Deepika Padukone Has No Idea Of The Caste Issues

Deepika Padukone might be starring in ‘Aarakshan’ (Reservation), a film based on India’s notorious caste system, but she has revealed that she had no idea about the issue before starring in it.
Directed by acclaimed director Prakash Jha, the movie tackles the sensitive subject of the reservation of seats and jobs based on people’s caste.
“For many Indians, the reservation issue is a hard-hitting reality. But honestly, I didn’t feel for the issue strongly, because I have never really experienced it in my own life,” Gulf News quoted her as saying.
“And I truly feel that unless a person doesn’t experience it for real, the importance and impact varies. But I have a learnt a lot about the issue during the filming.
“I speak my mind and I speak honestly. I am not a celebrity who just makes controversial statements to sound interesting or to shock people. I can never do that,” she added. Source
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Ranbir & Deepika Are Together Again?

Ranbir Kapoor will indeed get to romance his ex-flame Deepika Padukone again, but in reel life.
Director Ayan of Wake up Sid fame has roped in Deepika for his film.
The tall, dimple beauty meanwhile had been keen to do a film with Ranbir and she had also send feelers through media that she has no issues working with Ranbir.
So folks, let’s wait for a good amount of gossips that these ex-lovers will bring…. Looks like some sparks are going to be rekindled. Source
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Saif & Deepika To Feature On Big B’s Kaun Banega Crorepati 5

Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone will appear as special guests on the fifth season of the game show “Kaun Banega Crorepati”, which starts off on August 15 with megastar Amitabh Bachchan as the host.
“One interesting candidate and the entire anxiety of the working of the show just flies past .. we had a few today and tomorrow is another day .. let us hope that all goes well .. the second episode towards the evening will have invites to Saif and Deepika .. who come to promote their film and mine as well - ‘Aarakshan’ !!!”Amitabh posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.
“In many ways, the philosophy of the film and that of KBC is quite similar. Given opportunity, even the lesser privileged shall prosper. Or at least have the capacity to prosper,” he wrote.
However, Mumbai rains played spoilsport as the production unit had to stall the shooting of the show several times due to the noise of the rain.
“The rains have been incessant.. and so harsh that we had to stop shooting KBC at times, because of the noise factor. But all in all a most satisfying day … harsh and hard, but satisfactory,” Amitabh said.
Saif had previously appeared with actress Preity Zinta in the second season of the show, while Deepika came as a guest last year although she didn’t play. Source
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Deepika Padukone Speaks On Her Film Aarakshan

Promos of AARAKSHAN pretty much promise a hard hitting dramatic affair in the offing. Also there is a trademark Prakash Jha stamp to the frames that promise a film that should succeed in entertaining its audience. Quiz Deepika Padukone, leading lady of the film, on whether the promise would be met and she nods affirmatively.
“Don’t worry, we will all keep our promise,” smiles Deepika, “When it comes to AARAKSHAN, we are all quite confident about the tale it aspires to tell. There is enough drama in the film to keep you engaged. When you see the promo, you get a whiff of what to expect from the film.
Since it’s the issue of ‘reservation’ which is being dealt with, you can pretty much imagine the intensity that can be promised with AARAKSHAN. At the end of the day if the content is good, there is nothing to worry about from entertainment standpoint.”
She is also happy about the fact that she was an immediate choice for the director who wanted to cast her as Amitabh Bachchan’s daughter in this volatile drama.
“I was so happy about the fact that he was giving me such an important role in the film,” gushes Deepika, “Despite such stalwarts in the cast, he explained to me what he felt about my presence in the film. The way he believed in me and appreciated me was amazing. What else does an actor want than to see her director show such confidence in her? Really, my day was made.”
With Saif Ali Khan in the lead and also starring Manoj Bajpai, Prateik Babbar and Tanvi Azmi, AARAKSHAN is a Firoz Nadiadwala production and releases all over on 12th August, the weekend leading to Independence Day. Source
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Deepika Shares Comfortable Vibes With Saif

