Deepika not planning to leave Bollywood for Hollywood

Actress Deepika Padukone, who made her debut in Hollywood with "xXx: Return of Xander Cage" this year, says working in the West is an extension of her creativity and talent, adding that she will never forget her roots.

"I am very well aware of my home and my roots, so that's never going to change. I look at it (working in Hollywood) as an extension of my creativity and the ability to work in a different environment with different people," Deepika said in a statement.

She added: "But I think that the people in the film industry come together to tell amazing stories to touch and influence lives through the work that we do and that was one such opportunity for me."

The actress talked about her career when she was honoured with the Entertainment Leader of the Year Award at the 12th edition of CNBC-TV18 India Business Leader Awards, held on Thursday night here.

When asked to pick between superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Hollywood action icon Vin Diesel, Deepika said: "Both."

The actress, who made her foray into Bollywood in 2007 with "Om Shanti Om", went on to say that Shah Rukh gave her the platform in Bollywood, and on the other hand she started her career in Hollywood with Diesel.

The "Piku" star shared that her finances are managed by her father Prakash Padukone, also a celebrated badminton player.

She said that he takes care of the investments while her focus is only her work.

Deepika will next be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Padmavati", which also features Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor.

--IANS

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