V Lakshmi (BOMBAY TIMES; May 5, 2012)

 

Almost five years ago, Deepika Padukone shot her first classical number, albeit just for the opening beats in the Dhoom Tanna… number in her Bollywood debut Om Shanti Om. And now, we hear that the actress shot for a full-fledged classical song in her Kollywood debut, Kochadaiyaan.

A source reveals, “Though Deepika wasn’t part of the London schedule of the film, she joined the unit in Kerala a couple of weeks ago. It was there that she, along with Rajinikanth, shot for a traditional dance, set to classical beats. Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan has conceptualised this number, which has been composed by A R Rahman. The entire team had been rehearsing for over three days for this, and the song was shot over two days. Deepika is trained in Bharatanatyam and Kathak, and she didn’t have much trouble getting the steps right for this dream sequence song.”

While reluctant to reveal details on the number, Saroj says, “It’s after a long time that I’m part of a Tamil film, and I’m glad it happens to be a Rajinikanth one. The number is picturised on Deepika and Rajini, and both have put their heart and soul into this number. The classical sequence has come out very well, and will be much talked about.”