In the film AARAKSHAN, though Deepika Padukone would be getting into a different zone with Saif, she is more curious than anxious to know how her pairing would look like this time around.
“When you have worked with someone earlier, it obviously leads to a certain amount of comfort level from the very beginning,” says Deepika who has just stepped back into Mumbai after spending months in London shooting for two of her films, “That initial awkwardness goes away because there is a sense of familiarity that sets in. Having said that it wasn’t like we were catching up on the lost times or anything. Our interaction was primarily about the work that we were doing together and that’s about it. So yes, we were both doing our own thing. He is the way he is and is great that way.”
With things heating up for AARAKSHAN, it is quite obvious that with men like Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan and Manoj Bajpai coming together, heavy duty drama would indeed take centre-stage. However given the fact that other actresses in her age group and league are concentrating more on being a part of quintessential Bollywood affairs than rely on song and dance affairs, what makes Deepika push the envelope and mix films like AARAKSHAN that deal with topical issues.
“I guess I was always so ready to be a part of a film like this. Somewhere out there I wanted to be a part of a debate where the issue of reservation is addressed,” she says in a serious tone, “When you watch the film, you would realise that there is a message that it is trying to send out. When you look at it closely, there is a plus as well as minus side to ‘reservation’. I am playing someone who is torn between both these sides and it was this dilemma that excited me the most. I was genuinely impressed with what Prakashji narrated to me and knew what I had to do this film.” Source
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Deepika & Kareena Are Bonding Quite Well

It was believed that Kareena was upset
with Imtiaz Ali for casting Deepika and not her opposite boyfriend Saif in Love Aaj Kal. In fact, it is also rumoured that later Kareena ousted Deepika to star in Saif’s Agent Vinod.
Deepika-Saif were a successful pair in Love Aaj Kal. And now, Saif and Deepika will be seen in three films together - Prakash Jha’s Aarakshan, Abbas-Mastan’s Race 2 and Homi Adajania’s Cocktail. Saif and Kareena, on the other hand, have done two films (Tashan and Kurbaan) and are working on the third Agent Vinod.
Deepika SaifBut the two seemed to have buried the hatchet and have been bonding on the sets of Cocktail, where Kareena came to look up her beau Saif.
“Deepika bumped into Kareena in the hotel lobby. Dippy walked up and spoke to her. Things were better between them almost in an instant. They would be talking and chatting over dinner. In fact, once the two ladies went out with Saif for dinner as well. Kareena was in London for four days and they all stayed in the same hotel Mont Calm,” a source told Mumbai Mirror.
“Such reports haven’t changed my equation with Kareena. There is no animosity with her,” Deepika had told Hindustan Times when asked whether these three films together may rake up that past.
Saif, too, doesn’t seem to mind.
“We have consciously tried to do things differently in these films, so that the pairing doesn’t look repeated,” he says, before Deepika added, “When we signed these films I wasn’t aware that we both were cast together. It’s a happy coincidence.”
With Deepika patching up with Katrina and Kareena burying the hatchet with Priyanka Chopra earlier this year, the air sure seems to be clearing! Source
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Salman Khan & Deepika Padukone In ‘Ladies And Gentlemen’

The handsome macho of B-town Salman Khan and the hot slim beauty Deepika Padukone are said to be paired up for Rajkumar Santoshi’s next ‘Ladies And Gentlemen’ – yes, the same movie which Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was supposed to have been doing. Looks like things didn’t turn out as plan with the powerful star couple.
Coming back to Salman and Deepika… It seems Dee is very much excited to act with Salman miyan and looking forward for the shooting to start – since she missed out chances to work with him in ‘Kick’, ‘Ready’ and ‘Bodyguard’ remakes. ‘Ladies And Gentlemen’ is expected to go on floors in December.
Although some sources claim that no actress has been finalized for the project, we believe that all the fans of Salman and Deepika are really waiting to see these two together… Right? Source
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Deepika Padukone Is Still Searching For Her Mr. Perfect

She is still looking for the right man, says Deepika Padukone who is often spotted with industrialist Vijay Mallya’s son Siddharth after breaking up with Ranbir Kapoor.
‘I haven’t thought of marriage. I still have to find the right man to even consider marriage,’ Deepika told reporters at Imran Khan and Avantika’s wedding reception Saturday where she came with Sidhharth.
When the reporters asked Siddharth about their relationship, he too passed the buck on Deepika saying: ‘I have planned nothing as yet. You should ask her.’
Commenting upon the rumours about his and Deepika’s relationship, he said: ‘I was out of the country when I heard of it, it made me laugh.’
Deepika, who featured with Imran in ‘Break Ke Baad’, said it was must for her to attend her co-star’s wedding reception.
‘I owe it to Imran. I was shooting in Bhopal and have just landed and coming straight from the airport to attend the reception,’ she said. Source
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Deepika & Katrina - The Hot Babes Have Become Friends

