Thirteen years back, she made a dream debut with Om Shanti Om. Since then, Deepika Padukone has had nothing less than a smashing journey in Bollywood. The actor though, on her part, is filled with gratitude for whatever she has achieved till date.

“When I think about it, it doesn’t feel like 13 years. But on that particular day (November 9), when you get all the messages, and look at social media, you realise, ‘oh okay, it’s indeed been 13 years’. Having said that, I do feel that it’s been an incredible journey with lots of learnings, as well as ups-and-downs. But at the end of the day, if I were to look back, there is only a feeling of gratitude,” she says.

Talking of movies, a few days ago, Padukone started work on Shakun Batra’s next yet-untitled directorial, amid the Coronavirus pandemic. How was it to get back on sets? “There was a lot of enthusiasm, and a little bit of nervousness, too. And more than the pandemic, it was due to being unsure of what the processes are going to be,” she says.

The Padmaavat actor admits that by now, all the protocols have “kind of become second nature”. She adds, “Now, we know what the drill is and all of us take extra precautions, in terms of following the guidelines, wearing masks, and even sanitisation, of not just our hands but all the equipments. So, that way, we work in a very safe environment. Initially though, it was exhausting as it’s not something you’re used to. But once you get used to it, it’s fine.”

Surely, the Covid-19 induced lockdown has wreaked havoc on a lot of people. But in a way, has it been a blessing in disguise for her as she got to spend the maximum amount of time with husband, Ranveer Singh after their marriage? “Absolutely. We were certainly not complaining (smiles).”

She further explains: “It (lockdown) has, of course, been a difficult time for a lot of people. And that’s why, the one thing that I absolutely feel, this year, is gratitude. Just to be able to be at home with each other, and being safe is a blessing. Thank God, we (she and Ranveer) didn’t get locked down without each other, which happened to quite a few people. So, what more can we ask for,” she concludes.