After doing guy-next-door roles in films like 'Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge' and 'Mere Dad Ki Maruti', Saqib Saleem is happy to shed his boyish image in 'Hawaa Hawaai'.

Saqib, 25, will be seen playing a friendly skating coach in the Amol Gupte directed movie. The actor said this role was once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him.

"I am not a trained actor and I am lucky that I have always worked with those directors who inspired me to perform well. Amole sir is also one of them who helped to bring out the best in me. My character is not a stereotypical coach rather he is a friendly teacher, whom all the kids love," Saqib told The Times of India.

The actor, whose sister Huma Qureshi is also a budding actress in Bollywood, had to meet real skating coaches to prepare for his role.

"My character is a collaboration between my visit to skating schools in Mumbai and Amole sir's inputs. I needed to get the terminology of coaching right, so I met two skating coaches in Mumbai. I spoke to them, understood their psyche and incorporated them in my character," Saqib said.


In the film, Saqib shares the screen space with Amole's son Partho, who had won a national-award for his performance in 'Stanley Ka Dabba'.

"I was like an elder brother to Partho on the sets. I am a fan of Partho. But I feel audience will love him more after watching 'Hawaa Hawaai'. He is one of the best child actors in India and shooting with him was fun. Our small unit was like a family," he said.