Mastani embodies today's woman, says Deepika

Actress Deepika Padukone, the Mastani of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus "Bajirao Mastani", says her character represents the women of today.

After unveiling the fragile yet fierce look of her character Mastani here, Deepika said: "My character Mastani embodies today's woman. Someone who multi-tasked, someone who excelled in everything she did... she is not just an amazing woman; a remarkable warrior, wonderful lover, a mother and a daughter. There are so many shades in this character.

"She is so much in love with Bajirao that she sacrificed many things."

The movie features Ranveer Singh as 18th centure Maratha warrior Peshwa Bajirao, while Priyanka Chopra plays Kashibai.

For Deepika, who has showcased her versatility in acting through her films that are as different as "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" and "Piku", "Bajirao Mastani" is like a "once in a lifetime" opportunity.

Lauding director Bhansali, she said: "He is co-operative and always encourages, letting the actors work freely. Everybody in the team is creatively involved with the filmmaking process. And according to him, this is the actual process of a creative work like film making."

She says the shooting for the period drama has been "fantastic".

"It has been most challenging film in my career so far... emotionally and physically demanding. As an actor, it's an amazing feeling as I can travel to history through my character."

Apart from "Bajirao Mastani", Deepika will be seen sharing screen space with Ranbir Kapoor in Imtiaz Ali's "Tamasha".