Deepika’s ‘dialogue’ delivery

Padukone was pleasantly surprised to see a restaurant called Thangabali in Mahim; says she’d love to try out food at the eatery

Remember Deepika Padukone’s famous ‘thangabali’ dialogue in Chennai Express (2013)? For a lot of people, the actor’s dialogues and her performance as a feisty Tamil girl in the film are among her best screen outings. And earlier this week, Deepika had a tryst with her famous dialogue again while driving through Mahim in Mumbai.

“Deepika was on the way home (in south Mumbai) when she came across a south Indian restaurant named Thangabali. She was pleasantly surprised, and couldn’t help but wonder if her dialogue inspired the owners in any way to name the restaurant that. She shared it immediately with her team members, who were also amazed,” says an insider.

The Bajirao Mastani (2015) actor is currently busy shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next, Padmavati, but she plans to visit the restaurant when she gets some free time. “Chennai Express and her character in it are still among her favourites. Now, the new restaurant has given her a reason to revisit the film as well as her character, Meenamma,” says the insider.

When contacted, Deepika said, “Yes, I was driving home the other day when I drove past this restaurant called Thangabali. Can you imagine (laughs)? I just couldn’t stop smiling. I love south Indian food a lot, so I cannot wait to try it [the restaurant].”

On the work front, apart from Padmavati, Deepika’s future projects include Vishal Bhardwaj’s next production as well as xXx 4 with Hollywood star, Vin Diesel.

I was driving home the other day when I drove past this restaurant called Thangabali. Can you imagine (laughs)? I just couldn’t stop smiling. DEEPIKA PADUKONE, ACTOR