Karan Johar’s Filmfare Best Director award bash turned out to be the biggest kiss and make up story of 2011. It is believed that Deepika made the first move to end the bitter cold war with Katrina even as Siddhartha Mallya and Ranbir Kapoor were standing far apart.
Talking to a daily, an eyewitness said, “Deepika walked up to Katrina and told her, `Let bygones be bygones. Jo ho gaya so ho gaya. I hold nothing against you. I don`t blame anybody. I have moved on in life and am in a very happy space now`.”
Interestingly, Katrina was completely flabbergasted at Deepika’s sudden move. Speaking on Katrina’s reaction, the source added, “Katrina was a bit surprised, but she quickly gathered herself and told Deepika, `Oh, that`s fine. I am very happy that you spoke to me. The load is off my chest`.”
After burying the hatchet, Deepika and Katrina were extremely cordial with each other in the party. Source
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Deepika Refuses To Work With Shahid Kapoor ?

Some time earlier Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor were rumored to pair up as Heer Ranjha for Sajid Nadiadwala but the film has been shelved now. The film was to be directed by Sabir Khan but now the film is no longer happening and the reason behind it is said that Deepika is not keen to do the film.
Shahid is now going to be part of another of Sajid’s film directed by Sabir Khan but Deepika will not be part of the venture. A friend of Nadiadwala revealed that Sabir is working on the script of the new film which is not Heer Ranjha. Why is it then that a section of media came to know about Deepika doing a film from Sabir?
The director earlier reported that the height difference between a hero and a heroine is not much of botheration and since Deepika and Shahid have not been paired together it would be an interesting on-screen coupling to see. But at the moment it seems that the fresh pairing is not happening the audience has to wait for quite a while to see these two together on-screen.
Right now Sabir is penning something new and Deepika is not going to romance or sizzle on-screen with Shahid in it. Deepika’s last film was with Abhishek Bachchan Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey and it dunked in the box-office.  Next she will be seen doing a special appearance in the song ‘Dum Maro Dum’ in the flick Dum Maro Dum and her major release will be Desi Boyz, Aarakshan and Housefull 2 in 2011. On the other hand Shahid is filming dad Pankaj Kapoor’s debut film Mausam. Source
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Imran Khan Invited Deepika For His Pre Marriage Celebrations

The chocolate actor Imran Khan, who has kept his pre-wedding rituals a complete family affair, is expected to have his movie “Break-Ke Baad” co-star and friend actress Deepika Padukone to be part of the ceremony.
Imran is tying the knot with his childhood sweetheart Avantika Malik Jan 10.
“Being a Mehndi and Sangeet ceremony, it would be a complete family affair and no Bollywood actors are to be seen. Only Deepika, Imran’s close friend, is expected to be part of the ceremony,” said a statement by his publicist.
The family, which includes Imran’s parents Anil Pal and Nuzhat Khan, uncle actor Aamir Khan with wife Kiran Rao and children Junaid and Ira, among others, would be present during the ceremony.
The ceremony would conclude with a night-long party, which would start at around 9 p.m. Source
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Deepika Padukone Celebrated Her 25th Birthday

The leggy lass, Deepika Padukone who charmed us with her radiant smile and charismatic personality turned a year older yesterday. In a short span of her career, this svelte beauty has risen to the position of being one of the most promising actresses of Bollywood.
We wish the actress a delightful birthday and hope the coming year brings the most fortunate things in her life. Source
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Big B, Saif & Deepika in Prakash Jha’s Next

After the blockbuster film RAAJNEETI, Prakash Jha is all set to begin his next AARAKSHAN, a high voltage drama based on one of the most controversial policies of caste based reservations in government jobs and educational institutions.
Laying to rest all media speculations, Prakash Jha, in an event, unveiled the power packed star cast of his film. Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpayee and Prateik Babbar form the cast of AARAKSHAN, making it one of the biggest multi-starrers of coming year.
Says the sorted filmmaker Prakash Jha, “AARAKSHAN has an amazing array of actors. They are some of the most talented people in the industry and I am confident that all of them together in AARAKSHAN, will create magic.”
AARAKSHAN’s pre-production is currently underway and the film is expected to go on floors by 15th January. The film will be majorly shot in and around Bhopal (where RAAJNEETI was also shot).
The worldwide release of AARAKSHAN is slated for 12th August 2011. Source
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Deepika Padukone & Sonakshi Sinha To Share The Screen Space

