My dream role is Kajol’s part in DDLJ: Deepika Padukone

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.

But for Ashutosh Gowariker’s just released ‘Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey’, the 24-year-old has taken a departure from her routine genre to play freedom fighter Kalpana Dutta, who was a part of the Chittagong uprising of the 1930s.

‘I accepted the role primarily because I was getting a chance to work with Ashutosh Gowariker. Who wouldn’t want to work with him? Secondly, I felt the subject was not given too much importance as part of our history books. So as an actor it was a different challenge to be able to educate the audience about a pertinent revolution for Indian independence,’ Deepika said.

She sports two braids, simple saris and an almost no make-up look for the film; yet she feels her look is quite glamorous in its own way.

‘I don’t think this look is any less glamorous. I think the sari is the most glamorous and sensuous dress for women…which is why I chose to wear a sari over a dress for the Cannes Film Festival.’

Deepika will now be on a short break from shooting before she returns to the grind for ‘Desi Boyz’, starring Akshay Kumar and John Abraham.

She also hopes to have a joyous Christmas and New Year.

‘I like spending time with friends and family. I like taking short breaks every four-six months to unwind. Now in December, I will automatically get a break because it is holiday season with Christmas and New Year! The industry itself slows down a bit for a couple of weeks; so I think I will get a well-deserved break,’ she said.