He may be just one film old and not everyone even remembers his name, but US-based Omi Vaidya has just no time for interviews. His role as Chatur Ramalingam, the compulsive and sadistic geek in the super hit "3 Idiots", has made him an overnight sensation.

The 27-year-old Maharashtrian, who claims to be an established actor in Hollywood, has been receiving calls galore for his enthralling performance in the hit movie. And he is overjoyed.

"When I was at the premiere of "3 Idiots", no one recognised me. I was a bit depressed but when it got over, it was difficult for me to even get out of the theatre. I have been enamoured by the love and appreciation I have received from the audience, " Omi said recently.

"Today, when I go out on streets, people come and shake hands with me... It feels nice, " he added.

After all, the film may belong to the 3 Idiots - Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi and R. Madhavan -- but it was Omi who had some of the best one-liners and the funniest comic scenes. The gaffe after gaffe at the teacher's day speech delivered by a well-meaning Chatur has most viewers helpless with laughter.

Omi, who was kept under wraps until the movie's released, is quite the unexpected package in the film. He has even been nominated for the best actor in a comic role for the Nokia 16th Annual Star Screen Awards in January.

The actor, who stays in Los Angeles, graduated from the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Thereafter, he acted in various TV shows, including "The Office".

"3 Idiots" is in its second week and the comedy-drama is still going strong. The film has earned Rs.240 crore (Rs.2.4 billion) so far and multiplexes are still screening an average of 10 houseful shows a day.