Akshay Kumar is helping Speedy Singhs debutant Vinay Virmani gain a foothold in Bollywood

Akshay Kumar is taking more than just a passing interest in his Toronto-based best-friend Ajay Virmani's son Vinay Virmani's career. On his birthday on September 9, Kumar flew to Toronto to attend the world premiere of Vinay's debut film Speedy Singhs at the Toronto International Film Festival held a day later.

Usually, Kumar prefers to spend his birthday at home with his mother, sister, wife and son.

Says a source, "Vinay is very close to Akshay. Vinay hero worships him, and Ajay Virmani has a room kept aside for Akshay in his palatial home in Toronto. In fact, the Bollywood keeda was planted in Vinay's head by Akshay."

"It was decided that Akshay would have a stellar role in Vinay's debut film. But Akshay later felt that his presence would take the attention away from the debutant, so he curtailed his role to a guest appearance, " the source adds.

However, Kumar's interest in Speedy Singhs has reportedly been tremendous. "From the story idea to the screenplay, casting and editing, Akshay has helped out in every aspect of the film. Akshay also spoke to producer friends in Bollywood, so that Vinay could be cast in the action hero's film that he will co-produce with Vipul Shah, " the source continues.

Interestingly, Kumar has never promoted newcomers before. Kumar's own cousin Sachin, hung around the actor for almost a year in the hope of a big break. Sachin finally acted in some television serials and returned to New Delhi.

When contacted, Ajay Virmani admitted to Kumar's interest in his son's career. "Akshay is one of the lead producers of the film, so he has a very keen interest in the project. He's very close to my boy.

Vinay is interested in doing Bollywood films, but he's also looking at an international career. He has received another Hollywood offer. Whatever he does, he has Akshay's blessings."