After a hip look in Break Ke Baad, Deepika Padukone sheds her trendy wardrobe for simple saris in this week's release Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey.

Deepika will play a real life character Kalpana Dutta, who had a strong role in the freedom struggle of India, specifically the Chittagong Uprising in the 1930s.

Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the film also stars Abhishek Bachchan.

Deepika tells Patcy N more about the film.

For a glamorous actress like you, was it tough to take on a de-glam role?

I don't think acting is about how much make-up you wear though it is important to a certain extent.

The effort I put into a film like Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey or even Love Aaj Kal is the same. Each of my films is important to me. The kind of films we make are different but the process as an actor is the same.

What was playing Kalpana Dutta like?

It's difficult to portray a character that is not fictional. And when you're playing a character that was part of our revolution and history, you have to take care of people's sentiments. You have to be careful about details like body language, the way you speak, the way you carry yourself... So a lot of research was done by all of us.

What kind of research did you do?

Honestly, it was easy for me because Ashu sir did most of the research for all the characters -- right from the details of all the events, the saris, blouses and hairstyles down to the size of the bindis and how many bangles I should wear on each hand was decided.

The only thing I had to work on was the body language -- how my character would carry herself, how she would react to certain situations, is she a strong woman and things like that.

We have seen quite a few actors in dhotis, and now Abhishek. Who do you think looks best?

Abhishek. He has a good height to carry it off.

Which is your favourite song in the film?

I love the song Nain Tere picturised on me and Pritilata. It is about two young girls, who are beginning to fall in love. Even the new version of Vande Mataram is very beautiful.