the same time you love each other so much that you don't want let go completely either. So I think it's a matter of convenience. On the one hand you want your freedom, but you also don't let go of that person."

The story of her 2009 release Love Aaj Kal was similar, but the actress doesn't think Break Ke Baad has any resemblance to the former.

"People find a similarity because the space in both the films is similar. People also find it very similar because both of them are very real. Love Aaj Kal was a very real film; so is Break Ke Baad.

"Every one would relate to the film because everyone has gone through it at some point in his or her life. The characters are completely different. It's a love story, with a few light moments as well," said Deepika.

What's common between Katrina and Deepika?

Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone are counted in the league of top actresses currently in Bollywood. But apart from that, there are quite a few things that they have in common.

Firstly, both were romantically linked with Ranbir Kapoor. While Deepika and Ranbir's relationship was official, Katrina and Ranbir only maintain that they are 'just good friends'. However, industry sources claim otherwise.

Secondly, Deepika and Katrina are playing ambitious aspiring actresses in their upcoming films- BREAK KE BAAD and TEES MAAR KHAN respectively.

Reveals Deepika, "My character of Aaliyah in BREAK KE BAAD is very focused on a career. She wants to achieve a lot. She wants to go to Australia to become an actress. She wants to be independent and is very ambitious."

Katrina Kaif says, "I play a wannabe actress in TEES MAAR KHAN. She is a very innocent girl. She's very ambitious but in a very simple way, not in an intelligent way. It was fun."

BREAK KE BAAD releases on November 26, while TEES MAAR KHAN is scheduled for a December 24 release. Let's wait and watch which 'aspiring actress' finally makes it big!

Deepika finds kissing important in love stories

Looks like Deepika Padukone knows the ways to answer smartly. This tinsel villa hottie, who has high expectations from her upcoming release ‘Break Ke Baad’, revealed in a recent interview that she didn’t have any qualms doing a kissing scene in her film and thinks that it’s an essential ingredient in a love story.

Speaking on this, Dippy stated, “When you are making a modern love story, some of these things are necessary. It was as easy or difficult like any other scene. The media has created a lot of hype because it's a kissing scene but when you watch the film, it's in context.”

Deepika plays an ambitious girl in BKD
‘Break Ke Baad’ might give a romantic juicy appeal for the younger audiences, but for Deepika this kind of romantic concept films is nothing new, except for her role which is different as compared to her earlier films.

The film, due to release this Friday, will see Deepika playing an ambitious pushy girl, who finds it difficult to balance her relationship and career, and practically wants a break from her so called relationship.

“I play Aaliyah, who is very ambitious and independent. But she doesn't know how to balance that with her relationship. So she wants a break. She doesn't really believe in love or relationships or marriage. She wants to become an actress so she goes to Australia for higher studies. So the two lovers decide to part ways temporarily and take a break,” further added Deepika.

BKD director felt Dippy perfect for Aaliyah’s character
The director of ‘Break Ke Baad’, Danish Aslam, a first time director, recently revealed, he felt that only Deepika would be perfect for Aaliyah’s character.

When the director was asked, whether he took inspiration for her character after seeing her earlier relationship with Ranbir, Danish denied stating, “No way. I’ve met him barely a couple of times socially and don’t know him so well to craft a character on him, that too an opposite sex.

“Aaliyah is inspired by the people that writer Renuka Kunzru and I have encountered in our lives.”

I'm not a sore loser: Deepika

Though Deepika Padukone is very competitive when it comes to outdoor sports, she says she is not a sore loser

While it is a known fact that Deepika Padukone is an expert badminton player, it tends to overshadow her love for other sports. The young star has proven her competitive side with her rise in Bollywood, and the same principle applies to sports.

"I try to play some sport or another," she says, "I love tennis, swimming, basketball as well. I'm very, very competitive in life in general. But I'm not a sore loser."

Apart from being a good sport about it, sports are a natural way for her to keep fit. While most people give in to the drudgery of gym, the star's toned body hasn't been subjected to the routine of repetitive sets. She says, "Going to the gym and walking on a treadmill is boring. I do yoga, go swimming or play badminton when I can. It keeps me interested in my workout." And she has an enviable body to show for it!

Fitness may come first, but for Deepika it is a great way to unwind as well. Whenever she gets time off, sport becomes a stressbuster for the busy actress.

