Deepika Padukone is on a roll with a clutch of successful films behind her and others like 'Chennai Express' just a fortnight away from hitting the screens. TOI gets into a brief conversation with the actress ahead of her Eid release. Excerpts. How did the conversation go with Shah Rukh Khan and RohitShetty when you agreed to do Chennai Express? There was no conversation whatsoever. I was offered the film, and said, 'Sure, I would love to be a part of it'. When Rohit and his team narrated the script to me, I was in splits. Rohit's films aren't really known for their leading ladies doing anything substantial. Weren't you worried? Rohit's other films have largely been ensemble affairs but in the case of Chennai Express, the girl's part is quite strong and integral to the movie. In fact, I feel silly to even justify why I am doing the film. In Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge,it was Shah Rukh who wooed Kajol during their first train journey but in Chennai Express, we hear the reverse is happening with you taking him for a ride. To begin with, it's a classic DDLJ moment for Shah Rukh and I in the film (smiles). After having watched the movie as a 10-year old, there I was, reliving the moment with my very own Rahul...

With Shah Rukh and you in the lead and Rohit at the helm of affairs, it is expected this Eid will bring in more than Rs 100 crore for Chennai Express. Have you set any targets for yourself? I won't say I don't want a Rs 100 crore film. Good numbers make everyone happy. As for the final collections, it is for Rohit, Shah Rukh and UTV to be worried about (smiles). For someone who had back-to back flops a couple of years ago to be now considered a contender in the Rs 100 crore race, it's some journey, isn't it? Yes, you do celebrate it for a while but then move on. Of course, I have worked hard to get where I am. It hasn't happened by chance.