I have no competition: Deepika

As November 9 approaches, the hype around Deepika Padukone's grand Bollywood debut just keeps getting bigger. Last evening a private airline announced Deepika as their latest brand ambassador. According to the chairman, Dr Vijay Mallya, Padukone symbolises the never-say-die spirit of young India and insists that 'post Om Shanti Om this star will shine even brighter'.

We caught up with the star for an exclusive chat and asked her about life after being touted as the most promising face of Bollywood. But hold it! Deepika has a warning for the press. No questions on the D-word (read Dhoni) and her personal life.

So much hype, all this attention and that too before the film has released. Isn't it a case of too much too soon? Definitely not. I think all that I have achieved is because of my hard work and the support of my parents. Also since I have chosen to be in this industry and the fact that that I am being launched in a project like Om Shanti Om, means I am prepared to face the spotlight.

How do your parents react to the Deepika Padukone phenomenon? It's certainly a new scheme of things for them.
Obviously they are proud of me. And as parents they are very excited about my launch and want me to do well. But at the same time, there is some nervousness and anxiety, which I guess is natural for any parent.

Now Shah Rukh Khan has almost been shielding you from the nasty attacks of the media. Considering he is a pro at managing the press what tips has he given you?

Very often when I say I have been 'well taken care of' I speak of Shah Rukh and the OSO team who have guided me at every step. In fact they almost treated me as their baby, making sure I have the smoothest debut possible.

You are one among the three high profile launches happening this Diwali. Any comments?
(Immediately she cuts the interviewer) Who are the other two?
Great, but for the media Saawariya is an equally big project.

Frankly we are too caught up with our project to even think of any competition. A lot has gone into the making of Om Shanti Om and we are confident about the quality of our product.

Coming to brand endorsements. How much of this is Om Shanti Om and how much of it is Deepika's association with the brand?

When I choose to endorse a product it is because I personally believe in the values of the company. I have full faith in Kingfisher and its goals to become one of the leading carriers on the aviation space.
Om Shanti Om releases in a week from now. What thoughts run in your head when you wake up in the morning?

There is a mix of excitement and anxiety. We are all eager to see the result of the film when it is out in the public.
What are the kinds of offers you have been receiving? Is there anything in the pipeline?

Frankly it's only Om Shanti Om for me at this moment. I haven't had the time and space to scan through scripts and analyse the roles coming my way. So as of now I have got nothing to announce.

Last week a certain Kapoor (Ranbir in a daily tabloid) made a statement about having an awkward relationship with Deepika. What do you have to say?

Awkward who? Awkward what? No idea what you are talking about.

Finally, OSO is about rebirth. Personally do you believe in reincarnation?

No, Not really.