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evolved as a person and understood the craft better than say a couple of years ago. With him there’s a certain ease now. We have this unsaid understanding between us. There was this look that we found in each other’s eyes that helped us during the shoot. We would look at each other’s eyes and know whether the other person is ready to shoot. The way we were shooting the film, we had to know the scene inside out to perform it. The camera would roll and we had to knock off the entire scene. Every day before the shot was called, we looked at each other and knew whether we were ready or not. If I wasn’t ready, he’d ask

Shoojit to do one more rehearsal. Likewise, if I felt that he wanted to rehearse more, I’d ask Shoojit to shoot the next day. We found our timing and connection as actors. It was so organic and unsaid.

What do you think makes him the greatest Indian actor?He’s passionate about everything. Even after being around for so many years, he’s still at it. And like they say, God is in the details. He’s so meticulous about everything. Whether it’s his rehearsals or the way he’s dressed or the way his van is kept clean, there is a system to everything. He’s a true perfectionist. The drive and hunger is

amazing. After working for 40 years, he can say don’t tell me what to do because I know it all. But that hunger to learn is there. After watching Finding Fanny he told me it was amazing that I had the guts to do it and there was so much to learn. He still feels that there’s so much to learn and that’s fantastic.

“MR. BACHCHAN AND I HAVE THIS UNSAID UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN US”

Exclusive InterviewExclusive Interview

How was the shooting experience in Kolkata. Did you explore the city?I hadn’t explored Kolkata before, the way I did during the shooting of Piku. It was perfect to explore the culture with Bengalis. Whether it’s Amitji (Bachchan), who has a family connection (wife Jaya Bachchan is a Bengali) or whether it’s Shoojitda who himself is a Bengali. A lot of technicians on the film are also Bengalis. A lot of my Kolkata darshan happened during the film. I was familiar with the city because I had been there in my ninth standard with my friends. But this time I toured the city. We were there for a month. We visited a beautiful ghat and even Satyajit Ray’s

house. We hogged on a lot of good food. What is Kolkata without food? The chaat is so different there. The momos are delicious because of the North-Eastern influence. Chinese food is also good and of course, the sweets. When I went back to Kolkata for Tamasha, I could tell people, “Come, I’ll show you the city.” I’m fortunate my profession allows me access to certain places, which as a tourist I wouldn’t have been able to visit. People open doors to us because they understand the impact of cinema.

How was it working with Amitabh Bachchan in Piku?I’ve worked with him twice now. I’ve also

On the day of its release, Deepika Padukone talks about Piku and working with Amitabh Bachchan again.

Deepika

Padukone

Working with Amitji is a new take

in my career. It was exciting, interesting and I am fortunate

enough to work with such a down to earth actor. Irrfan has been supportive and caring

enough during the shoot of the movie.

Shoojit is the man with lot of talents and he

already made himself in the big league of

directors.

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