The year 2010 belonged to one heroine and that is Sonakshi Sinha, the lead actress of the all time blockbuster hit, DABANGG. The actress not only wooed the audience with her surreal ethnic Hindustani looks but also in a brief appearance managed to show her acting mettle in a film that was marked with Salman Khan’s histrionics and heroics.
No doubt then that the darling daughter of Shotgun Sinha has the producers lining up outside her house to sign her. With news of her landing one project after another opposite top stars already making headlines (most unconfirmed), we have news from our very reliable trade sources that Sonakshi Sinha has been signed for the much anticipated RACE sequel. And like the other heroine of RACE 2, Deepika Padukone, Sonkashi too will romance both the leads, the hot and handsome stars of RACE sequel, Saif Ali Khan and John Abraham.
Indeed, Sonakshi has hit big time and anyone who doubted it will now have to admit that just like her father Sonakshi too is here to stay and make a mark in Bollywood. Source
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Ranbir Kapoor & Deepika Padukone - The War Is Still On

Deepika Padukone opened her starry mouth and let out those priceless words: ‘I caught him red handed!’ The needle of suspicion of the moral compass swiftly pointed towards Ranbir Kapoor. And although, DP did later clarify to the scribe tribe that the barb wasn’t hinted at Ranby, it serve to step up the heat and spotlight on RK’s amourous side.
To compound matters further, DP and Sonam Kapoor did their round of Ranbir bashing on Karan Johar’s chat show ‘Koffee With Karan’ and thrashed his ‘playboy image’ leading to fresh rows, controversy and fall outs. The no holds barred take on RK’s libido in overdrive, his terrible ways as a boyfriend and more, has also gotten the goat of Ranbir.
Even as Deepika’s romantic ties with a certain Siddhartha Mallya are in fortifying mode, there was talk, reportedly emanating from DP, that Ranby was a confused male, a love struck puppy who was still hoping that she’d take him back.
On his part, RK seems to have figured it out, that the fountainhead of all these ugly rumours are sources close to his former flame. He’s mighty peeved with the fact that the calls that he made to DP and the SMSs that he sent her are being leaked to the media, making it seem as if he was chasing her all over again!
Reportedly, a meeting between the two ex lovers is on the anvil, as RK would like to get to the bottom of the mess. Word has it, that DP too is getting quite jittery over constant rumours about Ranby and her, buzzing the mediavine.
States a close source, “Ranbir is certain that somebody is planting stories against him in the media and he wants to nail the source. He also wants to nail the source.”
Although, insiders state that DP and RK, are making a concerted effort to stay cordial with each other, and even hugged each other in the studio corridor whilst filming for Karan’s chat show, the repercussions of K Jo’s telly beverage are evident. All the fun at RK’s expense, has boomeranged in her face and Deepika has already been ousted from Ranbir’s first ever world tour. Source
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Saif & Deepika Are Back Together

Deepika Padukone and Saif Ali Khan will be seen together again in Illuminati Films` next untitled project which will go on floor in April next year.
The two were last seen in “Love Aaj Kal” produced by Illuminati Films, the production house owned by Saif and Dinesh Vijan.
The untitled project scripted by filmmaker Imtiaz Ali will be directed by Homi Adajania who earned critical acclaim for his movie Being Cyrus and will be shot in London, Spain and Delhi.
Speaking about the film, Homi Adajania said,” It`s a similar space from where Love Aaj Kal left off and then it roller-coasters from there… Imtiaz has given us a hysterical and open-minded celebration of relationships that explore the various choices that life may offer… and what people are willing to surrender for love or sacrifice for friendship.”
Saif Ali Khan said he was looking for a script, as contemporary and relevant as this, to come his way and it has been worth the wait.
“I`m very excited about this story. It is romantic, funny and has a great balance of drama and entertainment. I`ve wanted to do a love story with a modern sensibility and treatment and I know that Homi will give us exactly that. I`m also looking forward to my pairing with Deepika again…. She has a fantastic role in this and I think she has grown impressively since Love Aaj Kal and will handle it very well,” he said.
According to Deepika, the script is edgy and quirky and had an instant connect for her.
“I have seen Homi’s Being Cyrus, and absolutely love his work. I have great respect for him and I am confident he is the perfect choice to direct this film. I have not played shades of a character like this before,” she added.
Dinesh Vijan, Saif’s partner in Illuminati, is happy that they have taken their time and chosen their projects wisely.
“At Illuminati, Saif and I have always wanted to develop projects of diverse genres and stories that we believe in. We want to take our time and create content that today’s well-exposed audience might like. Imtiaz has given us a beautiful story. Audience loved Saif and Deepika in Love Aaj Kal and I am happy that we could bring this pair together again,”he added. Source
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Deepika Padukone’s Dream Role

