HT Cafe

Deepika’s hush-hush visit to Chittorgar­h

Padukone went on a solo jaunt to the city in Rajasthan to research for a role

- Prashant Singh

Afew days back, when Deepika Padukone was spotted at the Mumbai airport carrying books on the history of Rajasthan, not many could have deciphered what could be the reason behind it. Apparently, she has been reading a number of historical books to gain “some valuable insights” about the history of the place.

Now, HT Café has learnt that the actor also made a secret visit to Chittorgar­h, Rajasthan, a couple of months back in order to “soak in the feel” of the place. “Yes, Deepika had made the trip but she had planned this visit in an extremely hush-hush manner so that no one gets to know about it,” says an insider.

Without any of her team members, Deepika travelled to Chittorgar­h on her own and, in fact, walked around a lot of local places and historical sites to get familiar with all the age-old structures and also gather as much informatio­n about them as possible.

“Deepika has been doing all of it as she is fully committed to her part as Rani Padmini in her next film, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The actor’s take-away from the visit has been her firsthand experience­s that she had while being there,” says the insider.

As history has it, Rani Padmini was brought to Chittorgar­h or Chittor by the Rajput ruler Raja Rawal Ratan Singh after marrying her. Hence, the place is of utmost importance to Deepika with regard to her role.

When contacted, Deepika — without mentioning her secret visit — says, “I shot for Padmavati in November and December. There was something extremely magical about it and I hope that the magic continues when I start shooting for the film again.”

I shot for Padmavati in November and December. There was something extremely magical about it... DEEPIKA PADUKONE, ACTOR

 ?? PHOTO: AFP ??
PHOTO: AFP

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