Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone’s relationship has long been one of Bollywood’s most talked-about chapters. The two began dating after meeting on the sets of Bachna Ae Haseeno around 2007–08 but parted ways in 2010, a breakup that Deepika has previously described as painful. Over the years, however, the former couple maintained a cordial bond and went on to work together in films like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Tamasha, before eventually marrying other partners—Deepika to Ranveer Singh and Ranbir to Alia Bhatt.Now, Dhurandhar actor Naveen Kaushik, who shared screen space with both stars in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, has opened up about their off-screen equation and professionalism during the shoot.
‘I kept expecting some drama, but nothing like that happened’
In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Naveen was asked about the chemistry between Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone on set. Calling their conduct “extremely professional,” he admitted he was surprised by how seamless things were.“Extremely professional. Honestly, I kept expecting some drama—I thought there might be a fight or something, and we’d at least get a chance to gossip! But nothing like that happened,” he said.He recalled that the shoot itself was physically demanding. “It was a very gruelling shoot, not in terms of the number of days, but because of the locations. We were climbing mountains, shooting in snow. Sometimes there were breaks, and the cast and crew would meet for parties,” Naveen shared.
‘The group was exactly like what you saw on screen’
Speaking about the overall vibe on set, Naveen said the camaraderie among the cast mirrored the film’s on-screen friendships.“The group—Ranbir, Deepika, Kalki Koechlin, and Aditya Roy Kapur—was exactly like what you saw on screen. They were fun, cordial, and easygoing. There were no sparks of jealousy, anger, or romance off-screen. They were just a joy to work with,” he said.He added that both Ranbir and Deepika were approachable despite their growing stardom. “Both Ranbir and Deepika were always open to conversations whenever we wanted to talk. By then, they had become big stars and had a lot of responsibilities, so they didn’t always have free time. But whenever they did, we’d hang out and have fun,” Naveen noted.
‘I’ve never seen an actor more professional than Deepika Padukone’
Naveen reserved special praise for Deepika Padukone’s work ethic, calling her one of the most professional actors he has ever encountered.“I tell everyone this—I have never seen an actor more professional than Deepika Padukone,” he said, adding, “She’s always on time, always prepared. She knows her lines, she knows her scenes, and she always has a smile for everyone. No tantrums, no drama—none of that ‘Oh my God, I want this or that’ behaviour.”Summing it up, he said, “I genuinely haven’t seen anyone as professional as her. Ever.”
‘Ranbir had become calmer and more sure of himself’
Reflecting on Ranbir Kapoor’s growth as an actor from Rocket Singh to Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Naveen said the change was striking.“There was a big difference. When we met during Rocket Singh, Ranbir was still learning and discovering himself. But by the time we worked on Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, he had become much calmer and more sure of himself,” he said.Naveen explained that Ranbir’s journey through success and criticism shaped his outlook. “He had seen sudden success at a time when many things weren’t working initially. He experienced how people’s love can lift you to great heights—and also how criticism or negativity can pull you down. Seeing both sides humbles you and breaks certain illusions. I think that’s what shaped him,” he observed.
‘He genuinely asked how my life was after Rocket Singh’
According to Naveen, Ranbir’s sensitivity stood out during their later collaboration. “When I met him again during Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, he was far more concerned about others. He genuinely asked me what had happened to me after Rocket Singh—whether I was getting work, whether life was going well. That sensitivity stood out,” he said.He also spoke about Ranbir’s growing confidence in his craft. “During Rocket Singh, we rehearsed for nearly three and a half months, and through that process, he developed the character. But by Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, he had already done several films—Saawariya, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Wake Up Sid, Rocket Singh. He now knew how to enter a scene faster, how to find his rhythm quickly,” Naveen explained.
‘He knew how to dance with the audience’
Naveen concluded by highlighting Ranbir’s evolving understanding of stardom and performance. “What I always admired was his curiosity. Even back then, he would ask me how I approached scenes… By Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, we could discuss scenes more deeply—how to approach them, how to play them. He knew his rhythms, he knew mine, and that made it easier to get into scenes together,” he said.He added, “He had also understood how to ‘dance with the audience’—what to play, how to play it. Every star has certain looks and moments that the audience falls in love with, and Ranbir had recognised those and learned how to use them. His confidence was high, and it was lovely to see that growth.”
