Deepika Padukone on SRK and 'Chennai Express'
Deepika Padukone is everywhere. With the imminent release of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, followed almost immediately by Chennai Express, the actress will be seen a fair bit over the next couple of months.
Padukone is happy that she got the opportunity to work with Shah Rukh Khan again, and feels that she interacts with him "more freely" now and that they share a "friendly equation".
"You know, when we did Om Shanti Om, I was a newcomer, nervous and awkward. Today, I can speak to him much more freely. Today, we share a friendly equation. Shah Rukh is a sport. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't get his sense of humour. Shooting with him is a breeze. He lightens the atmosphere and makes everything so easy."
Deepika in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
And is more confident around him now than she used to be?
"You know, unlike our other film together where there was a large cast, in Chennai Express there is an added pressure because it's a romantic comedy where the focus throughout is on Shah Rukh and me. For two actors to carry off a comedy on their shoulders is not easy. I am glad I've Shah Rukh in Chennai Express to make sure I don't flounder."
SRK-Deepika on the sets of Chennai Express
In Chennai Express is the focus more on tapping into her comic timing?
"Yes! If on one hand (filmmaker) Sanjay Leela Bhansali is pushing the boundaries of my abilities as a dramatic actress (in Ram Leela), on the other hand (director) Rohit Shetty too is tapping a side of me that's never been tapped before. I now realize comedy is the most difficult genre of acting and the most difficult kind of cinema to make," finished off the actress.
Chennai Express releases in August, while Ram Leela will hit screens in November.