Deepika Padukone recently faced defeat at the hands of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan. No, it wasn’t a box-office face off or even a war of words. The actors played a badminton match against each other at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) last week.
Padukone teamed up with her father, badminton pro Prakash Padukone, and Aamir partnered with badminton player Aparna Popat, at an exhibition game before the final of the Tata Open Badminton Tournament. Though it was a close match, Aamir and Aparna bagged the win. But Deepika wasn’t upset.
For the 23-year-old actress, success and failure are all part of the game. The daughter of a badminton ace, Deepika feels that her background has equipped her to balance the highs and lows in the film industry.
“I know how to deal with success and failure. The success of Om Shanti Om did not affect me, nor did failure of Chandni Chowk to China. I have learnt this as a sportsperson myself and from my father,” Deepika said. “In two years, I have reached this far despite being a rank newcomer. It’s a nice feeling. I have never been on a film set, nor assisted anybody in direction. But I am definitely not satisfied. I am still learning a lot,” she said.
As of now, Deepika’s eagerly awaiting the release of Love Aaj Kal, due at the end of the month. “It’s a story about love and relationships,” she said, adding her character Meera is some one who is similar to her in real life. “She is young, modern... at the same time, conventional and traditional. Like me, she is career-minded, focused but also believes in love, relationships and [the] institution of marriage,” Deepika said.
{{/usCountry}}As of now, Deepika’s eagerly awaiting the release of Love Aaj Kal, due at the end of the month. “It’s a story about love and relationships,” she said, adding her character Meera is some one who is similar to her in real life. “She is young, modern... at the same time, conventional and traditional. Like me, she is career-minded, focused but also believes in love, relationships and [the] institution of marriage,” Deepika said.
{{/usCountry}}The actress adds that she does not regret making her relationship with Ranbir Kapoor public. “If you deny or accept that you are a couple, there is a problem. But we have learnt to keep details of our relationship private,” she said. “Speculation and controversies are other side of being an actor”, said the actress, who is looking for healthy competition from fellow actors. “Competition is important. Otherwise, I would feel lonely,” Deepika concludes.