Her first film was a hit, his was a flop. Meet Bollywood's newest power couple

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone are the latest and hottest young couple to take Bollywood by storm. Both stars ironically made their Bollywood debut on the same day last year when their films went head-to-head. Padukone scored a smash hit with Om Shanti Om while Kapoor's Saawariya was a damp squib, although he garnered tremendous appreciation for his performance in the film. Now the couple is paired together in Yash Raj Films' much-awaited Bachna Ae Haseeno, a film reputedly responsible for their off-screen romance. The couple speaks about their latest film, market value and rising stocks in an exclusive chat.


How do you look back at the contrasting debuts both of you had, prior to releasing your second film?

Kapoor: Saawariya may not have worked at the box office but I feel my two years of hard work paid off when audiences responded positively. I have to be grateful to Sanjay Leela Bhansali for what I learnt while making the film.

Padukone: I'm lucky to be part of Om Shanti Om that turned out to be a blockbuster. I am thankful to Farah Khan for giving me such a wonderful double role and Shah Rukh Khan for giving me the opportunity to star opposite him.


Why did you choose to do Bachna Ae Haseeno as your next film?

Kapoor: To be honest, I didn't want to sign any film until Saawariya released, despite getting a lot of offers in the past. [Director] Siddharth Anand and [producer] Aditya Chopra called and gave me the script. I was going to refuse – and then I read the script, which was engaging and just too good to be my second film. It's a journey of a man from age 18 to 30 years and the relationships in his life and how he has to find his own redemption. I think it's one of those rare scripts that just happened to come along and I was lucky to grab it.

Padukone: Siddharth got in touch with me just before Om Shanti Om released and narrated the film's script. It was so exciting that I instantly said "yes" and fell in love with my character, who is called Gayatri. She lives independently, on her own, and is confident of herself, yet at the same time she is traditional and emotional in a certain way. I was excited this film would be my second release.


You are considered among the most expensive young stars in tinsel town with word that Ranbir charges Rs60 million per film, and Deepika Rs20m. How true are these figures?

Kapoor: I don't know where these figures surface in the media. I have had just one release, which unfortunately failed at the box office. In fact, I am nervous and anxious about Bachna Ae Haseeno and maybe a positive outcome may put in a better position to charge a decent amount.

Padukone: I'm just a newcomer and not in a position to charge such exorbitant fees. I think its stupid to hike your price after just one hit. I have no complaints about what I am currently being paid.


Are you looking to cash in on the fact that both of you are considered one of the most saleable couples in the advertising world in India, even rivalling the likes of John Abraham-Bipasha Basu and Saif Ali Khan-Kareena Kapoor?

Kapoor: I think we have only done the Pepsi ad together and we got a good response to it. It is early days for us to be in the league of established stars such as John-Bipasha or Saif-Kareena. Definitely, whenever we come across an ad campaign that mutually suits us and we think it makes sense to lend our names to the brand, we shall endorse it.

Padukone: We are already working on our own advertising campaigns individually, besides doing some ads together. I do agree that money is good in ad campaigns and together it may sound tempting but like Ranbir said if we are offered an interesting product together and it sounds feasible to both of us, only then shall we consider it.


What are your forthcoming projects?

Kapoor: I have started work for Rajkumar Santoshi's romantic film along with Katrina Kaif. I have also signed another couple of exciting projects that should keep me busy throughout 2009.

Padukone: After Bachna Ae Haseeno, I have Chandni Chowk to China with Akshay Kumar due to be released before the end of 2008. This film is directed by Nikhil Advani and is an action comedy.


Finally, what are your honest expectations for Bachna Ae Haseeno at the box office?

Kapoor: I definitely want a hit film attached to my name – I hope it works!

Padukone: I think the film has shaped up beautifully and youth should be able to connect with it.

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