Deepika Padukone is one of the highest-paid stars currently working in Bollywood, but the actor is not ready to talk about money matters. Sanjay Leela Bhansali may have a reputation for being a tough taskmaster on the sets but Deepika Padukone believes she has developed a shorthand with the director after collaborating with him on three films.

The “Padmavati” actor sidestepped questions about her pay package for the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film, which is rumored to be heavier than that of her co-stars Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh.

“Talking about my remuneration isn’t exciting. But I am proud and confident about the money I get. You are comfortable with what you are paid. But what makes me happy is that they (producers) have invested so much money in a film which has a poster featuring me on it… That makes me proud,” said Padukone during the 3D trailer launch of the film at a suburban multiplex in Mumbai.

“In terms of scale, budget and resources, it’s a huge film. We have seen strong female parts at the fore on screen in different films in different ways. I think this (“Padmavati”) is the beginning of great things women have in films,” she added.

A right-wing outfit had objected to the screening of the trailer, but adequate security arrangements were made with over a dozen policemen stationed at the venue.

The film is set to release, Dec. 1.

File photo of Deepika Padukone during the launch of Axis Bank’s new prepaid wallet App called ‘Lime’ in Mumbai, September 2015. (Mitesh Bhuvad/PTI)

Deepika, who plays the titular character in Bhansali’s “Padmavati,” said she would initially rehearse a lot before shooting a particular scene but her performance has become more instinctive now.

“With Sanjay Leela Bhansali, you don’t count the number of takes, you just go with the flow. You have to switch off from things like your heavy headgear, costume or how uncomfortable the duppata is on your head.

“When the camera is on, it is all about what I am doing and the energy. After the shoot, you realize (there are) injuries,” Deepika told reporters here at the 3D trailer launch of the film, Oct. 31.

Deepika reportedly wore a heavy lehnga while doing the dance number “Ghoomar.”

The actor said there was more trust as an actor-director between them and that had helped her a lot.

“When I did the first film (Ram Leela), I felt I have to rehearse, be prepared as an actor on the sets. I have to know exactly what I have to do and deliver exactly in the way he (Bhansali) wants.

“But halfway through ‘Bajirao Mastani,’ I realized that I have to trust him and go with the flow.”

File photo of Ranvir Singh and Deepika Padukone during the launch of the song ‘Gajanana’ from their “Baijarao Mastani,” in Pune, Maharashtra, September 2015. (Press Trust of India)

Deepika said “Padmavati” was the first film in a while to have made her feel nervous about her performance.

“… I feel there is something about this one, it is not from the heart or mind, it is from the gut. It is coming from a completely different place. It has been an extremely emotional journey for us, especially after the trailer launch.”

“After the overwhelming response to the trailer, Sanjay Leela Bhansali sir and we all did a group hug. We couldn’t get over the response. We are very proud to present the 3D version of the trailer.”

Deepika’s look, especially the unibrow, has been a point of discussion on the social media as much as her heavy jewelry and costumes but the actor said she had no qualms in experimenting with her appearance.

“As women, we have been conditioned to think in a certain way (in terms of beauty). I am glad with what we did (unibrow look) with ‘Padmavati’ and my look. It takes immense amount of belief for all of us to take that risk in a sense because that is not how the audience is conditioned.

“… Some of them have picked up the unibrow and the skin tone… but the beauty is so much more. For me, she is hugely inspiring.”

The film also stars Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor and Aditi Rao Hydari.