Deepika Padukone | Magazine 'M' | April Issue| Scans

In this dark phase of Bollywood, where there's no new film releasing due to the ongoing strike, the cover photo of Deepika Padukone in the latest issue of M, comes as a breath of fresh air.

The Om Shanti Om girl gives an insight of what the real-life Deepika is all about! Deepika talks about her 'normal' childhood, that 'special man' (not Ranbir) who never failed to impress her even once (and no it's not Ranbir). Well, read on more to find Deepika's take on sexy woman, arm candy, money, fame and yes the 'secret of being sexy'.

If you really want to know the difference between the 'reel-life' Deepika and the 'real-life' Deepika, then, this issue of M is a M-ust!

Deepika Padukone possesive lover:Ranbir

Ranbir Kapoor recently received a lovely bouquet of flowers; and interestingly he received it when Deepika Padukone was with him.

The guldasta was from a secret admirer who even proposed marriage in the greeting card that came with it. And girlfriend Deepika, instead of getting suspicious simply laughed it off. “The duo burst out laughing as Ranbir’s secret admirer expressed her desire to marry him,” we were informed. “It shows Deepika is not insecure, possessive or jealous.” Well, we’re sure Deepika must be getting her share of flowers, too. If not, Ranbir can send her some... After all this is one ‘budding’ romance, na?

Deepika scared of snakes

While shooting for the second issue of Harper's Bazaar in Thailand, Deepika Padukone found snakes in quite close proximity. Talking about the snake attack, an ophidiophobic Deepika says, "I have always had a phobia about snakes. I don't mind anything from lizards to insects, but I am terrified of snakes. We were given these fancy villas in the middle of a forest at a resort called The Banyan Tree. I was relaxing outside my room at night when I happened to look down near my feet and saw a huge snake, almost three feet long with it's hood raised, staring at me!"

Deepika shudders and says, "It was THE scariest moment of my life. I jumped and screamed loudly. My mom was in her room and came out to see all the commotion was about but by that time the snake had slithered away."

But Deepika prefers to cite the incident as a positive one. She says, "In India, we worship snakes and I feel the fact that I actually saw one was a blessing for me. How many people encounter snakes in real life? It's a very good sign.

It was a privilege shooting for Harper's Bazaar India's second edition. Atul Kasbekar shot some great pictures in Thailand. We'd shoot only in the evenings during sunset so we call it a spa shoot. We would relax through out the day at the spas in our hotel. I took my mum along and spent quality time with her. It was more a holiday than work."

Deepika is always ready for a good cause. Last week, she walked the ramp in a Carolina Herrera dress for Mai Mumbai at the LFW a show put up by Vikram Chatwal and Naomi Campbell to raise funds for the 26/11 victims of the terror attacks.

Deepika says, "I walked the ramp at the last minute as I had to fly to Bangalore for the Bengaluru Marathon press conference. But since it was for the cause Mai Mumbai, I stayed back. The funds are going for 26/11 victims and provide infrastructure like ambulances and first aid so I had to be there. It was a good cause and Mumbai has given me so much."

Deepika:No Personal Question

Even though she may be elusive when it comes to certain questions, a tête-a tête with Deepika Padukone leaves one yearning for more.

Ask her how it was working with Saif Ali Khan for Imtiaz Ali’s next film, and pat comes the reply, “Whether it is Shah Rukh Khan or Saif, both are experienced actors and it is a great experience working with them.” So, does Ranbir Kapoor’s chemistry with Imraan Khan, as seen at a recent awards function, ever make her feel insecure? “I was present at the awards function and I think they did a brilliant job,” she replies.

What does the actress have to say about her equation with Ranbir’s mom and dad? “It’s too early in the relationship to talk about his family,” she says.

The lady walked the ramp for the fashion weeks in Delhi recently and thoroughly enjoyed it. “It was a lot of fun meeting the designers, choreographers and make-up artists.” She also confesses that she likes to sport “a classic look” and picks up whatever she likes.