'Wish I could elope with Dimpleji'

Like any 23-year old, Sammir Dattani sighs at the mention of co-star Dimple Kapadia in his new film, Pyaar Mein Twist. "She is, in one word, gorgeous," he says. "Though Soha Ali Khan is opposite me in Pyaar Mein Twist, I wish I could elope with Dimpleji instead. She plays my mother-in-law in the film and I am supposed to have a major bonding with her. Believe me, I did not have to act those scenes at all."

Sammir is aware that his double role in the film will be demanding. "I've been watching the famous double roles by Dilip Kumar in Ram Aur Shyam to Shah Rukh Khan in Duplicate. I won't change my look to be easily identified for the two roles. I will work towards making the audience believe I am two different people."

The actor is gung-ho about his co-stars and director Hriday Shetty. "I am twice lucky. While I was shooting for my first Hindi film Uff... Kya Jadoo Mohabbat Hai for Rajshri Productions, I felt like a part of one large family. Ditto for Pyaar Mein Twist. All of us -- Hriday Shetty, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple, Soha and me -- bonded beautifully, and that shows on screen."

The actor brightens up at the mention of Rishi Kapoor. "Considering his son will make his debut soon, he need not have been so helpful. In a high-voltage emotional scene, he helped me reach the comfort level."

And Soha? "Damn cool! We were very embarrassed by rumours linking us. It sounded like a publicity gimmick for Pyaar Mein Twist. I would rather have people talking about my performance than some hallucinatory affair. Soha and I went out in a group a couple of times. The next thing we knew we were supposed to be, er, involved! Is this Mumbai or Patna? After the rumours, we were too self-conscious to be seen together."

He adds, "My stint in Mauritius with the PMT team was one of the happiest occasions in my life. I had my birthday there and I thought I would miss home dreadfully. But my co-stars never let me feel homesick. My first two films, I think, have spoilt me. I am warned that not all units are as friendly as the Rajshris and Hriday Shettys. But I can't stop smiling just because there might be a frown around the corner."

At the moment, Sammir has a lot to smile about. "I have signed a couple of films and I am about to sign two more. My greatest wish as an actor was to do one passing shot with Amitabh Bachchan. I got the chance to do much more in a Kannada film. I don't think any newcomer has had so many grand opportunities early in his career, not even Abhishek (Bachchan)!"