Deepika Padukone loves romantic movies and says her ultimate aim is to do what Kajol did in ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (DDLJ). ‘I loved DDLJ and my dream role is Kajol’s role in that film,’ said Deepika, who has done romantic comedies since her debut ‘Om Shanti Om’ in 2007.
”Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ came at a time when I was growing up and watching a lot of Indian cinema. At that time parents used to oppose (lovers in the film) and the couple used to go all out to get together…but the parents were there to stop them. There was so much drama on screen. Song sequences were shot in Switzerland. I used to love it,’ she added.
Deepika says she has enjoyed acting in romantic comedies like ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’, ‘Chandni Chowk To China’, ‘Love Aaj Kal’, ‘Housefull’ and the just released ‘Break Ke Baad’ and relishes mushy stories.
‘As audience I have always enjoyed watching rom-coms which is why even as an actor I enjoy doing love stories,’ she said. Source
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Deepika Padukone On ‘Break Ke Baad’

Bollywood diva Deepika Padukone has been always in the news mostly for her relationships rather than for her films. From the start of her career with the movie Om Shanti Om in 2007, the actress has been linked with several men. Initially, Deepika was reportedly dating Nihal Pandya and then cricketer Yuvraj Singh.
Finally, the 24-year-old actress settled with Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor and the couple was rocking since they separated early this year following Kapoor’s increasing closeness with one his co-stars. Deepika was then frequently spotted with liquid baron Vijay Mallya’s son Sidhartha Mallya. However, Deepika is still in denial mode and maintained that she has just professional relationship with Sidhartha. There is a buzz that Deepika is roaming around with the junior Mallya only to keep him in limelight because the senior Mallya wants to project his son as the perfect heir of his glitzy lifestyle and property.
Well, it can be vice-versa too, because Deepika was fed up with constant media reporting about her break-up with Ranbir and the possibility of their reunion. She probably wanted to shift the attention from Ranbir. However, Ms Padukone is very focused in her life now as she refuses to accept her relationship with Sidhartha. She has probably taken her upcoming movie’s title Break Ke Baad very seriously! The actress now wants her fans to talk about her movies and not about her personal life. She has seemingly matured a lot Break Ke Baad. This is reflecting in the performance of her recent films and the trailers of the upcoming films too. Source
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Deepika Is Imran Khan’s Favourite Co Star

When you are a romantic hero, the obvious question that everyone will keep asking is who is your favourite heroine.
Imran Khan too got a lot of it while promoting his upcoming film, BREAK KE BAAD.
So who is it? Imran Khan has worked with Sonam, Katrina and Deepika.
Imran Khan candidly said that Deepika is my best co star till date. He rates her over all his previous and current co stars. Interestingly it includes Sonam.
He has spoken this in London: “I love Deepika and she is my best co-star till date.” Source
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Ranbir Kapoor On Deepika Padukone

Bollywood’s most wanted bachelor has admitted about his womanizing ways on Karan Johar’s hot seat. Ranbir Kapoor has admitted that he not only had a number of girlfriends, but also maintained all of them simultaneously. The actor was present in the ‘Koffee With Karan’ studio along with fellow actor Imran Khan.
The best word to describe Ranbir Kapoor on the ‘Koffee With Karan’ sets is candid. For Karan Johar, Ranbir Kapoor shed all inhibitions revealing on national television that one ploy he used to hide the fact that he was also seeing another girl when he already had a girlfriend. He used to store the other girl’s name as “Battery Low”.
That was really clever, but it has not stopped his fans reading between the lines to search the names of the girls involved. Was that Deepika and Katrina? Ranbir prefers to stay mum. Another not-so clever trick that the actor employed during his relationships was to store the names of girls as males!
India finally has an answer to what led Deepika Padukone call it quits even though she looked so much in love with the Kapoor boy. The next episode brings Deepika herself on the hot seat, and the couple’s fans are eagerly waiting for more beans to be spilled! Source
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