Her gold dress was an eyeball-magnet at a recent awards function. However, the strain of the recent past has taken a toll on Deepika Padukone. She has dropped weight, looked tired and sounded fragile too. Speaking to a media channel, she got emotional as she made her point about the need to be fearless and follow your heart.

The fate of Padmavati continues to hang in a balance. The film has been wracked by controversy and violence, even as its December 1 release date has been indefinitely deferred. Deepika has personally faced the brunt of threats for speaking up, with warnings of beheading and nose-chopping. These have been extremely trying times for the actress, who still puts up a brave front and refuses to let the fringe elements’ tirade wear her down.

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Incidentally, the entire ugly controversy seems to be having less of a toll on Deepika’s rumoured beau, Ranveer Singh. In a recent interview the actor revealed, “I am a very differently wired person, so for me, the process itself is the prize. I really feel for my director and producer, who is very special to me and I have the utmost regard for him as a creative mentor - he really helped me unleash and unlock my potential as an artist, he’s made me the actor I am today. To see him suffer this way really troubles me, but for my part, just the fact that I went out and shot this film for one full year is the prize itself.”

Ranveer also shed light on his personal struggles with enacting the role of the antagonist, Alauddin Khilji. “Mr. Bhansali has always had a very hands-off approach with me in the previous two films, (Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela and Bajirao Mastani); he lets me freestyle, but this time he had a clear vision of what he wanted, the way he wanted Alauddin Khijli to be. So, to take his direction and try and apply it was very challenging, sometimes. And there were times I wouldn’t get it and I’d leave the set and cry. And come back and try to finish it.”

Hopefully, the New Year will finally bring reason for the entire Padmavati team to smile. They really do deserve to!