Model-turned-actor Upen Patel is slowly but steadily making deep forays in Bollywood. He has two films to boot which are awaiting release in the theatres. Butterflies in his stomach, Upen is expecting his career in tinsel town takes off from here.

Q: Considering the fact that 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom' and 'Namaste London' will be in theatres pretty soon, what is your present state of mind at present?
A: Right now I'm very excited about 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom'. It's a very big film for me. I'm a bit nervous but more excited than nervous because after one year I'm coming back on screen.

Q: Your expectations and experience from your first movie and the expectation after it.
A: Yes '36 China Town' was a fantastic launch pad for me. I was very happy with it because it gave my the chance to work with Subhash Ghai and Abbas Mastan, fantastic actors like Kareena Kapoor, Akshay Khanna and Shahid Kapur and also when the film was released the public liked it.

The critics appreciated my performance, my song became a super-hit. Because of the film '36 China Town' I'm in Bollywood today and because of the film this year I will be winning the 'Best New Comer' awards'.

It has really changed my life and today I'm here sitting in front of you. I have another big movie 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom' directed by Sunil Darshan, another huge director. In this movie I'm playing the lead and there are six songs picturised on me, I have two love interests and it has been a big leap and has changed my life.

Q: Is there any similarities between your character in 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom' and your real self?
A: Yes I do find them a bit similar because I myself have come from UK to India with stars in my eyes. I am ambitious, I'm focused so I can see bits of Reggi in me and I think every body, who comes to the industry has Reggie in him.

They come in, have big dreams of being number one, they want to work with the best directors, the best cast but one thing is for sure Reggi has a lot of talent and it shows. All who come into the industry have a bit of Reggi in them. That is why they will relate to it.

Q: How was the experience working in the movie especially with Bobby?
A: To be true it was fantastic working with him. He is a very easy going person. He is not insecure. He is very talented and he has been very supportive to not only me but everyone; that's why people have good things to say about him.

It was fantastic as a new comer to work with someone who is so established and so experienced. Then there is Kangna. I think she is in the same boat as me as she is a newcomer too. We have both been winning a lot of awards this year. People have appreciated us in our first films so it is an exciting moment for both of us because we are working with Suneel Darshan, such a big director, at such an early stage of our career.

Celina definitely is the oomph factor in the film. She adds the glamour to the film, so it is a pleasure working with all three of them but the biggest pleasure is working with Suneel Darshan. He is like a father figure to me, he believed in me, supported me and he believed that I have the talent to take it to another level.

He kept up the belief by signing me in another film and giving me such a platform to perform. So all the credit, respect and everything goes to Mr. Suneel Darshan for this. He is the man who worked with Akshay Kumar, Sunny Deol, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, he has worked with do many big people, so for me it was a pleasure to work with him as a newcomer.

Q: How did 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom' happen to you?
A: I was shooting for '36 China Town' and I went to meet Suneel Darshan and I just told Mr Darshan that I wanted to be in his next film, I love and admire your work. And he said ok I have a subject which suits you and I'm doing a film with Bobby Deol so I'll call you.

Ands he aid I have seen your pictures of modeling and '36 China Town' and I think you have the potential. He also said that no matter how '36 China Town does, but you are in my next film. He said as simply as that.

Q: Any particular incident which occurred, that you remember?
A: Every instance I still recall. It was such a fun time; it was so exciting shooting in different locations, all the fan that came to meet me. It was such a big thing for me, I was so happy to be a part of it and be in South Africa.

Q: Doing a lead role in just your second film. Do you think you have blessing from God?
A: Getting such a fantastic launch and such a big film as a main lead with the songs being super hit, making a comeback after one year, winning awards being from UK and getting acceptance from the public, God has been great to me and given me a lot so I think I'm blessed by God.

Q: Apart from acting which aspect of film making attracts you most?
A: Only acting. I love being in front of the camera, I love performing, I love doing different characters and 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom' gave me a chance to keep performing.

Q: Do you feel that having a godfather in the industry would have made things easier for you?
A: I don't know how easy is having a god father. So I cannot answer that. I am happy the way I have come into this industry and the way people have accepted me. I'm working with the best director and the production houses. For me it is fantastic the way it is.

Q: How are you marketing yourself in the film industry?
A: My films do the marketing for me. They do well and will market me.

Q: Tell us about you character in 'Namaste London'. Are you satisfied with it?
A: I'm playing a Pakistani boy called Imraan who falls in love with a British girl. I have not seen the film and moreover I'm concentrating on 'Shaka Laka...' as it is a bigger film for me.

Q: What types of roles attract you most?
A: I don't choose particular roles. That is up to the director and producer to choose a role for me. For me the script is most important. If the script is good I want to a part of the film. I don't want to be stereo-typed with any particular types of roles anyway.

Q: What kind of movies would you choose: action or romance?
A: I don't want to choose one. I choose both. Time has changed. We do all kind of roles now.

Q: The best comment you have received till now.
A: Be it a good compliment or a bad compliment it does not make a difference in my life. I know where I'm going, what I'm doing I'm happy with my work and I make sure I do my work with the best of my abilities. - Amit Narnoli (SAMPURN)