Deepika Padukone open to doing small but meaty roles in Hollywood

Mumbai, Dec 8: Actress Deepika Padukone does not regret being unable to make her Hollywood debut with 'Fast and Furious 7' and says she is open to doing films in the West even if the role is small.

Deepika was offered to be a part of 'Fast and Furious 7' movie, but she could not do it because of her commitments to the makers of 'Ram-Leela'.

"I don't regret it. I had to work out things for 'Ram-Leela' here, I couldn't have left the process mid way, I had given my commitment here first. Looking at the way the film ('Ram-Leela') has got response, I feel good as my hard work has paid off," Deepika told PTI in an interview here.

Though the actress could not make her entry into Hollywood, she is still open to doing films whenever the right offer comes up.

"I would love to do a Hollywood film. The reason for me to do a Hollywood film is same as what I do here in Bollywood," she said.

When asked if she would be ok doing a small role in a Hollywood film, Deepika said, "There is nothing like a small role. The role has to be of impact, this is what matters, the length of it (role) doesn't. A good actor can make a presence felt even in a short time."

Deepika is basking in the success of her fourth consecutive hit this year - 'Ram-Leela' - after 'Race 2', 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' and 'Chennai Express'.

"It feels nice that all my films that released this year did really well. I have worked hard on all my films and it feels great when the films become successful and you get appreciation for your work," she said.

"But if I had my way, I would have not let them release so close to each other, I would have spaced them out," she pointed out.

Deepika is touted as the Rs 600 crore heroine, going by the total collections of all the four films that released this year.

'Ram-Leela' and 'Race 2' approximately earned Rs 100 crore each, 'Chennai Express' grossed Rs 226 crore and 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' made Rs 189 crore at the box office.

"I value money as well as critical appreciation. I like to do films that have repeat value," she said.

She would be seen next in Farah Khan's 'Happy New Year' and Homi Adjania's 'Finding Fanny Fernandes'.

In 'Happy New Year', she will be teaming up with superstar Shah Rukh Khan for the third time.

"I owe everything to Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan as they were the ones who launched me in films with 'Om Shanti Om'. My equation with them has not changed. Farah and Shah Rukh both are still protective about me. There are times when I am scared of Farah," Deepika said.

The film also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Boman Irani, Sonu Sood, Vivaan Shah and others.

"It is so much fun doing the film as I am the only girl among the five guys. I don't feel I am shooting," Deepika said.

For 'Finding Fanny...', Deepika is excited to team up again with noted actress Dimple Kapadia. She first worked with her in 'Cocktail'.

"I used to stare at her. Today also she looks legant...graceful. She creates a positive aura and I am extremely fond of her," she added.

'Finding Fanny...' is an English-Konkani short film, directed by Homi Adajania. It also stars Arjun Kapoor, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur in prominent roles. Both the films will release next year.