Challenging roles give Deepika a ‘different kind of thrill’

Remember Nargis in Mother India, Madhubala in Mughale-azam or Meena Kumari in Pakeezah? Right from the start, heroines in Hindi cinema have taken up challenging roles and proved themselves to critics and audiences alike. Of late, Bollywood star Deepika Padukone seems to have developed a knack for picking up ‘difficult’ roles. “If you go by her last few film choices, be it Piku, Bajirao Mastani, xxx: Return Of the Xander Cage, Padmavati or even Sapna Didi, all the films have been and are challenging — both physically and mentally. So, one can safely say that Deepika is indeed attracted towards difficult roles,” says a trade insider. In fact, Deepika has been completely incommunicado for the past few months as she has been busy shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming magnum-opus, Padmavati. “It’s a gruelling film, but Deepika is enjoying that process, too, knowing that the results will be worth all the challenges,” says an insider. We asked Deepika what draws her towards tough roles. “(Laughs) To be honest, it’s not a conscious decision. I guess, it’s something I’m naturally drawn towards,” says the 31-year-old, who admits that she enjoys such “challenges” as an actor. “A physically or mentally challenging role gives me a different kind of thrill. It’s exhausting while filming, but the results are very satisfying and that feeling is irreplaceable (smiles),” adds Deepika.

PHOTO: RAAJESSH KASHYAP/HT Actor Deepika Padukone says that such roles might be exhausting while filming, but the results are very satisfying