"Recently, I got an unexpected off in Bangalore for Diwali. I just spent the day in the club with my friends and enjoyed it thoroughly. We played badminton, tennis and swam. I may be a bit rusty with badminton, but it's like driving, you can never forget it," she says. She's also very good at the 100-200 metre relay, basketball and throwball.

It has been eight years since she gave up professional badminton, but she plays it when she can. She recently even had an exhibition match with Aamir Khan in Mumbai. Two competitive, talented players pitched against each other on the court? She laughs, "I really enjoyed playing with Aamir." A great example of the sporting spirit, given that she lost the match!

Everyone wants to know who I’m going out with, says Deepika Padukone

Actor Deepika Padukone who started out with Shah Rukh Khan in her debut film, has worked with the creme de la cremeof the industry.

Though her last outing with Neil Nitin Mukesh tanked at the box office, she has no regrets.

“I don’t like to think too much about a film after it has released. It sure does hurt when a film doesn’t work, but there’s no point dwelling over it for long.”

In her next film she’ll be seen opposite actor Imran Khan, who she says is quite like her in many ways.

“Imran and I come from a similar school of thought. We are straight-forward and organised — even if my room is in a mess, it is an organised mess. We are reserved, introverted and take time to open up. And like me, he too has a close set of friends he hangs out with. What’s more, his idea of a relationship is quite similar to mine,” she says.

Does she feel the same about actor Sonam Kapoor, with whom she’s reportedly having a cold war? “Just because she (Sonam) happened to be in Ranbir’s friend circle, whom I was seeing then, people expected us to be best friends. Other than that fact we never met, or got a chance to meet and interact, but that doesn’t mean there is a problem with us,” she asserts.

So, what was it like when they did meet on a recent chat show? “People who saw the show have been saying that we got along like a house on fire. Everybody thought we were like best friends as we would end up completing each other’s lines. I can call her a friend, but she’s definitely not as close as my childhood friends.”

Would the leggy lass say the same about Katrina Kaif too? “Katrina, honestly I don’t know her at all. I have never had any reason to interact with her, and neither ever shared a stage with her. I have never had any formal interaction with her for me to either like her or dislike her.”

Friendships aside, she refuses to say anything about a certain ‘Mr Mallya’ (junior) in her life.

“People can continue speculating because by setting the record straight either way, the speculation is always going to be there. Everyone wants to know who I am going out with, where I was spotted for a movie or a dinner and these things are just bound to happen. I am perfectly okay with people speculating,” she trails off.

BKB will do a lot of positive for me: Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone has had a very prolific 2010. She has had three film releases already but she is not quite done yet. Before December 2010, you are going to see two more films starting of course with Break Ke Baad which is the film she is promoting this week.

In an interview with CNBC-TV18's Anuradha SenGupta, Padukone talks about the learnings that she had from all the films she had this year.

Here is the verbatim transcript of her comments.

Q: In 2010 you have got five films, it’s wonderful but it’s your busiest year so far?

A: Yes. In my first year 2007 I had one release which was Om Shanti Om which released exactly three years ago. Last year I had three releases and this year five. I think I have taken up as much work as I think I can handle and then I have realised that five films have released in one year, its not something that I have planned or thought about too much.

Q: I am not saying that you have planned it but it’s a lot of work this year and we are getting to see you in a wide variety of roles, isn’t it? Any career milestones you think out of these five for you?

A: I think its too soon to tell because like we discussed there is two more to release but I can definitely say I have learnt a lot from each one of them whether it was doing something different like Karthik Calling Karthik where I play a psychiatric and that was a psychological thriller and a romantic thriller. Then I had House Full which was a complete out and out the so called ‘mass entertainer’ and then I have Break Ke Baad now. I had Lafangey Parindey again for me, the film didn’t do well but I think for me it’s beyond that sometimes. When a film doesn’t do well I would like to look at the positive and see what I have learned from it. I learnt how to skate, also as a person it taught me a lot because playing a blind person is not easy at all but hopefully when all the five films release I would like to believe that Break Ke Baad will do a lot of positive for me.

Q: From what I hear about the film, it seems to be a young, modern, romantic comedy and that’s the kind of film that really appeals to you? Is that why you feel that’s going to be as positive?

A: Somewhere I like doing these kind of films, say a Love Aaj Kal or even now Break Ke Baad, I like doing these kind of films because somewhere as an audience I liked watching these kind of films. I enjoy also being a part of these films. I find it a lot of fun. I am romantic at heart. I love watching or being a part of romantic films or love stories. And the reason I say Break Ke Baad will stand out for me hopefully is because of the character that I play, its something that I haven’t done before and also the character is very different from the kind of person that I am in real life.

