The last time she came to Dubai for the music release of Om Shanti Om, Deepika Padukone looked nervous and dare we say it - a bit dumb. But one hit film, several ‘best debutant' awards and a new celebrity boyfriend seem to have changed all that.

The actress was in Dubai today (May 11) for a press conference at the Burj Al Arab organised by Aspire to announce her association with the real estate company as their brand ambassador. Looking ravishing in a black and blue sequinned Manish Malhotra sari and sexy string choli, Deepika fielded questions from the media with confidence, panache and a lovely smile. The girl sure is ready for stardom - judge for yourself from our pick of her quotes:

Why did you agree to be brand ambassador for Aspire?
Dubai has many good memories for me because I have done a lot of fashion shows here and got a warm welcome when I came here for the music launch of OSO. Aspire is a young, fun and futuristic company and I feel a connect with the brand, so I am happy to be associated with them and to be back in this city.

Do you plan to invest in real estate here?
I hope to if the laws permit it.

What is your idea of a dream home?
I have been living on my own in Mumbai for some time now and really miss being with my parents. So right now my idea of a dream home is to be staying with my parents.

Have you been following the IPL matches? Which is your favourite team?
No, I have been shooting abroad so have not been able to follow the matches. But I think it is great that players from around the world are playing together and Indian cricketers are getting a chance to know international opponents and their own teammates better. I am from Bangalore, so I am rooting for the Bangalore Royal Challengers.

In OSO you had a very traditional 70's look, but at most award functions we have seen you in gowns. Today you are looking great in a sari. What are your fashion preferences?
Personally I like to dress casually, but for public functions I prefer to be comfortable rather than to be stylish. I like to experiment with different looks. I don't like doing a look that has been done before. I like to be different.

What is your look in your two up coming films?
In Bachna Ai Haseenon it is a young trendy look, whereas in Chandni Chowk to China my look is something that has never been seen before in Indian cinema. But I cannot talk more about it now.

Are you also doing a double role in Chandi Chwok?
I cannot reveal anything about that yet.

How do you cope with so much success at such a young age?
Success is something I have seen from a young age. My father was a famous badminton champion and I look up to the way he handled his success and fame so well. My upbringing and the fact that I enjoy my work help me to deal properly with my early success.

What would you be if you were not a model and actor?
I would have studied interior designing.

You played badminton at the national level, before opting for modelling as a career. Does being a sportsperson help in your career as an actress?
Definitely. As a sportsperson I travelled to various tournaments at a young age. That taught me to be independent and responsible. Sports has also made me more patient and a good time manager.

What is your dream role?
I am lucky to have got a dream debut, where I got to play a double role and star with my childhood idol Shah Rukh Khan. In my next film with Akshay Kumar I have got a chance to do a lot of action. I have no dream role in mind. I am just happy to be able to portray different characters.

Does OSO being such a big hit cause anxiety about the fate of your next release?
I enjoy the process of film making and being with my co-stars. I do not worry about my future or the fate of my films.

Has stardom changed you?
Not at all. I have learnt a lot from the experience but I am still the same person I always was.