Himanshu turns down Sajid's offer to cast infant daughter

Jul 7, 2007 Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, July 7 (IANS) Model-turned-actor Himanshu Malik had gone to Sajid Khan for a role. "But I ended up getting an offer for daughter Athena, who's a year old, to play a role," laughs Himanshu, who has done films like "Tum Bin" and "Khwahish".

Himanshu has known Sajid and his sister Farah for a long time. "Sajid and I are gym buddies. So when I heard he was directing a film, I met him. He said he had no role for me but when he heard I was married and had a seven-month baby girl, he immediately wanted to meet my daughter Athena.

"Sajid's assistants came to video-test Athena on my birthday Oct 31. Athena was at her pouty preening best. She was on. They were willing to offer my baby girl more money than I've seen in my entire career as an actor," laughs the proud papa.

Then the deal fell through.

"My wife Komal couldn't get away for the dates that Sajid wanted my daughter in Sydney. Sajid was so keen he was even willing to re-adjust the dates when Athena was required.

"But Komal, who works with L'Oreal, just couldn't get away and she was unwilling to let Athena go with me and the maid servants. How was Athena expected to be a star without her amma?"

Himanshu looks back at the experience with pride and humour.

"Athena must be the youngest actor in the world to be offered a film, that too the title role. I'm sorry it didn't happen. But at least no one can accuse me of nepotism."