'People shouldn't remember me for my link-ups'

You've got to admire Deepika Padukone's poise.

The young actress manages to maintain a dignified air despite questions about her break-up with Ranbir Kapoor.

It helps too that she has films to keep her busy. After romancing Saif Ali Khan in Love Aaj Kal last year, the leggy actress is concentrating on her upcoming movie Karthik Calling Karthik opposite Farhan Akhtar. The film releases on February 26.

Syed Firdaus Ashraf caught up with Deepika for more.

Your rocking chemistry with Farhan in the promos has become the talk of the town.

Certain people can hit it off instantly. Either you have it or you don't. I never gave much thought to the whole thing. When Farhan and I were working, we never noticed [the chemistry]. It was after the promos came out and people started commenting on it that we noticed it.

Sometimes, the most unusual pairings work. The script plays a part too when it creates moments for such chemistry to come to the fore.

What is Karthik Calling Karthik about?

It is a romantic thriller about Karthik's journey. His life changes after receiving a call from another person whose name is also Karthik. It is also about Karthik's journey with Shonali [Deepika's character in the film].

I play a Bengali girl, born and brought up in Mumbai. She is independent and confident; a modern girl of today. She speaks her mind and is sensible yet emotional and loveable.

Is that your life story since you come from Bangalore and have now settled in Mumbai?

In a way, it is. But Shonali is the one who takes the first step, which is not the case with me.

Image: A scene from Karthik Calling Karthik