The curious case of Deepika Padukone's relationship with Ranbir Kapoor and his parents

Circa 2008. Deepika Padukone was good friends with Ranbir Kapoor. She often spent time with the Saawariya boy at his residence, Krishna Raj on Pali Hill. Her equation with his parents, Neetu and Rishi Kapoor, at that point was starched (kadak). The seniors were as warm to her as they were to their son’s other pals, who hung out at their bungalow.  However, they definitely maintained a distance.

Fast forward to 2010: Deepika and Ranbir stopped being good friends and the Kapoors also saw little of her.

The equation worsened when the former and Sonam K Ahuja took a dig at RK junior on an episode of Koffee With Karan. The seniors were  hurt because DP and Sonam openly slighted their son on national television.

But, time is a great healer. 

DP moved into a committed relationship with Ranveer Singh, just like Ranbir moved on with his life and girlfriends.

And being the perfect goodwill ambassador that she is, the svelte star took it upon herself to mend all her previous relationships. 

During the making of Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha (2015), Deepika and Ranbir’s relationship evolved; it made way for a mature friendship. As a result, the Kapoors also warmed up to her. Both the seniors were candid about their appreciation for the Bengaluru girl, who was ruling Bollywood.

Last year when Padmaavat released, Rishi was full of praise for the movie. Neetu and he loved Rani Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji in the movie. Besides articulating their feelings to the maker of Padmaavat, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whose work they applauded the most, the Kapoor couple made it a point to send flowers and a note to Deepika.

(Clockwise from left) The pic that Neetu Kapoor posted after Deepika visited her and Rishi Kapoor in New York; Last year, the Kapoors sent flowers and a note to Deepika after Padmaavat’s release; Deepika flaunts a bracelet that was gifted by Riddhima Kapoor Sahni

The latter shared her note on her social media handle. “Excellent work. So very proud of you... Love Neetu and Rishi Kapoor,” the handwritten note read. The actress also shared a picture of the bouquet and card the star couple had sent.

Few knew that the leggy lass’ husband, Ranveer, too, had received a note and bouquet from Rishi and Neetu because he didn’t really go out there to mention it. But the Kapoors had loved him equally in the film and he acknowledged their appreciation to them over a phone call.

That be as it may, earlier this week Deepika, who was in New York for her MET Gala appearance, made it a point to visit Ranbir's parents who are currently residing there. This time, Neetu shared adorable pictures of the three of them — Rishi, Deepika and her — hugging and smiling. She wrote on her Instagram, “Such a fun evening with adorable Deepika Padukone. Gave lot of love and warmth.” A few days later, the Chhapaak actress posted an image of an adorable bracelet, which was gifted to her by Ranbir’s sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, who is a jewellery designer. She shared a picture of her wearing the bijouterie, tagging both Neetu as well as Riddhima and wrote ‘Blessings & good wishes...’

Like they say, if you will it, you can make it happen. Kudos to Deepika and, of course, to the Kapoors, too.