Although recently she’s been much in news for her PDA with Sidhartha Mallya, Bollywood damsel Deepika Padukone still has her head planted firmly on her shoulders. In an exclusive tête-à-tête, she talks about having a career in Bollywood, her dream man and more..

Ever since I was a child, I was fascinated by Bollywood. Somehow, I had a feeling that I may end up in this industry. I took up modeling and loved walking the ramp, wearing beautiful dresses. My dream came true when I got a break opposite SRK in Om Shanti Om. Believe me; I couldn’t sleep for two nights when I signed the film. I was so happy that I was going to work with SRK, my dream man. I feel great when I recollect those moments.

Whichever director approaches me with a role, I take it as a dream role if I like the idea. Every role is new, and one has to do justice to it because the director has faith in you and you have to prove yourself. Every role is like a dream role for me. Of course, Om Shanti Om was a dream film for me.

I have a long way to go, as I have only done a few films and there are far better actresses than me. I am glad that some of the best directors have shown faith and interest in me, offered me their films, and given me a platform to showcase my talent. In every film, I try to do something different, which my audience will like. I have never repeated my role in any of my films, and will try not to do that even in future projects.

It's a misconception that glamorous roles don't involve acting. This is not true. In the West, you have Julia Roberts doing really glamorous roles, and you still notice her performance, and also notice how great she looks. When you look great, you also have to carry yourself, and that too needs effort.

I so wanted to share the screen with Amitabh Bachchan and Prakash Jha has made this dream of mine come true with Aarakshan. I have admired Rishi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan's work since childhood, and now, I have shared the screen with both the legends.

Like any other newcomer, I really want to work with Salman Khan and Aamir Khan too!