Though credit for Deepika’s success was largely attributed to King Khan but when you tell her that chances are Deepika would say, half-jokingly 'Give me some credit also'. With one of the songs from her latest film playing in the backdrop, Deepika is smiling and humming the number to herself. There are no starry airs and certainly no attitude being thrown around. It's almost amazing to see how relaxed people can be around a star. Nitasha Gaurav, Fashion Editor of Femina recounts of a time when they were shooting at the same venue during the monsoon. "Deepika was tuned into the realities of the situation. It wasn't possible to have her dress in her vanity van since it was an exceptionally rainy Mumbai day. So she agreed – without a murmur – to change in a makeshift dressing room created for her with a plank of wood and a length of fabric!" Probably it's this easy-going attitude that is also reflected in her style too.

Nisha Jhangiani, Fashion Editor of Verve too recounts Deepika's personal style as being 'simple and casual'. Talking of a lunch meeting she had with the star, Nisha says, "Deepika wore a white fitted-vest, jeans, silver hoops and a basic day bag to a lunch interview. The meeting resulted in a lot of harmless gossip and lot of eating!" Nitasha too seems to echo the same sentiments and adds, "She has a fabulous understanding of what works for her style-wise… something she marries effortlessly with what we need from our magazine's point of view.” It's not just the fashionists who are raving about Deepika Padukone. Film journalists too swear by her.

Sandipan Dalal, Principal Correspondent of PEOPLE rates her at seven on the scale of one to ten as an actress. He says, "At 22 she has definitely achieved a lot in terms of movies and the big moolah that comes with it. Not every debutante has had the good fortune of having hits back to back. Om Shanti Om was a smashing hit, and Bachna Ae Haseeno was a fitting follow up. As far as her performance goes, it was far more superior in OSO, thanks to her director Farah Khan. She is definitely the next big thing, and she is going to be one of the most successful actresses in the coming years. She knows what it takes to be here, and look at the choices that she has made in terms of movies – Chandni Chowk to China, and Imtiaz Ali's untitled film opposite Saif Ali Khan!" Sandipan adds.

Industry insiders also tell us that distributors are actually looking forward to her next release. Says one, "Usually it's the hero who drives the film. But Chandni Chowk is also garnering interest among the circles where it matters because of its leading lady." Says another, "Deepika will have more to do in this film than she did in Om Shanti Om and Bachna Ae Haseeno. In the latter of the two films, she was just one of the three ladies. In OSO too all she had to do was look good. But in Chandni Chowk to China, she actually has a substantial role to play. Her character is responsible for making Akshay Kumar travel from India to China. And she also has some breathtaking action sequences too."

Chandni Chowk will boost her industry value like never before. Deepika has an edge over her contemporaries like Asin, Anushka and Priyanka. While she can play the simple girl-next-door she also has the glam quotient which none of her competitors have.

“I’m different don’t compare me with Priyanka Chopra just because she’s done stunts in Drona and I’ve done action sequences in Chandni Chowk to China (CC2C). Each person is unique and so am I. I worked hard for six months to learn those stunts and was specially trained by experts from Hong Kong.’’ Says Deeipika.

“I’m glad film-makers recognise my talent... I will be playing a dual role once again in CC2C, after Om Shanti Om. So, I’m happy that filmmakers find me capable of portraying different roles. It’s given me confidence and much satisfaction.” Adds the gorgeous beauty.

“Wearing those tight wigs for CC2C was painful one of the two roles I play in the film is that of a Chinese girl. Which is why it was necessary for me to wear those tight wigs with a fringe. Even my eyes had to be stretched out for the role. It really hurt to stay like that till pack-up, but the effort was worth it.” She explains all the hard work she has put in for CC2C.

“I feel fortunate to have worked with some of the top heroes From Shah Rukh Khan to Akshay Kumar. And now I’m working with Saif Ali Khan for Imtiaz Ali’s next film, after which I will be working with Akshay once again. Akshay is such a fantastic guy and has so many years of experience. I learnt so much from him. I’m glad I’ve got to work with all of them so early in my career.’’

It's only matter of time before Deepika will rule the industry and the others will be far, far behind.