Deepika is Rajini fan

“Chennai brings several fond memories to my mind,” says Deepika Padukone, who in the heart of hearts believes, “I am a South-Indian girl.” The gorgeous actress who was in the city recently to launch the anti-hair fall shampoo by Fiama Di Wills. “I have been in Chennai on many modeling assignments which means, on most occasions I have zipped in and out of the city. Never got to spend quality time, but, yes, I love the beach. Now beaches are beaches and I would not like to compare them with the Juhu beach of Mumbai,” she chuckles. And what is the one thing she loves and admires in this city? “Rajinikanth — am looking forward to the release of Robot,” she says. It is a known fact that Deepika started her film career with a Kannada movie — Aishwarya.

Considering that, when I ask her, on whether she is keen on taking up film projects in the South-Indian industry, she says, rather assertively, “I would love to do a film with Rajinikanth.” In the seven odd years of her film career so far, Deepika has had a shot at different kinds of roles — be it playing double roles, action, romance and special appearances. Now she is looking forward to a period thriller directed by Ashutosh Gowariker “Working with him is indeed a learning experience. It is set for release in December. Break Ke Baad will release in November. I have done variety of roles in my short career. I sported a retro and a modern look in Om Shanti Om for instance. In Chandni Chowk To China, I have done action sequences as well. I love experimenting with roles,” she says.

Considering celebrities are keen on sports and her father also being a sportsperson, does she plan to own an IPL team sometime in the long run? “(Laughs). My business skills are not that good. But yes I do love sports and my dad is my biggest inspiration, role model and everything in the world. I know I cannot be an actor all my life. I will think about something else.”