"I'm leading a double life," confesses 23-year-old Sammir Dattani, whose new film "Pyar Mein Twist" opposite Soha Ali Khan releases Friday.

Preview audiences are calling Sammir Dattani the face to watch in the film, which has Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia together after "Bobby".

"It's all very encouraging... and also a little confusing. You see, I'm going through a terrible dilemma," says the young actor, branded Sooraj Barjatya's blue-eyed boy.

The problem? In Karnataka, where Sammir is already a huge star, he's known as Dhyaan.

"Filmmakers out there are confused because they don't know who Sammir Dattani is, while in Mumbai it's presumed in some quarters that Dhyaan is a southern star with no connection to Bollywood. It's very, very confusing and self-defeating, particularly now when I've a Hindi and a Kannada film being released almost simultaneously? What do I do?!"

The anguish is very real. A systematic effort is being made by his colleagues in Mumbai to spread the rumour that Sammir has migrated to Bangalore to make a career there.

"I didn't want to talk about this. But it's true. I've lost at least three plum assignments this year because the producers were told I've moved to the south. I wish I had stuck to my real name in Karnataka," rues Sammir, echoing the sentiments of Bhoomika Chawla, Nagma, Jyotika and other girls from Mumbai who made it big in the south.

Sammir is the first Bollywood boy to strike gold in the south. "And I'm proud of it. But I should've avoided being called Dhyaan. It was my first Kannada producer who christened me Dhyaan. He thought I was very focused, hence Dhyaan. But the alias is causing a career conflict."

It's the 'Rahman Syndrome' in reverse. Rival composers in Mumbai would discreetly spread the word about Rahman's whereabouts, lending credence to the general belief that the musician was stationed in Chennai and not available to producers in Mumbai.

"But," protests Sammir, "I'm a Bombay boy. I was born and brought up here. I did my first music video for the Rajshris when I was 17. Ever since, I'm like a part of their extended family.

"It was only natural that the Rajshris launch me in 'Uff... Kya Jadoo Mohabbat Hai'. If only that film hadn't been released along with 'Yuva'! But that's okay."

"Because 'Yuva' did a world of good for Abhishek (Bachchan). And he's one of my favourite persons in the industry. Always friendly and supportive. People like him make sure that an outsider like me never feels unwanted," says the scion of a textile empire.

Rumours abound that Sammir is being signed for Sooraj Barjatya's next directorial venture. He smiles: "I'd love to believe that to be true. Sooraj ji is very fond of me. I wouldn't be surprised if I am in his film. It'd be a homecoming for me."

Home away from home is Bangalore. And Dhyaan, alias Sammir, is getting ready for the release of his fourth Kannada film "Amrithdhare" where he gets to share screen space with the mighty Amitabh Bachchan.

"I can't believe I faced the camera with him so early in my career. I guess I'm blessed."