Ranvir Singh and Deepika Padukone at the launch of the song 'Gajanana' from their upcoming film “Baijarao Mastani” in Pune, Maharashtra, Sept. 15. (Press Trust of India)
Ranvir Singh and Deepika Padukone at the launch of the song ‘Gajanana’ from their upcoming film “Baijarao Mastani” in Pune, Maharashtra, Sept. 15. (Press Trust of India)

Deepika Padukone feels her upcoming film “Bajirao Mastani” was more draining than “Ram Leela.” In Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Bajirao Mastani”, Deepika plays the role of “Mastani.”

“It has been very difficult. It has been the toughest film of my career. I don’t like to talk about the effort one has put into, as eventually what is portrayed on screen matters,” Deepika told reporters in Pune.

“I worked very hard for this film. When we did ‘Ram Leela’ it was emotionally and physically draining film, but now…’Ram Leela’ feels easy and effortless in comparison to ‘Bajirao Mastani,’” the 29-year-old actress said.

Deepika reveals that besides shooting for long hours, the team had to devote lot of time for the film’s preparation.

“We shot for 10-14 hours, did horse riding, fight lessons, dance rehearsals, dialogue session. Sir (Bhansali) was involved every time,” she said.

The actress says she was inspired by the Mastani’s qualities. “It was very inspiring (role). I wish she was alive today, I wish I could meet her, see her, interact with her. I will be meeting her family soon,” Deepika said.

“It was not about her beauty, strength, being a lover or nurturer and warrior. I think all women have these qualities in them,” she said.

Deepika feels the qualities of Mastani are something that every woman has.

“We may not be warrior, but we women have survival and fighting instinct. Every woman is a lover and nurturer. All these qualities are there in every woman,” she said.

Some portions of the film are yet to be shot, which Deepika says will be completed by this month-end.

“We would be done by the end of this month. We have three weeks of work left. After that, it will be wrap up on ‘Bajirao Mastani.’ The trailer will be out next month,” she added.