Q: In a mainstream Hindi movie how many nuances can a female actors character have?

A: I think gone are the days when one would question the capability or the contribution of a Hindi film heroine to a film. I think those times have changed.

Q: You mean commercial success?

A: No I think people still are under the notion that it’s the man who has a lot more to do than the woman or woman is just there to add glamour to a film. Yes there are certain films that are still being made today where a woman is used merely as a prop. She is there to be a part of the song sequences, she is there to look great and that’s about it, but we have moved beyond that. I think the kind of films that I have done and the kind of films that lot of other girls have done as well that’s sort of changed that norm. Having said that you don’t see any film today where there is no heroine. Even if people think that if the man has a lot more to contribute or that our actors have a lot more to contribute, why is it then that people are not making films only with the men? Today the girls are working a lot more than the guys.

Q: Do you like romantic comedies because the woman probably has an equal if not more than equal share of the movie?

A: Yes and that’s actually something I was discussing with Kunal Kohli last night because I just watched my film and he was talking about how important to have a powerful girl character in a love story. Yes, you are right so that probably is also one of the reasons why I enjoy doing love stories.

Deepika didn't have dates for Vishal's film

Deepika Padukone admits that she was supposed to do Vishal Bharadwaj's film - but couldn't because of the dates problems.

"As far as Vishal's film is concerned, yes I was meant to do it but sometimes things don't work out. The dates got pushed and didn't fall into my schedule. Sometimes these things happen," Deepika told us.

Apparently Bharadwaj is miffed with Deepika for not doing his project and the young actress feels that while accepting an offer an actor has to consider other logistics apart from the script.

"When actors decide to do a film, it's not only the scrip, other logistics also need to fall in place," said the actress who is not willing to say much on the subject.

"I don't want to discuss it too much because it's not right for me to talk about a film that I am not part of. I have a lot of respect for Vishal and I would love to work with him, unfortunately this one didn't work out," said Deepika.

Her forthcoming release is 'Break Ke Baad' and her future projects include 'Desi Boys', which is directorial debut of David Dhawan's son Rohit and Prakash Jha's 'Arakshan'.

There is no formula to success: Deepika Padukone

Actress Deepika Padukone says that she has come up the tough way and does not believe that luck is the only thing one requires to succeed in Bollywood. The actor, who has had a few hits to her credit already, refuses to believe in the concept of formula films.

She says, “I don’t understand the concept of formula films. There is no shortcut to hardwork and similarly there’s no formula to a hit film. Nothing can gaurentee you that your film will be a success.”
The actor, who has lived life on her terms says that she only chooses films that catch her fancy and irrespective of the fate of her films, she’s never had any regrets.

“Before I take up any role, I have to be convinced about the script because I am going to be investing so much of my time working on it. I need to have faith in my character, co-stars and the script. Also, I should be able to enjoy the entire process of making a film,” she explains.

Deepika is also of the view that typically male-oriented or female-oriented roles don’t exist anymore. She says that the industry, which is known to be a predominantly male-oriented one, gives a fair shot to women as well. “Why just films? In every field, women have caught up with men and how! And just like everything else, a film also needs both, male and female protagonists who play equally important parts in the film. The actor says that she is so focused on her career that nothing disturbs her, not even link- ups.

“Reports about my various link-ups do not affect me anymore. There was a time when I was still getting used to reading about my link-ups in the newspapers but now it doesn’t really matter.” She also shares a warm working relationship with all her co-stars and refutes anything that says being in a relationship
beyond the sets affects your friendship at work.

“It doesn’t really make a difference because I keep my personal life separate from my professional life. What I do outside the sets doesn’t have any connection with my work. I am a thorough professional,” she says before signing off.

Jab they met: Dips meets Ranbir

It was their first face-off since their much talked about, and bitter, break-up. And, awkwardness was palpable, when actors Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor bumped into each other in a TV studio in Mumbai recently.

The two met backstage on the set of Koffee With Karan. While Ranbir
was leaving after his interview, Deepika was arriving for the filming of hers.

“We had no instructions to ensure they didn’t bump into each other. The entire unit was stunned when they came face to face. They smiled, shook hands and had a brief talk, but were formal with each other,” says an eyewitness from the unit.

