'In personal life I fight my own battles'

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Padmaavat was released this week after months of protests and threats, but the film's leading lady said the tough times had been overtaken by the love of the audience.

"At this point I am not thinking about the last three months. The last three days have been so overwhelming that nothing else matters. I am in a mood to celebrate. I am grateful for all the love and support," Deepika said while interacting with the media at a popular Indian restaurant here.

Padmaavat has been facing endless hurdles in the form of protest and death threats by a group called the Karni Sena since shooting began. The protests continue even now, and some states have even banned it.

The period drama is based on the 16th century epic 'Padmavat' by poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi. The sena has alleged that it distorts history and undermines Rajput valor claims denied by the filmmakers.

Deepika said that while Padmaavat was a story that was several centuries old, it was as relevant today as ever.

"It looks at the power of women. Today again we are standing up for ourselves with dignity... I find her journey so relevant today," Deepika said about her character, Rani Padmavati.

The film also stars Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, but it was Deepika who faced the wrath of Rajput community who issued death threats to her.

"When Rani has so much strength, why would she need others? In my personal life I fight my own battle, I don't need anyone," she added.

"Being a central protagonist as a female actor and with this kind of budget, I did feel a sense of responsibility so at times I used to go to the sets when I saw a little bit of what they were doing. Other than that, it seems as if we have shot two different films," Deepika said.

When lyricist Javed Akhtar called Padmaavat the Mother India of her career, Deepika was on cloud nine. But what gratified her more was, her parents praised her performance.