Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan Thursday launched the first look of his much-talked about film "Chennai Express" and praised his co-star Deepika Padukone, saying she has gone beyond what was written for her in the script.

"Deepika has done two to three stunning films recently and she has grown as an actor. She is fantastic," SRK told reporters at the launch.

Deepika made her debut with SRK in "Om Shanti Om" and he added: "The fact that she did her first film with me, so I am protective about Deepika and gentle towards her. It was nice working with her again. Deepika has gone beyond what was written for her in the script."

As making a movie is an uphill task, SRK insists that filmmakers should be respected for making the effort.

"We all try hard to make film and it's a difficult job. There is a lot of ifs and buts, slip-ups while making films. So, we have to be prepared for the worse. Filmmakers needs to be respected," he said.

Director Rohit Shetty has roped in Deepika to play a Tamil girl in "Chennai Express" and she has got her accent right.

Talking about it, the actress, who recently wowed everyone with her performance in "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani", said: "It was just fluke, I had to do nothing."

SRK is known for his knack to jazz up any event and he did it at the launch of "Chennai Express" first look when he joined the composers Vishal-Shekar and sang with them.

The film is slated for Aug 8 release.