Here's how Deepika-Kareena's equation has evolved over the years!

Tinselville’s leading ladies have time and again been pitted against each other and there have been a few instances where the catfights either got nastier or got dissolved. Now when it comes to Kareena Kapoor-Khan and Deepika Padukone, things have kept changing over the years for the two divas. Their equation has evolved over the past few years and here we take a look at it.

The feud between them reportedly started since Love Aaj Kal days or maybe earlier.

Back then Kareena found it hard to understand why Deepika was cast in Love Aaj Kal as Saif Ali Khan (her beau then) was producing the film and Imtiaz Ali had promised her his next film after working together in Jab We Met.

Back in 2009, Deepika was asked about it and she said in an interview,

“Kareena was never on the sets even once when I was shooting with Saif, because, she is not the type of girl who is insecure about her man. Kareena knows that she is brilliant as an actress. If I were in her place, and I was not cast in my boyfriend’s film, even I would have felt the same like Kareena if she felt that she should have been the leading lady opposite Saif in Love Aaj Kal and not me. Just because her boy friend is the producer of the film and Imtiaz Ali who is the director of the film is her favorite director, after she worked with him in Jab We Met, she did not demand that I should be replaced in Love Aaj Kal with her.”

After that Deepika starred with Saif in Aarakshan (2011) and Cocktail (2012) and had signed few more projects (Race 2). There were rumors doing rounds that Kareena was apparently insecure about it.

While promoting Cocktail, Deepika told a leading daily,

“Well that's her insecurity I can't do anything about that. But we've had no problems. In fact, when she came to London, we got along well. We went out one night. She was on set and watching the shoot even in Hyderabad. As far as I know, there is nothing wrong. I don't think she has anything to worry about.”

Bebo reacted upon the “insecure” comment and poked fun while saying that she was super-scared and trembling with fear. Yet she stated that she has no problems with girls hitting on her hot boyfriend.

Cut to 2012, when asked if she woke up as Deepika, Kareena told a leading fashion magazine in a rapid fire round,

“I dont think I can wake up as Deepika as I can't relate to her.”

In due course of time Kareena made some career choices and rejected Rohit Shetty’s Chennai Express (2013) and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. After Kareena walked out, Deepika was cast in both the films and theyboth went on to become blockbusters. Padukone became the reigning Queen of Box-Office with back-to-back 100 crore films in her kitty.

That very year, Kareena was quoted in a leading daily saying,

“I confess that I'm mad. There have been times when I've signed a film and then felt it was wrong. Yes, I was supposed to do 'Ram-Leela' but I changed my mind. I decided to do Gori... instead. With me, it's all about the mood. There are no regrets, I've worked with some really good directors. I've missed the chance to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. But there's always a next time. I'm the only actress who can boast of giving films to other actresses.”

And after Ram-Leela turned out to be huge success Bebo congratulated Deepika.

In December 2013, in an interview Choti Begum said,

“Deepika is talented, and she continues to do good work. I have seen her work. She is a brave actress, and that's a good sign because I like brave actors. In fact, I have never regretted not doing any film. Deepika deserves every bit of this success… she has worked really hard to get where she is. My only advice (to her) would be, 'Enjoy every moment,' because that's just the way it goes.”

Things took a turn again, when Deepika went on Koffee With Karan in 2014 and made a remark about Kareena.

K’Jo asked that if Kareena wouldn’t have been in show business, what Dippy would wish her to do. To that without batting an eyelid Deepika said, “Charity.”

It took a while for Karan and Priyanka Chopra to comprehend as to why she said Kareena should open a charity. Deepika was referring to Bebo's uncanny and generous habit of refusing big roles, which turned game-changers for actresses who accepted it.

That very year when rumors were afloat that Deepika will replace Kareena in Shhuddhi, Padukone cleared the air and said she wasn’t offered the film in the first place. But when she was asked if she turned down Ashutosh Gowarikar’s Mohenjo Daro, Deepika replied,
“It's silly when actors talk about films they didn't do, because they are remembered for the ones they did.”

Earlier this year, Deepika said during media interactions that it is not right to compare her with Kareena. Reason being that she entered Bollywood after Kareena and Bebo is her senior.

During Bajrangi Bhaijaan promotions, Kareena agreed to that but added that she has now become immune to comparisons as she has been pitted against all actresses, of various generations, since fifteen years.

“I think she is absolutely right. I don’t know why everyone is compared to me. But now I am like, ‘Accha, theek hai’. I have become immune to it now. Fifteen years and now, I think I should be immune to it by now, at least,” said Kareena to a popular daily.

Off late, Kareena praised Deepika’s acting in Piku along with Kangana Ranaut for Tanu Weds Manu Returns. She was quoted in a magazine interview, saying,

“I haven’t watched Piku or Tanu Weds Manu Returns but I’ve been told they are entertaining and the girls have given amazing performances. I don’t expect anything less from Deepika or Kangana. They both are powerhouse actors. I’m happy they are doing good work.”

Looks like things are finally on the brighter side between the two beautiful actresses and we hope all remains well between them. In fact, it would be a dream-come-true moment for their fans if they see them share the frame on the big screen! What say guys?

With inputs from: Filmfare, Hindustan Times, Deccan Chronicle, DNA, Times of India, PINKVILLA