Model-turned-actress Deepika Padukone is feeling ecstatic after topping the popular Maxim Hot 100 girls’ worldwide list.

‘I really didn’t expect it. I’m really excited. People always used to call me either cute or pretty, but no one ever called me sexy. I take it as a compliment,’ Deepika told.

Although the young actress is flattered by the title, she did not feel even a tad embarrassed.
‘There is nothing wrong in being called sexy. I think the term itself has been misunderstood. People think that a person is sexy only if she is wearing tiny clothes. But for me, being sexy is about being mysterious and having your own personality and certainly has nothing to do with a person’s fashion sense,’ she held.

After being a top model, and coming up with a successful debut with super hit ‘Om Shanti Om’, Deepika has become a Bollywood star, but she says stardom hasn’t affected her as her feet are firmly grounded.

‘Stardom has not changed me. I believe I am the same person. I am too new in the industry. I like being in front of the camera and I love acting,’ said the 22-year-old.

‘I’m very close to my parents and they handle my money. I even discuss my work with them every evening,’ added the actress.

Having already worked with big banners like Red Chillies Entertainment and Yash Raj Films, will Deepika stick to only big banners in future?
‘I want to focus on commercial cinema as of now. But, if I find any offbeat film or a small production house with a good role, I would love to go for it,’ she said.