In a recent candid interview, actor Naveen Kaushik, currently basking in the success of 'Dhurandhar', shed light on one of Bollywood's most talked-about professional reunions. He recalled the palpable anticipation and ultimate admiration surrounding the shoot of the 2013 blockbuster 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani', which marked the first collaboration between ex-lovers Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone after their highly publicized breakup.
The Anticipated Tension That Never Was
Naveen, who shared screen space with the lead pair in the Ayan Mukerji-directed film, admitted that the crew was braced for potential drama. "Like everyone else, we also thought a fight might break out anytime, and we were almost anticipating that if something happened, we’d witness it and have some gossip to talk about," he revealed in a conversation with Siddharth Kannan. However, to everyone's surprise, the expected fireworks never materialized.
Instead, Kapoor and Padukone displayed impeccable conduct. "But nothing like that happened. They were absolutely professional on set," Naveen emphasised. He described the shoot as gruelling, not due to long hours but because of the challenging mountainous locations where the team sometimes had to climb steep, ten-foot inclines to film. Despite the physical demands, the atmosphere remained cordial, with the entire cast and crew, including the former couple, socialising together during off-hours.
Deepika Padukone: The Epitome of Professionalism
Kaushik reserved special praise for Deepika Padukone's work ethic. "I often say this: I have never seen an actor more professional than Deepika Padukone," he stated unequivocally. He highlighted her punctuality, preparedness, and consistent pleasant demeanor. "She was always on time, knew her job, knew her lines, and greeted everyone with a smile. She never threw a tantrum, not even once."
He also noted that the off-screen dynamic between the four leads—Ranbir, Deepika, Kalki Koechlin, and Aditya Roy Kapur—perfectly mirrored the warm friendship portrayed in the film. "What you saw on screen was exactly how it was off screen. There were no sparks, no romance, jealousy, or anger. They were genuinely fun to work with," he recalled, adding that both stars remained approachable despite their massive fame and busy schedules.
Ranbir Kapoor: From Co-Star to Confident Superstar
Naveen's association with Ranbir Kapoor predated YJHD, having worked with him on the 2009 film 'Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year'. He reminisced about Kapoor's grounded nature even in his early days. "Even though he was already a star, he treated me like a brother. We used to pull each other’s leg... He never felt offended if someone didn’t greet him on set," Naveen shared, contrasting this with stories of other stars who take such things personally.
He particularly appreciated Ranbir's generosity as a scene partner. "Ranbir knew when to step back and understood that not every scene belonged to him. He gave me the opportunity to shine, to play with the craft. That was very generous of him," Kaushik said, acknowledging that this support was crucial for him during one of his first major projects.
By the time of 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani', Naveen observed a clear evolution in Kapoor. "He was calmer, more sure of himself. He had seen both success and failure, and you could sense a humility within him," he noted. He also mentioned that Ranbir, upon meeting him again, showed genuine concern for his well-being and career, asking if he was getting work.
Naveen Kaushik's account ultimately paints a picture of two consummate professionals who prioritised their craft and the project's success above past personal history. Their ability to maintain a respectful and collaborative environment not only ensured the smooth filming of a movie that would become a cult classic but also set a benchmark for professionalism in the Indian film industry.
