Deepika open to Hollywood

MUMBAI, DEC 09 -
Actress Deepika Padukone does not regret being unable to make her Hollywood debut with Fast and Furious 7 and says she is open to doing films in the West even if the role is small.

Deepika was offered a part in Fast and Furious 7, but she could not do it because of her commitments to the makers of Ram-Leela. “I don’t regret it. I had to work things out for Ram-Leela here, I couldn’t have left the process mid way,” Deepika said.

Though the actress could not make her entry in Hollywood with the popular franchise, she is still open to doing films whenever the right offer comes along. “I would love to do a Hollywood film. The reasons for me to do so would be the same as they are for why I want to act in Bollywood,” she said.

When asked if she would be okay doing a small role in a Hollywood film, Deepika said, “There is nothing like a small role. The role has to have an impact; this is what matters. A good actor can make their presence felt, even in a short time.”

Deepika is basking in the success of her fourth consecutive hit this year-Ram-Leela—after Race 2, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Chennai Express. “It feels nice that all my films that released this year did really well. I have worked hard on all my films and it feels great when they become successful,” she said.

“But if I had my way, I would have not let them release so close to each other, I would have spaced them out,” she pointed out.

Ram- Leela and Race 2 approximately earned Rs 100 crore each, Chennai Express grossed Rs 226 crore and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani made Rs 189 crore at the box office. “I value money as well as critical appreciation. I like to do films that have repeat value,” she said. She would be seen next in Farah Khan’s Happy New Year and Homi Adjania’s Finding Fanny Fernandes.

In Happy New Year, she will be teaming up with superstar Shah Rukh Khan for the third time. “I owe everything to Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan as they were the ones who launched me in film with Om Shanti Om,” Deepika said.

The film also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Boman Irani, Sonu Sood, Vivaan Shah and others.  “It is so much fun doing the film as I am the only girl among the five guys. I don’t feel I am shooting,” Deepika said.

For Finding Fanny..., Deepika is excited to team up again with noted actress Dimple Kapadia. The film is an English-Konkani short, directed by Homi Adajania. It also stars Arjun Kapoor and Naseer-uddin Shah.

Labels: Entertainment, Highlight