You'll never guess who this young debut director at the French Riviera is...

Remember that cute kid who played Preity Zinta's little brother in Kal Ho Naa Ho or the chubby kid who played younger Hrithik Roshan in Mujhse Dosti Karoge? He is no longer the affable boy but has transformed into a young filmmaker. Atith Naik is currently in Cannes to showcase his short film at the festival.

Atith, who started his acting career at the age of six, appeared in seven feature films and more than 160 commercials.

Says the proud filmmaker, who is in his 20s, `My short film titled The Girl in the Woods is about a girl trapped in a forest and has to deal with her haunting past.

It has been selected for the Cannes Short film Corner this year and I'm glad to be here. This time, there are a lot of Indian faces here for a change.`

Atith is also making sure he has a sound training for his future projects. He is enrolled in Columbia College, Hollywood and is expected to graduate next year with a major in cinematography and another degr'ee in Fine Arts.


With Shah Rukh Khan in 'Kal Ho Naa Ho'

`I left India at the age of 18 to study film production in the Philippines. Later, I moved to Los Angeles to get a degree. I don't harbour any dreams to be an actor. I know my calling and I'm far more comfortable working behind the camera. I recently assisted Vince Toto on a HBO pilot series who is also mentoring me,` says Atith. He has also shot music videos for artistes like Jamie Foxx, Up and Down Under, Siddhant Shirodkar and Bassnector.