I feel protective for Deepika: Shah Rukh Khan

"I love the fact that she started her career with us. She is a fantastic actor and has grown with every film. Her last few films have been hit and I am really happy with her success.

I feel nice that her work is appreciated," Shah Rukh told reporters here at the first look launch of the film. "I feel gentle towards her... I feel protective for her. It was special working with her again," he said.u00a0

Deepika on her part, says, "I had a wonderful debut with SRK in 'Om Shanti Om'. Before 'Chennai Express', Shah Rukh and I would often say that whenever we do a film together it has to be as special as 'Om Shanti Om'... and 'Chennai Express' has been very special."

In the film, Deepika plays the role of a Tamil girl. And the 27-year-old reveals it was quite challenging for her to work on the accent. "I have been part of urban romantic-comedy films. First time I am playing Tamil girl, I had to work on the look, accent.. it was quite a challenge," she said. The film releases this Eid -- August 8.u00a0