Body language experts, after looking at photos from the meeting, feel there are unresolved issues between them. “Deepika seems anxious. There is evidence of some pain, which may come from unaddressed issues. Eye contact is being purposely avoided, Ranbir looks more comfortable than her,” says psychiatrist Deepak Raheja.

“Their body language is awkward. Their confused state of mind is evident in the way their hands and eyes are going in different directions,” says psychiatrist Sanjeev Kalra.

Deepika enjoys Imran's foot massage

Looks like the Bangalore beauty Deepika Padukone is having quite a fun time ever since she called off her relationship with actor Ranbir Kapoor. While the girl is not prepared to talk about her so-called friendship with Siddharth Mallya, she seems to have gelled really well with co-star Imran Khan on the sets of their upcoming film Break Ke Baad. The film revolves around a young couple who decides to have a good time together, later realizing that they are not meant to be together.

If reports are anything to go by, Imran Khan has been seen giving Deepika Padukone a good foot massage during their shoot at Goa. And before you start on the speculations, the actors were filming the scene for Break Ke Baad. Ask Deepika and prompt comes the reply that Imran Khan is the best masseuse that she has come across. The actress not only enjoyed the foot massage, she actually loved it and we are sure would want some more of it in the future.

Imran Khan has made a name for himself as the refreshingly sweet and handsome face of Bollywood after his first hit Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. And since then the girls haven’t stopped being his die-hard fans. Though we know that he will soon tie the knot with sweetheart Avantika, does that stop Deepika from adding to his long list of female fans?

Katrina Kaif Shrugs off Deepika Padukone's Snide Passport Remark

Katrina Kaif deftly sidestepped an attempt by reporters to trap her in a bitchfest with Deepika Padukone during the music launch of Tees Maar Khan on Sunday, November 14.

The event was held onboard a train from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal (CST) to Lonavala

During a yet to be televised appearance on Koffee with Karan, Deepika had taken a pot shot at Katrina Kaif, who is rumored to have been the cause of her break up with Ranbir Kapoor.

When Karan asked Deepika as to what she would like to gift to Ranbir, Deepika reportedly left Karan shell shocked by responding, "a packet of condoms."

Karan then inquired what she would like to say to Katrina.

"I would like to see her passport." Deepika replied, alluding to claims that Katrina is older than her declared age of 26, possibly elder to 28-year-old Ranbir.

When reporters sought a response from Katrina on Deepika's passport remark, Katrina responded with poise:

"There is nothing in my passport, everybody can see it."

Good deal, Katrina.

Deepika Padukone flaunts her relationship with Sidharth Mallya

Deepika Padukone has finally moved on in life.

After much time has passed over her broken relationship with Ranbir Kapoor, the gorgeous diva is now openly flaunting her relationship with the son of the liquid baron Vijay Mallya, Sidharth Mallya.

She now doesn’t mind seen walking hand in hand in public places, clicking for pictures and is not even bothered what the media surfaces about the footage.

The leggy lass was recently spotted in Goa with beau Sidharth were they happily posed for snaps. They even gave their best profile to the photographers.

Well, the babe is turning bold now!

Ranbir Kapoor says Deepika Padukone is brave to keep ‘RK’ tattoo

Though Deepika Padukone is quite candid about her break-up with Ranbir Kapoor and has expressed her bitterness through various ways, Ranbir, on the other hand, has never spoken about it.

Now, for the first time after his break-up, the Kapoor lad has opened up in front of Karan Johar during his show Koffee With Karan.

As Deepika still hasn’t erased the RK tattoo on her nape, Ranbir told Karan, “I have had one of the most wonderful relationships with Deepika that lasted for more than two years. It’s brave of her to keep the RK tattoo intact even after we have parted ways.”

Karan also had Sonam Kapoor and Deepika for another episode. These two actresses have shared cold vibes since the release of their debut films. But during the shooting of the episode they enjoyed discussing Ranbir. If Deepika wanted to gift him ‘a packet of condoms’, Sonam apparently said he can’t remain ‘faithful’, but can be a good friend.

Ranbir along with Imran Khan had recently shot for Koffee With Karan. The episode will be telecast this Sunday.

Deepika Padukone loves the way Imran Khan gives her massage

Actor Imran Khan seems t Deepika o be donning various hats off late. We hear that the young actor decided to be a pro masseuse and we have Deepika Padukone to vouch for it.

