'Lafangey Parindey will be Deepika's best film so far'

Image: A scene from Lafangey Parindey
Srabanti Chakrabarti in Mumbai

The titles of movies produced by Yash Raj Films of late give an inkling of the changing strategies at the movie moghul's camp.

Be it Badmash Company or Lafangey Parindey, none would be selected as the name of a YRF production few years back when love stories ruled the roost.

The movie house has not seen too many hits in the recent past and thus is banking heavily on ad-man-turned-filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar's Lafangey Parindey.

YRF is not the only stakeholder banking heavily on the movie. Even Neil Nitin Mukesh and Deepika Padukone are. While Neil is desperately looking for a hit after Jail, Deepika wants to firmly establish her foothold in the top three slots of heroines.
The two make an interesting couple -- on screen and off it -- though there is little reason to believe that they are going around. In the recent past, Deepika has spoken a lot about her friendship with Neil. He has also reciprocated by praising the talent of Deepika.

Rediff.com managed to speak to the high flying duo from Lafangey Parindey. Excerpts:

'It was very tough for me to play a visually challenged girl'

Image: Deepika Padukone
Photographs: Sanjay Sawant

Was it difficult to play a visually challenged girl?

Deepika: At a personal level, it was very tough for me. This is the most challenging role I have played till date.

While playing Pinky I had to give my best to get into the skin of the character. I had to concentrate fully on the character and also observe a lot on how visually challenged people move around, interact and lead their life.

Even Dada (director Pradeep Sarkar) used to observe and interact with visually challenged people to understand their thought process. And it was not just for me, the entire cast and crew of Lafangey Parindey met a group of visually challenged people and spent time with them to understand their needs.

Neil: I just want to add one point here. In this movie, we have not used any kind of props to indicate that Pinky cannot see. You will never see her sporting dark glasses or walking with a stick. This, I guess, made it all the more difficult for Deepika to portray the character.

'I have a lot of bike stunts in this movie'

Image: Neil Nitin Mukesh
Photographs: Sanjay Sawant

What about your character, Neil? An avid biker, a street smart person..

Neil: It was a challenge for me as well and let me tell you why! Even a couple of years back, I did not know how to ride a bike properly. I was never interested in bikes and my parents also never allowed me to ride a bike.

Only after I signed up for Tera Kya Hoga Johny (a film being directed by Sudhir Mishra), I started learning to ride a bike. I have played a character called Parvez who rides the bike. In fact, I had to ride a Bullet for the scene on JJ flyover in Mumbai. People who have ridden a bike on JJ Flyover will know how difficult it is! Riding a bike at that point was not fun, but after completing this film I have become quite addicted to it. It is a fun thing for me now.

I enjoyed the stunts, though my father is very scared of all my stunts. He knows that I do not share all details of my stunts with him. Only after he watches the movies does he realize the risks I took. After watching New York and Aa Dekhen Zara, he knows that I am quite capable of this. But I have to give him a 'safety report' after every stunt I do. I have a lot of bike stunts in this movie.

There was a scene in Aa Dekhen Zara where I had jumped from the ninth floor. I had to call them and inform that I was safe. I think now he has realized that this is part of my job!

On the topic of stunts, I must also mention action director Shyam Kaushal. The way he choreographed and co-ordinated the stunts in Lafangey Parindey was remarkable.

What about Deepika's stunts?

Neil: [smiles] She can fly now with her stunts!

Deepika: [smiles] I don't think it is like one fine morning I wake up and decide to become a stunt woman! Being a sportsperson in real life, it was easier for me to do the stunts.

The stunts I have done in this movie required a lot of physical fitness. If you are doing an action packed film you need to look like one of the character. I have been very keen on staying fit. It needs a lot of focus, dedication and control.

How will you define Lafangey Parindey?

Neil: To me it means cool. I guess all youngsters are Lafangey. But there is a sense of responsibility that goes with this as well.

Deepika: Somewhere there is a child in everybody. Everyone has that desire to do something special. We all want to fly high. All of us are ambitious. That is Lafange Parindey. I identify with Pinky's character because she is a fighter and never gives up just like me.

'I think Neil is ready to direct a film'

Image: Deepika Padukone
Photographs: Sanjay Sawant

It seems you two had a lot of fun during the making of the film. How was the experience?

Deepika: I can confidently say that Neil has been the most supportive co-actor I have worked with so far. Even on days when he did not have a shot, he would be there on the sets helping everyone.

There is an accident scene in the movie where I needed different makeup. Neil went to Dada and requested him for permission to do my makeup himself! Dada agreed and my look in that accident scene is courtesy Neil! Neil also choreographed quite a few scenes in the movie.

I must say that I have made a very good friend during the making of this film and that is what I cherish the most. We got along very well and I am sure that will reflect on screen as well.

We kept in touch after the film got over and spoke almost everyday on the phone. I think he is ready to direct a film despite having done only a handful. He has sound technical knowledge.

Neil: It does feel very good when your co-actor says such nice things about you. I will only talk about Deepika the human being. I have said this before also and let me reiterate one curve in Deepika -- the smile she has -- makes everything straight!
I don't agree when people say that filmstars cannot be good friends. We are also human beings and we also like friendship like anyone of you. Deepika is one of my best friends. I am really possessive and protective about her. All my friends are part of my family and she is no exception.

On the professional front, she has really improved herself. I can confidently tell you that Lafangey Parindey will be Deepika's best film so far. Her confidence levels have doubled and that has made a much more secure person. She has started understanding the craft of acting very well.

'As actors, we want to be loved by our fans'

Image: Pradeep Sarkar, Deepika Padukone and Neil Nitin Mukesh
Photographs: Sanjay Sawant

Your take on love and relationships.

Neil: These two things mean a lot to me. When I start my day and say bye to my parents before starting work I see them smiling, and I know when I return I am going to see that smile again.

People earn loads of money but that does not help beyond a point. Your family should be the most important aspect in your life.

Deepika: Love is the most beautiful feeling in this world and as Neil has said -- you may have the best material comfort, but that is of no use if you do not have anyone to share it with.

As actors, we want to be loved by our fans. No amount of wealth can buy that satisfaction and happiness. It's always good to surrounded by people who love you and care about you.

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