Deepika Padukone turns a reader for her role in Padmavati

Deepika Padukone, who is currently shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus Padmavati, is an avid reader. The actress, who plays the queen of Chittor Rani Padmavati in the period drama, is preparing for her character by reading historical books.

Deepika started reading novels related to the Rajputana era and is engrossed in stories of how the Rajputs lived, their diet and social life, tales of heroism, love and passion, a source said in a statement. The Bajirao Mastani actress, who is known to get into the skin of the character, reads these books in her spare time.

Meanwhile, the team of Padmavati recently shot for first sequence with Deepika, which was a Rajasthani folk dance, Ghoomar. While everyone including the actress was excited to shoot for the sequence, it turned out to be a tiring one as the actress struggled to get her moves right.

The traditional dance form requires one to move round in circles. As Deepika was donned with heavy costumes and jewelleries, she found it difficult to coordinate with the background dancers, SpotboyE reported. Considering that Bhansali gives importance to minute details in his film, team went on taking retakes for long hours until the filmmaker was satisfied with the final result.

Besides Deepika as Rani Padmavati, the film will see Ranveer Singh as ruler Alauddin Khilji, which is apparently a negative role. Shahid Kapoor will essay the role of Rani Padmavati's husband King Ratan Singh of Chittor. Apparently, the film also has Aditi Rao Hydari in key role. The actress will play the role of Kamala Devi, one of Khilji's favourite wives.