Deepika works hard while Rajini in hospital

Even as Deepika Padukone’s Rana co-superstar Rajinikanth was recovering in the hospital, the young actor remained professional and continued her work. Director Ravikumar is impressed with her professionalism.

Even as Deepika Padukone’s Rana co-superstar Rajinikanth was recovering in the hospital, the young actor remained professional and continued her work. She shot for a song and a few solo sequences for 14 to 15 hours a day to wrap up as much as she could. "Deepika has shot for about 70 per cent of the song. The rest of the number, which is a dream sequence, will be shot with Rajini sir in London. We also shot a few solo scenes with her," says KS Ravikumar, director of Rana. The film’s first schedule came to an end last week.



Ask Ravikumar if the first schedule was cut short due to Rajinikanth’s illness and he shoots back: "No shooting schedule was altered or cancelled. We were only supposed to shoot a song with Deepika."

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Though sources suggest Rajinikanth was supposed to shoot a few scenes in the first schedule, the director denies it. "Rajini sir was not required much right now," he insisted. For the uninitiated, Rajinikanth was admitted to the ICU of Isabel hospital in Chennai for fever and breathlessness. Reports say he is better now and will resume work after a couple of weeks of rest. The second schedule is expected to start in July. "And Deepika will join us again by June end," adds Ravikumar.



Impressed with Deepika’s professionalism, he makes it a point to say, "She is a very professional, talented and nice actor, who has been a dream to work with. We are very happy to have wrapped up our first schedule with her." Deepika will be seen donning a 17th century look with a South Indian touch in the film.