He brings something new everytime: Deepika on trilogy with Bhansali (Lead)

Mumbai Nov 15 (IANS) As "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela" clocked four years since its release on Wednesday actress Deepika Padukone who has worked under Sanjay Leela Bhansali s direction for three back-to-back films says he brings something new to the table every time.

After "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela" Deepika worked with Bhansali in "Bajirao Mastani" and now she is awaiting the release of their third project "Padmavati".

She says they are "so similar yet so different".

"It s one of the apprehensions people had when I said I was working with Bhansali for the third time around in a span of few years. Everyone had the same concern that you re going to work with the same director again and it will be the same kind of film a historic period film.

"But I believe he is going to bring something new to the table everytime we collaborate because he is capable of portraying me so differently in three films " Deepika told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

She said what binds the three characters -- Leela in "... Ram-Leela" Mastani in "Bajirao Mastani" and Rani Padmavati in "Padmavati" -- is these are "inspiring Indian women" who are independent confident and strong.

When she chooses a movie tagged as a historical drama to what extent does she indulge in research herself?

Deepika said: "I think it depends from director to director project to project. I think there are certain films where I would do my own research and prep and then when you work with a Sanjay Leela Bhansali you just follow his vision. He is the captain of the ship."

The actress shares an unspoken understanding with Bhansali.

"He doesn t say much to me and I don t need to say much to him. And it s an observation people also around us have made... There s immense amount of love respect and trust."

"Padmavati" is slated to release on December 1 after which Deepika wants to take a "much-deserved" break with her family.

"It s something I m looking forward to. They are what keep me grounded."

After that she will dive into another film with her "Piku" co-actor Irrfan Khan. It will be directed by Honey Trehan and will feature her as a don.

Queen to don -- that s quite a transition.

"I love it. I am always up for a challenge although people around me feel like... I also feel like I need to do something slightly less demanding slightly less emotionally draining but I get drawn to these kind of films."

Any more Hollywood projects after "xXx: Return Of Xander Cage"?

"I don t know let s see. Wherever creativity takes me."

--IANS
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