Actor Jayati Bhatia has recalled working with Deepika Padukone during acting workshops conducted before the filming of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. Bhatia said Deepika approached the preparation process with complete commitment and displayed a willingness to participate fearlessly in demanding exercises designed to prepare her for the role.

Bhatia was reportedly brought in by Bhansali’s team to help Deepika develop her character before production began. The original plan involved seven days of workshops lasting approximately four hours each. However, Bhatia soon concluded that Deepika required less preparation than expected because of the confidence and flexibility she demonstrated during the sessions.

Recalling one of the exercises, Bhatia said Deepika showed no hesitation while using abusive language as part of the workshop. According to her, the actor performed the activity without fear or inhibition, reflecting her readiness to move beyond her comfort zone. The exercise was part of the character-preparation process rather than a personal confrontation.

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Bhatia said Deepika participated in every task with full energy and commitment. After four days, she reportedly informed Bhansali that continuing the workshops for the remaining three days would unnecessarily consume both Deepika's time and the filmmaker’s. She believed the actor was already prepared to follow the director’s instructions and meet the role’s challenges.

The actor also credited Deepika’s performance in Cocktail with marking an important change in her career. Bhatia described the 2012 film as Padukone’s breakthrough and said the experience had helped her become a more fearless performer. She further characterised Padukone as adaptable, receptive to direction and eager to undertake work that challenged her abilities.

Released in 2013, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela featured Deepika opposite Ranveer Singh and was directed by Bhansali.Deepika ’s portrayal of Leela became one of the defining performances of her career. Bhatia’s recollection offers an insight into the preparation behind the role and the dedication Deepika brought to the film before cameras began rolling.

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