The film, originally titled Padmavati, includes a sequence in which Padukone’s titular character sacrifices her own life.
It’s one of many elements of the movie that have made it incredibly controversial in parts of India, but Padukone said – despite its challenges in production – it was rewarding.
“It’s so powerful. You do not feel like she is doing anything wrong,” she told DNA.
“You want her to embrace the flames because she is going to be united with the man she loves.”
She added: “For me, it was the most difficult scene to perform. We shot it in peak summer at Film City in Mumbai. I cannot tell you how challenging it was.
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“After every single take, I would go up to my van, have a shower, get ready for my scene and go back. With my heavy costume and jewellery, the heat was oppressive. It was such a difficult thing to execute.”
Padmaavat generated a lot of protests, some of which were even violent – and one far-right politician was even reported to have put a bounty on Padukone’s head.
Still, it has performed very well at the Indian box office, making Padukone something of a record-breaker in the process.
She is best-known to Western audiences for her role in last year’s xXx: Return of Xander Cage alongside Vin Diesel.
It is believed that director DJ Caruso wants her to return for a planned xXx 4.
Padmaavat is out now.