Well the story goes that recently on the sets of their forthcoming movie, Imran for a particular scene had to give Deepika a foot message. But she was in for a surprise as she tells us that Imran gave her the best foot massage ever. Deepika had no idea that Imran could have that skill.

So, after that whenever they had a long schedule or anyone's feet were hurting, Imran came to the rescue. After that almost the whole unit queued up to get a foot massage from Imran.

Ranbir’s roguish behavior made me insecure--Deepika

In an exclusive interview given to Mumbai Mirror on Tuesday, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone revealed the real reason behind her break-up with ex-boyfriend, Ranbir Kapoor.

As per the young starlet, by nature she’s not a possessive person but she turned into one due to Ranbir’s playful behavior with other women, even when she was around.

She added that his behavior not only turned her into a possessive lover but made her feel insecure about her relationship
with the actor all the time.

“If my man gives me my security, why would I be possessive? Then I wouldn’t ask him where he is, what he is doing or even who he is with. If my partner is doing things, which betray my trust, then I will become possessive.

You become possessive only when you know there’s something going wrong, not just for the heck of it. It’s not about the kind of person I am, it’s about the person I am with,” revealed the actress.

Not holding grudge
Deepika also revealed that despite what transpired between Ranbir and her when they were dating, she holds no grudge against the actor as she has moved on in her life.

Apparently, Deepika is dating Siddhartha Malaya these days, though, neither of them have ever confirmed the reports.

What went wrong?
Tabloids started buzzing with Ranbir and Deepika’s relationship rumors when the duo was shooting in Australia for their upcoming flick, 'Bachna Ae Haseeno.'

At that time both were newcomers in the industry and initially did not accepted their love for each other, but later on both openly declared it in media. After this, they became Bollywood's 'it couple' of sorts.

However, in 2009, when Ranbir was shooting for ‘Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’ with Katrina Kaif, rumors started floating around that he’s seeing Kat behind Deepika’s back.

Reports even suggested that this was the reason Deepika became quite possessive of Ranbir and the couple broke-up soon after that.

Deepika Padukone and Siddharth Mallya paint the town red

The tide is high but she is moving on. Deepika Padukone makes a happy-go-lucky picture chuckling all the way, walking hand-in-hand with Siddharth Mallya.

Nowadays, Deepika is quite comfortable posing for photographs with Siddharth, and it’s not just at events but also in public places. The two are often spotted together.

Recently the couple was in Goa and some images of them have started doing the rounds of the net. Yeah! painting the town red when she is with the prince of good times.

In a recent interview with a tabloid when asked why Bollywood actresses move from one relationship to the other in a blink, Deepika said, “If a man sleeps with ten women on the rebound, nobody raises a finger.” Deepika also said that she can’t keep crying over the lost love.

The lady admits that she has let bygones be bygones and is open to projects with her ex-beau Ranbir Kapoor. And what does she want to gift him? A packet of condoms! Well, that’s what she has apparently answered Karan Johar on the chat show Koffee With Karan.

No grudges against Ranbir: Deepika

Actress Deepika Padukone has shoved the past under the carpet and is now dating liquor baron Vijay Mallya's son Siddhartha. She has been very vocal about her break-up with Ranbir Kapoor, lately.

But now there is a brand new film soon to be released. No wonder she is shining like a new penny. We met at Mehboob studios last afternoon, in her vanity van, with the actress looking stunning as ever dressed in a black flowing gown. She opened up about break-up and finding love again. Excerpts from the interview.

You have changed a lot. When we last met two years ago, you were not as confident as you are now.
I always had enough to keep me busy. It is just that my two films after the debut film Om Shanti Om which was a big success Bachchana Ae Haseeno and Chandni Chowk To China failed. So people made their own inferences. But I was adamant that I wanted to make it in Bollywood.

Has finding love again re-energised your life?
Yes, I have opened up a little more. But I don't think that anybody else has brought about this change in me. If you don't have inner peace and happiness, you can never be confident. I think I have found myself now.

You are dating Siddhartha Mallya...
I know people are curious to know, but too much has been said about my personal life in the past. Last year, I was working my a** off but people wrote only about my personal life. So, I wouldn't like to answer this question.

Siddhartha lost several kilos to look dapper, matching his steps with yours.
Give Siddhartha the credit. It's his hard work. He is the one who hit the gym, went on a rigorous diet and ran like a hare.

