/> Deepika Padukone at Cannes earlier this week, her first major international appearance, saw the lovely actress keep a promise she had made to herself as a starry-eyed teenager.

Divulges Deepika, "Long ago when I had started modeling I had promised myself that whenever I attend an international event I'd wear a saree because I'd rather represent my country in the national costume than in western clothes.

I get enough opportunities at home to wear western clothes. When I'm seen at an international event I'd rather be fully Indian."

When told that Aishwarya wore a gown Deepika says, "I wouldn't like to comment on others. Speaking for myself I find the saree very Indian and yet very sensuous.I wore an off –white Rohit Bal creation on the red carpet. It felt good to be so Indian so far away from from home."

However the matter is not as emotional as Deepika makes it seem. There was a practical reason why she opted to be seen in a Saree at Cannes.

Apparently Deepika, a first-timer at the Festival had made discreet inquiries about what the "Cannes regular" Aishwarya would be wearing before deciding on her own look.

Spectators feasted their eyes on the two lovely Indian ladies who proved that variety was indeed the spice and curry of life. If Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on the red carpet in May 12 at Cannes dazzled in a gown, Deepika Padukone chose to go desi glam in a shimmering saree.

Deepika's first visit to Cannes doesn't seem to have filled her with too much excitement. She says she hardly met anyone at the Festival except racing superstar Michael Schumacher and just caught one film, a French one Matthew Almaric's Tournee which she enjoyed.

That apart Deepika 's two-day whirlwind tour to the Cannes Film Festival included some serious sight-seeing. On Day 2 of her trip she took off on her own to take in the sights and sounds of the scenic seaside town.

Says Deepika, "There's so much to Cannes besides the festival. In fact the first time when I came to Cannes in 2002 I was here not for the Festival but as a tourist.

I remember I had stood outside the venue of the Cannes film festival and taken pictures. I had promised myself that next time I'd be back as part of the Festival...and here I am."

The best thing about the otherwise-sedate Cannes Film Festival this year is the fact that Deepika found unconditional acceptance for Indian cinema.

"Here at Cannes they aren't looking at me or anyone else from Bollywood as oddities. Even if I was in a saree I didn't feel marginalized or ethnic. I feel...at home!"

Deepika returns to Mumbai on Sunday and leaves immediately for a long schedule of Danish Aslam's Break Be Baad in Mauritius.

She refuses to speak on Ranbir Kapoor. But the mention of his name brings a delightful melody into her voice.