Five-ft-and-six-and-a-half inches is a good height to be... but not when you’re standing next to Deepika Padukone, especially when she’s in a pair of dangerously high stilettos!
In the city for the launch of Yamaha Motor’s Female Riding Training Programme, Deepika says, “I started riding a two-wheeler when I was in college. Even now I’d love to go around the streets of the city on a two-wheeler, but…” she pauses, ‘you’ll get mobbed’ we pitch in helpfully, and she laughs. Apparently, between the shots for the ad, the actor would keep driving around on the scooter and the unit would call her back when her shot was ready. “What I like about Yamaha is that they are innovative yet traditional. It reminds me of my own personality. The riding programme is a fun experience, people can experience biking in a better way,” says the brand ambassador for Yamaha Motors.
Hands full
On the movie front, Deepika will next be seen in Race 2 , scheduled to release later this month. She has just finished shooting for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani with Ranbir Kapoor. Kochadaiyaan too is almost done. When asked about how it was to work with Rajinikanth, she thinks hard and answers, “So many people ask me this question, but I can’t explain it. It’s something you have to experience firsthand.” According to Deepika, the film has an international feel. “It’s India’s offering to the world and shows what we are capable of.” Though she is familiar with Tamil, Deepika says it was a little tough while shooting for Kochadaiyaan because the Tamil spoken in the film is not what’s locally spoken. “It’s shudh (chaste) Tamil and I really had to read a lot,” says the 27-year-old.
And then there is Chennai Express directed by Rohit Shetty where she stars with Shah Rukh Khan. “It’s always amazing to work with him. He was my first co-star, and I am happy I got to do a movie with him so soon. He is the same always — affectionate and caring,” she concludes with a smile.