Bollywood heroines are known to flit from one relationship to the other in a blink. Be it Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra or you...
I can't speak for the others, but why do people have a problem if a woman moves on in her personal life? You can't say that I won't fall in love for 10 years after a break up, or say, main roti rahungi. If a man sleeps with ten women on the rebound, nobody raises a finger. It is wrong to give everything a time frame.

Aren't you a possessive lover? It was said that in your previous relationship, you never gave Ranbir any space.
If my man gives me my security, why would I be possessive? Then I wouldn't ask him where he is, what he is doing or even who he is with. If my partner is doing things, which betray my trust, then I will become possessive. You become possessive only when you know there's something going wrong, not just for the heck of it. It's not about the kind of person I am, it's about the person I am with.

Did the break-up hurt you?
Of course. Everybody knows the intensity of that relationship. A break-up is always hurting. But you know what, I could have completely crumbled and ruined myself or used that as an opportunity to become a happier person. I chose not to be shattered. I identified my strengths and came out of it.

Was it difficult or easy to play a commitment phobic girl (Aliya) in Break Ke Baad ? It is said that the character trait is similar to that of your ex-boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor.
I couldn't relate to Aliya not believing in commitment and marriage. I believe as a woman, we can multi-task as well. If I am in a relationship I definitely give time to my relationship without compromising on my career.

Is it easy to remain committed in a relationship these days?
If you can't be faithful, don't be in a relationship. Else you are hurting people in the process (pauses) What goes around, comes around.

It's said that you and Ranbir are ready to work with each other again.
That's true. We don't hold grudges against each other.

And he is now dating Katrina Kaif?
(Smiles) Is it? I don't know.

Buzz is, you find your Break Ke Baad co-actor Imran Khan very sexy.
Yup, I find Imran very sexy. He is a very good-looking guy. What impresses me the most in him is his commitment to Avantika; I admire this quality in a man.

You opted out of Silence and Dream Sequence. Why?
On Anurag Basu's Silence, let me put it this way, one has to connect with an offer and be excited about it. If I don't, then I think it would be very unfair to the makers. However, that doesn't mean that the actors who end up doing it were wrong. As for Vishal Bharadwaj's Dream Sequence, anybody would give an arm and a leg to work with him. It is just that the film got pushed and I couldn't rework my dates.

Deepika wants to gift a pack of condoms to Ranbir

The dimpled beauty from Bangalore, Deepika Padukone has reportedly said that she would like to gift a packet of condoms to her ex-beau, Ranbir Kapoor while chatting with Karan Johar on his celeb talk show, ‘Koffee with Karan’.Talking to a news daily, a source close to the production house said that the gorgeous lass said so when the filmmaker asked her what she would gift Ranbir, given a chance.

This is sure a blunt answer as it does indicate that the south Indian beauty still holds grudges for junior Kapoor. No matter how much she denies, the very name of Ranbir does make her fume.

And to make the conversation spicier Karan asked Deepika, what would she say to Katrina Kaif (who is presently very much friendly with Ranbir), to which the sexy young lady said, "I would like to see her passport."

Now why does the pretty actress want to see Katrina’s passport? Does she intend to check out what Katrina’s real age is or is she still hoping for reconciliation with Ranbir? Or is she “not so happy” with her current millionaire beau Siddharth Mallaya. We ought to wait and watch.

Deepika Padukone: Reasons why she sits on Shahid Kapoor’s laps !

Ex of Kareena Kapoor and the present of Priyanka Chopra chocolate actor Shahid Kapoor has landed himself onto the lap of the leggy bimbo Deepika Padukone. Of course, they are not dating. It’s all for a film’s cause.

Director Sabbir Khan is making the rom com ‘Heer and Ranjha’ and he has roped in the vivacious Deepika Padukone for the role of Heer. Shahid had already been pulled in to do the honours for Ranjha.

Reasons why Deepika has been cast for Heer:

1. Sabbir was looking for someone who was young and dynamic and Deepika fitted the bill perfectly.

2. Besides, Deepika is also a tad vulnerable with her share of emotional depth; something that was required for her character.

3. Sabbir highly rates Deepika and considers her the finest actress of the new generation.

4. Besides, the pairing of Deepika and Shahid would be the first of such kind and is bound to trigger some interest.

5. And Deepika is not only a good actress but is also endowed with an unearthly beauty which makes her screen presence a riveting one.

The film, however, is some months away and would only go on floors in April, 2011.

