She knows that when Saif constantly talks of wanting Kareena Kapoor by his side (in real or reel) he is only doing so because “he is a man in love.’’

For a 20-something, Deepika has her head firmly screwed onto her shoulders. And she can handle most situations life dishes out to nubile actresses her age with a maturity that is far beyond her years. “Listen,’’ she says, “when Saif talks of wanting Kareena as a co-star all the time, I know where it is coming from. I spoke to him about it; and I know what he actually means is — like all couples in love — Kareena and he wish to spend maximum time with each other. It would be a similar thing for Ranbir Kapoor and me.

However, the two of us don’t push for each other professionally. If a filmmaker wishes to cast us together, we’d be happy to consider it. But otherwise, we keep our personal and professional lives completely apart.’’

Deepika, however, confesses that she is extremely nervous about her next film. “I was just as nervous before Om Shanti Om. There are butterflies in my stomach again,’’ says the gorgeous girl, who is making waves internationally as well.

Recent media reports had Fast & Furious director Rob Cohen praising Deepika’s beauty and talent. A gaga Cohen had said, “Deepika is even more beautiful than Angelina Jolie.’’ Omigawd! What do we have here? A besotted director?

She laughs and says, “It is sweet of him to say this. I was introduced to Cohen at the screening of Chandni Chowk to China in Los Angeles five months ago. And I’m totally unprepared for the praise he has lavished on me.’’