"I have always maintained that I love commercial Hindi cinema. This is the reason why I am here and these are the kind of projects I want to do", says Upen who started his career with a thriller (36 China Town), followed it up with two dramatic films (Namaste London, Shakalaka Boom Boom) and continued with two back to back comedies (One Two Three, Money Hai To Honey Hai).
"Meanwhile, I was also itching for that one romantic musical to come my way. I love dancing and singing around the trees and on the streets for the camera.
I have a filmy taste bud and was in the lookout of that perfect script that would convince me to don the role of a romantic protagonist", says Upen who was first noticed for his hunky physique before being seen on the big screen.
Though there were offers of all kinds, including romantic films as well, Upen wanted to have a thorough look at a script before giving his consent to a role.
"There are temptations, especially when you are just starting off in your career. However, this is the time period when the risks are also higher. One wrong move and it becomes difficult for you to stand up", says Upen with a word of caution.
"I made a decent start but in the months gone by, I started reassessing situation around what worked best for me. Since the time I landed in India, things have moved really fast for me.
I have seen quite a few things in a very short span of time. I didn't want to rush in further. I wanted to step back and soak in all that I had learnt in last few months", Upen gets thoughtful here.
It was during this introspection period that the script of 'Hum Aap Aur Pyaar' came his way.So impressed was Upen with the sheer concept of the film and the numerous twists and turns in this romantic tale that he didn't think much about the film having a first time director in charge.
For producers Desai Brothers too, this is their maiden Bollywood venture while Eesha Gupta (Miss India 2007 finalist) is a new girl being launched opposite Upen.
"When things have to fit in well, they will. The same holds true for 'Hum Aap Aur Pyaar' as well. It was destined to be made with this new bunch of people and what pleases me most is that it is one high energy set of people that I am working with. They are new to the world of movies but they come with a passion to deliver", Upen gets excited here.
"As I said, the script is quite powerful here; it is in fact the film's hero. Now I am just waiting for it's execution on camera", concludes Upen.
The film's cast and crew would be shortly leaving for South Africa for a start to finish shooting schedule.