All models needn't become actors: Deepika

Four years ago, Deepika Padukone was spotted at random and asked if she was interested in featuring in the Kingfisher Calendar. There was no contest and no competition. Today, she is one of the three judges who will pick the face that will feature in the compilation. Judgement call

“I was not judged,” says Padukone, who finds it extremely hard to be a strict decision maker. But does that mean she will go easy on the girls? “I am sure these girls are nervous. It’s only natural when you are pitted against so many other girls and you are supposedly the best in the world. There are insecurities and there is a lot of competition, and I will be lenient on the models,” she says.

Deepika PadukoneA model-turned-actor herself, Padukone never had ‘films’ on her list of priorities when she started out. And neither does she intend on finding Bollywood faces from the ones in the competition. “I am looking for someone with a great face, body and personality. I am not looking for someone who has the potential to become an actor. This is not a hunt for that. If it happens to the contestants, then good for them,” says Padukone, who is on the panel with Siddharth Mallya, Milind Soman and Atul Kasbekar.

Even though she is currently finding it hard to promote her two consecutive releases, Break Ke Baad and Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey, she is happy with the variety she will present to her audiences. “The genres are in no way similar. Different viewers will enjoy different films. Break Ke Baad was a lot more challenging for me,” says Padukone, who plays an ambitious commitment-phobe in the film.

“My character doesn’t believe in relationships, marriage or a Facebook status, while I am someone who believes in marriage and commitment. In that sense, it was very hard to me to get into the character.”

Deepika beats irresponsible Katrina Kaif

In Prakash Jha's Aarakshan opposite Ajay Devgn. Katrina Kaif was first choice but was dropped for keeping the director hanging

Deepika Padukone has signed Prakash Jha's Aarakshan, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn and Manoj Bajpayee.

Apparently, she wasn't the first choice for the film. Jha wanted to repeat his Raajneeti actress, Katrina Kaif.

Aarakshan is based on student politics and job reservations. Says an industry source, "Initially, Jha was keen to sign Kat for the romantic lead opposite Ajay. He had approached her, post-Raajneeti but she was committed to Dostana 2.

However, she didn't want to lose out on this meaty role and kept him hanging saying she would try and make time."

In the lurch

An insider adds, "Impressed by Kat's work during Raajneeti, Prakash was keen to have her on board once again.

She promised him that after she returned from shooting in Spain for Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, she would discuss the script.

But that hasn't happened. In stead, she signed YRF's next with Imran Khan and has been shooting for it all over North India."

This didn't go down well with the director, who felt she owed him for giving her the role-of-a-lifetime in his last film. He decided to approach Deepika.

He felt the dimpled actress would make a fresh and interesting pair with Ajay and was widely accepted as a better actress than her rival after films like Karthik Calling Karthik and Lafangey Parindey.

Dippy, too, is keen to work with the National Award-winning director, who delivered a huge commercial hit this year. The source adds, "She said yes immediately when Prakash approached her."

The director, however, denies that he has approached either actress for his next, "I haven't approached anybody for the female lead as yet.

Once the script is finalised and I understand who will suit the character and be able to talk in the particular language that the script might have, will I be able to decide on anything."

Deepika remained unavailable for comment.

Katrina says, "No it's not true. Prakashji knows the film we want to make together. It's a different film... (and it was) never Aarakshan. We already discussed it during Raajneeti release."

This Diwali, it’s all about family: Deepika Padukone

Her smile lights up a million lives is what actress Deepika Padukone’s co-stars say. Rightly so, the actor who’s celebrating Diwali with her family has every reason to grin from ear-to-ear.

She has a release lined up and has some great films in her kitty. “I wish the Goddess of Diwali — Laxmi, blesses everyone not just with materialistic wealth but alsopeace of mind, as that too is a big luxury,” she says.

The dimpled beauty has not been able to celebrate Diwali with her family in the last couple of years. “I am in Bengaluru with my folks.I love the festival of Diwali. I’ve been busy ever since the release of Om Shanti Om in 2007. It’s either been shooting or some film promotion. I’m glad that this Diwali I’ll be getting time to spend with my family after so many years,” she chirps.

Though Deepika today is a much sought-after actor in Bollywood, she prefers to keep the festivities low-key.She was not really keen on attending any of the high-profile taash or Diwali parties in B-Town. “This Diwali, it’s all about family, family and more family for me in Bengaluru.We start the day on an auspicious note with a puja and then the entire family gets together for a special dinner,”

Deepika also does not like to miss out onmouthwatering sweets during festivals. “I love eating sweets. I don’t even feel guilty about eating them during Diwali as the occasion demands it.” The leggy lass who’s usually spotted in western outfitsplans to go traditional today. “Cannes or Diwali. I’m always looking for a chance to wear a sari,” says Deepika.

