A step forward in my global career: Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone is taking giant strides towards catching up with her contemporary Priyanka Chopra. After bagging a big role in Vin Diesel’s XXX: Return of Xander Cage, the actress will now attend the prestigious MTV European Music Awards in Rotterdam as she presents an award there on November 6 and mingles with the likes of Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Ariana Grande, Rihanna and others.

Pleasantly surprised

The actress says she didn’t see it coming, “I was pleasantly surprised when I got the invite. It is very gracious of them to invite me. I have grown up watching the MTV awards and I didn’t think that one day, I would be walking down the red carpet and presenting an award at this global music event. It’s a step forward in my global career.”

Surreal experience

Deepika says she hasn’t prepared any speech or thought about how she is going to project herself there. “This is my first time at such an event so I don’t know what to expect. I am going there just to have fun. I understand the platform and what it is all about; it is a music award and I love music. I listen to a lot of music of the people, who are playing there so right now everything seems surreal in that sense. It’s going to be a fun and magical evening and I just want to experience that!”

Collaborative process

Her costume for the evening is being done by stylist Shaleena Nathani. Deepika says, “I haven’t decided if I will wear Indian or Western. I still have to do my fittings tonight as it was Diwali and all the designers were busy. The outfit could be anything keeping in mind the venue and that it’s for a music event, my style and what I feel like wearing. I have a wonderfully talented team working with me — from my hairstylist to my designer, manager and makeup person. I cannot take the entire credit for my looks. They help to put it together. It’s a collaborative process.”

Ek akeli

Barring her team, Deepika will be flying solo for this one — no family or plus-one for her. “I will be attending it alone as it’s a quick trip for me and was a big commitment I had to complete. I return and start shooting for Padmavati. I am in the middle of prep for it, so it will be an in-and-out trip.”