Ranveer's family is my family in Mumbai: Deepika Padukone

One is either in a great place personally or professionally. It very rare that one’s work and love life are both equally enriching and satisfying. A few years after she started out, it wasn’t the case. When she was in a relationship with Ranbir Kapoor, her career wasn’t going anywhere. Also, her relationship with his family wasn’t the best. Today, she is not just at top of her game, but there is something to look forward to, post pack up on the set. Although she lives alone in the city, (her family is in Bangalore) beau Ranveer Singh’s family has accepted her into their fold. She is in such a secure place, on the home front and box-office wise that she hasn’t announced signing up for any film in months. Here, she talks about films, family and former boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor...

You haven’t signed any film for 2016.

I am very happy with that… I have had a fantastic 2015 and I am not worrying about this year at all.

You must be having the choicest of films coming to you?

I don’t know... Of course I would like to believe that. (smiles) This year will be whatever it has to be. Am I antsy or insecure about not having signed a film? Not at all. I am looking forward to what 2016 has to offer me.

Are you getting more comfortable with Ranveer. You put up an intimate video snipping his beard?

I have said this before… I am very, very comfortable around him and I can just be myself in front of him. I can switch off and just be my true self with him. I remember a day after Bajirao Mastani released we were just sitting together and eating chocolates. As simple as that. Here the world is going crazy about Bajirao Mastani and Bajirao and Mastani are eating chocolates! That’s my relationship with him.I don’t like to label relationships explaining this or that. It is what it is and people can make whatever they want of it. I think what is important that we know where we stand with each other, in each other’s lives, what we mean to each other, what all we can do with each other, what all we can say to each other, how we can be in front of each other… That’s it.

Ranveer has met and spend time with your family. How close are you to his family?

I am very, very close to his family. His family is my family in Mumbai.

Your relations with Ranbir’s mother Neetu were strained when you were dating Ranbir, so her presence at your trial of Tamasha created quite a furore. Also she commented on your electrifying chemistry with her son.

I blanked out completely during that time. I remember her coming for one of the trials but I don’t think it was mine. She had her own separate trial. Obviously she would come for that trial. I am working with her son in the movie and she’s been very hands on where his work is concerned. She’s been a huge fan of Imtiaz’s work. As far as the electrifying chemistry is concerned, I think as an audience she (Neetu) has every right to feel that. I agree Ranbir and I did share that electrifying chemistry in Tamasha and everyone who has seen the film felt that, including the reviews. So when everyone feels that, she’s justified in feeling that also.  

After your breakup (with Ranbir Kapoor), instead of moping around, you picked up the pieces and fought back strongly to where you are today, correct?
(smiles) Of course! It takes a lot of strength to mend a broken heart. Channelizing energies into your work helps but also to be able to accept situations for what they are instead of questioning them, help immensely. The day you start questioning, you are going to be unhappy. Sometimes you have to accept things for what they are  and have the ability and the strength to forgive. And when I say forgive it’s not about wrongdoing, XYZ has done something so I am going to forgive that person. You just have to forgive certain situations and moments in your life to be able to move on, if you genuinely want to be happy. I am someone who can’t hold on to negativity or hold on to grudges. I can’t do that. I might feel something at a certain point but I get tired after that. I don’t carry it with me. I forgive and forget very easily and that’s the only way to be happy and peaceful.