Shahid to act with Deepika in Heer And Ranjha

After having cast the teenage heartthrob Shahid Kapoor as the 'Ranjha' in his next film titled Heer And Ranjha, director Sabbir Khan has pulled off a casting coup by roping in Deepika Padukone as 'Heer'.

Sabbir said, "Once I finished scripting, I felt that the Heer's part needed somebody, who is young and dynamic, as it's totally an author-backed role. At the same time, that person should have vulnerability as well as emotional depth. With so much in mind, I just couldn't see anybody beyond Deepika for the role, as I feel that she is one of the finest female actors among the Gen-Next's brigade."


Sabbir also added, "Casting this pair together was due to the fact that, this was one pair, which was everybody's unanimous decision. To have Deepika as Heer and Shahid as Ranjha, the film is nothing short of being fantastic. Everybody is excited to see the pair together!"

Since it's a romantic story being retold, music will play prominence in the film. Talking about the music of Heer And Ranjha, Sabbir reveals, "Music is indeed a very integral part of this film. And I am so very happy to have Pritam on board for it. There are 6 songs in the film. The core of the music will be romance... Music that will depict that it's a love story, at the same time it'll be contemporary. The music of this film will surely have lots of soul with a lot of modernity."

The shooting of Heer And Ranjha will begin in April 2011.

Deepika reserves her spot

In Prakash Jha's Aarakshan opposite Ajay Devgn. Katrina Kaif was first choice but was dropped for keeping the director hanging

Deepika Padukone has signed Prakash Jha's Aarakshan, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn and Manoj Bajpayee.

Apparently, she wasn't the first choice for the film. Jha wanted to repeat his Raajneeti actress, Katrina Kaif.

Aarakshan is based on student politics and job reservations. Says an industry source, "Initially, Jha was keen to sign Kat for the romantic lead opposite Ajay. He had approached her, post-Raajneeti but she was committed to Dostana 2.

However, she didn't want to lose out on this meaty role and kept him hanging saying she would try and make time."

In the lurch

An insider adds, "Impressed by Kat's work during Raajneeti, Prakash was keen to have her on board once again.

She promised him that after she returned from shooting in Spain for Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, she would discuss the script.

But that hasn't happened. In stead, she signed YRF's next with Imran Khan and has been shooting for it all over North India."

This didn't go down well with the director, who felt she owed him for giving her the role-of-a-lifetime in his last film. He decided to approach Deepika.

He felt the dimpled actress would make a fresh and interesting pair with Ajay and was widely accepted as a better actress than her rival after films like Karthik Calling Karthik and Lafangey Parindey.

Dippy, too, is keen to work with the National Award-winning director, who delivered a huge commercial hit this year. The source adds, "She said yes immediately when Prakash approached her."

The director, however, denies that he has approached either actress for his next, "I haven't approached anybody for the female lead as yet.

Once the script is finalised and I understand who will suit the character and be able to talk in the particular language that the script might have, will I be able to decide on anything."

Deepika remained unavailable for comment.

Katrina says, "No it's not true. Prakashji knows the film we want to make together. It's a different film... (and it was) never Aarakshan. We already discussed it during Raajneeti release."

Deepika keen to work with Saif

Deepika Padukone is eager for a repeat act with her Love Aaj Kal co-star. Keenly contests for all starring roles opposite the actor

Deepika Padukone may have pipped other actresses (Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor to name a few) to be the female lead in Race 2 but the real reason behind her saying a yes to the project is Saif Ali Khan.

The actress is keen to work with her Love Aaj Kal co-star yet again. As soon as she was offered Abbas-Mustan's sequel, she gave her nod to the Tips Films project without any hesitation.

She wanted to beat other actresses under consideration in the race to sign on the dotted line.

Tu nahi to main bhi nahi

This was also the reason Dippy had agreed to feature in Vishal Bhardwaj's Dreams. But as soon as she learnt that Saif was re-thinking doing the Omkara director's film, she too decided to back out from the project.

Says a source, "Saif had reservations about certain aspects of the script; especially, the second half of the story.

He expressed his opinions but the writer-director was in no mood to heed to his requests. As a result, he walked out."

Buzz was also that the actor-turned-producer was keen that Vishal commit himself to direct a project for his banner.