“I am not surprised that there are controversies surrounding Aarakshan” – Deepika

By Subhash K. Jha -

August 9, 2011 - 4:40 AM IST

Deepika Padukone on why she won't be talking about her personal life anymore, her experience of working on Aarakshan and her third film with Saif.

“I am not surprised that there are controversies surrounding Aarakshan” – Deepika

People see you and your boyfriend Siddharth Mallya together everywhere. What's the point of hiding it?

You won't believe this. But I haven't been asked about this in any of my press events regarding my new film.

That's strange!

It isn't strange. It's a good thing. I understand the media's curiosity about my private life. For those who ask about it, I completely understand where they're coming from. When I was in school, I'd eagerly pick up magazines to know whom my favourite stars are dating. Today when I am on the other side of the line, I do feel the need for privacy.

What prompted you to not speak about your present relationship?

I decided not about my personal life. It has nothing to do with any relationship. I am not comfortable sharing details of my life anymore.

What brought that change?

Past experience. Not that I regret being open about my relationship with Ranbir. That was our own mutual decision.

So it is a mutual decision between you and Siddharth Mallya to not talk about the relationship?

It's my decision. I decide for myself. I can't speak for him.

You've been travelling quite a lot lately?

Oh yes. I've been travelling non-stop for the last 6-7 months. I was in London for Desi Boyz for four monthsâ€¦In fact I met up with my parents last week when I went for the promotion of my new film in Bangalore just for one day.

Has Aarakshan awakened you as political citizen?

Job reservation is something we're all aware of. But I never had first-hand experience of the reservation issue, good or bad.

Entertainers in this country are uncomfortable moving into the political zone?

I wasn't uncomfortable with the issues in Aarakshan. I knew exactly what I was getting into. Job reservation was a controversial socio-political issue. And I am not surprised that there are controversies surrounding Aarakshan.

Somewhere down the line you also have to evolve as an actress and do films that go beyond entertainment?

But who says Aarakshan is not entertaining? I think its Prakash Jha's most entertaining film to date. Prakash takes up issues and turns them into entertaining drama. At the end of the day, he is a filmmaker, not a politician. He knows how to hold the audiences' attention.

What about your next film Saif Ali Khan called Cocktail?

It isn't called Cocktail. I don't know where that title came from. It's at the moment Production No 3. It's a love story among three people written by Imtiaz Ali. So technically this is my second film with Imtiaz after Love Aaj Kal.