A homecoming birthday for Deepika Padukone

Actor Deepika Padukone, who was expected to return home last night after a two-month long shoot schedule abroad, is super-excited at the thought of spending her birthday today with family in her new house in South Mumbai. In fact, the actor says that she’s craving for ghar ka khana so much that ‘a simple home-cooked South Indian meal...’ is what’s on her wish list for today.

A ‘dream home’ is what the actor’s already gifted herself way in advance and says that she couldn’t be happier celebrating her birthday elsewhere. “As of now, I’m planning to celebrate the day with family and friends. I recently gifted myself my dream home and I’m more than happy with that at the moment to think of gifting myself anything else,” adds Deepika.

The B-Town beauty also reveals that she has some very fond memories of celebrating her birthday as a kid and that the excitement hasn’t dimmed a bit. “The parties I used to have at home with my closest friends and also, distributing sweets to everyone in school... that’s the only day we were allowed to wear casual clothes and not the school uniform,” she recalls with a smile.

Happy memories of the past apart, the actress is equally thrilled about the busy year ahead with three films in hand already. Deepika, who will soon be seen with actor Saif Ali Khan in Cocktail, their third film together is also excited about starting Race 2, once again with Saif. “There’s definitely a sense of comfort with him,” she admits.

What about being paired up with ex-boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor in another upcoming film? “The thought of working with Ranbir makes me nervous!” she laughs, but is quick to clarify that it’s only because of his stellar performance in Rockstar. “After watching Ranbir’s performance in Rockstar, the thought of working with him makes me nervous, but it will also be a lot of fun,” says Deepika, adding on a serious note that that there’s no reason why there would be any awkwardness of any kind as they have always continued to be friends.

But while she admits that she feels no pressure of expectations from them coming together as a pair on screen, she doesn’t deny about there being pressure of competition among actresses. “Of course, I feel the pressure, but that’s what keeps me going. I’m a sportsperson at heart and I love competing,” says Deepika.

Reflecting on her journey so far in the industry, the star says that she ‘feels blessed to have gotten the opportunity to work and interact with the best in the industry’. “I also know I’ve worked hard for it and that there’s a lot more I want to achieve for myself,” signs off the birthday gal.