Deepika’s marathon shoot

Actor commits 140 days for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next; sets record for longest schedule in Bollywood by a female actor

After a relatively laidback 2012, Deepika Padukone (right) is heading towards a packed year, as she has a number of films lined up for release in 2013, starting with Race 2 in January followed by Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Chennai Express and Kochadaiyaan (in which she is cast opposite Rajinikanth). Now, the actor is all set to make a record with her next, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s tentatively titled Ram Leela, opposite Ranvir Singh.

A source tells us, “Deepika has spared about 140 days (that’s over four months) for the shoot of Ram Leela. That’s the highest number of dates any female actor has ever given for a film. She’s putting in a lot of effort for this project, and has been working round the clock (the shoot started in November).” Usually, actors work on a film for 60 to 90 days, wrapping up 4-5 films a year. Ask why she has slotted so many days and the source says, “She is doing that since it’s a massive production.”

The source adds, “From workshops and preparations to dance rehearsals and final shoot, it will require Deepika to put in a lot of effort. And Sanjay always pays attention to the minutest of details, which is why Deepika also wants to give it her best. It’s a big film for her, and the role she’s playing could be an image makeover for her.”

“Deepika has been shooting back-to-back. She has around five releases coming up,” the source informs further.