Apparently Dhulia was selected for the part since director Nikhil Advani wanted an actor who could capture the original's ebullience and zest for life.
Says Dhulia, `I don't know what made Nikhil choose me. But it's an honour and a challenge to play a role originally done by Shammi Saab. I am his hugest fan...Well, I don't know about 'hugest' because in terms of girth there may be some others who can match up to Shammi Saab.`
Dhulia admits Aathiya's father's role has been amplified and fleshed out in the remake. `I play a far more proactive role than Shammi Saab did in the original.I have some surprises up my sleeve ,` promises Dhulia.
Turns out Dhulia will also be turning singer in Hero. Apparently there is a wedding sequence in the film where Tigmanshu's character will sing in his own voice.
Says Dhulia, `Well, I love to sing in real life.I also play the guitar. So why not sing for myself on screen if the occasion presents itself?`
So another filmmaker-turned-actor-turned-singer like Farhan Akhtar?
Tigmanshu protests, `Please! Farhan is so much more handsome and younger. Usske six-packs hain aur mera family-pack hai. I am working in a film called Hero.But Farhan is hero material.`
Tigmanshu is all praise for the debutants Sooraj Pancholi and Aathiya Shetty in Hero. `They are the superstars of tomorrow.They are very camera-friendly and so confident. I did a very dramatic scene with Sooraj.He was totally into it.`
