I was drawn to Laxmi Agarwal's character for her triumph: Deepika Padukone

It seems Chhapaak is a kind of a film which becomes a benchmark in an actress' career. What made you do this film?

I think it is not often when one comes across a story that inspires an actor so much. It is not about an incident as much as it is about the triumph over it. I have been extremely fortunate to meet Laxmi (Laxmi Agarwal) and many others to see their spirit. Apart from that, I was interested because of the marriage between such kind of a story and the right person to tell it. I could see the sincerity and honesty of Meghna Gulzar in telling the story. I knew I was in good hands. An actor very often comes across good stories but also a director is needed to tell the story in an honest, authentic and responsible manner.

What was your feeling when you read the script first?

I clearly remember when Meghna came to meet me. She had opened the script and read maximum two pages when I had agreed to do the film. Such things do not happen often. I remember I didn't read the script that day but much later. I knew instantly that Chhapaak was the film which I wanted to do.

The film will not be an entertainer but definitely going to touch the heart. How are you going to measure the success of it?

Honestly, success of a film to me is the impact it is able to bring in people's life. Every movie does not need to be hard-hitting but it can be simple emotion. The ability of a film to make one feel, think something and evoke emotion is the meter of success to me. Also the sign of a successful movie is its longevity to me.

How was your journey in the film? How tough was it to see yourself in front of mirror?

I didn't know how would I feel seeing myself on mirror. I remember it took four or five hours to put the prosthetic. When I looked at mirror for the first time after the prosthetic was done, I felt like myself. I told it to Meghna also. I felt nothing had changed and that was the day when I found the character and what I need to do in this movie.

You have openly spoken about your struggles in life through your Foundation. Did that help you to internalise Laxmi's role?

Honestly I don't know whether there is a co-relation between mine and Laxmi's struggle. I don't think I will ever be able to define it or describe why I am drawn to certain subjects or characters. But of course I am drawn to characters that can stand up for themselves or have a voice, an inner grit and determination. I was drawn to Laxmi's character not because of the incident but her overcoming of it and the way she has lived her life after.