Long list of newcomers knocking on Bollywood's door

New Delhi, June 1 (IANS) It is raining newcomers with the list of wannabe cine stars growing by the day. After the likes of Mimoh Chakraborty and Sikander Kher, ready to bow in Bollywood this summer are Harman Baweja, Imran Khan, and Amita Pathak.

While as many as three actors opened their innings on Bollywood Boulevard this Friday, the most significant debut was of Sikander, son of versatile and acclaimed actors Anupam and Kiron. Critics have given his acting prowess the thumbs up in "Woodstock Villa" that released Friday.

Sikander, who has been working in the industry since the age of 15, has also gone for acting workshops to hone his acting skills.

A clear pointer that the industry is short of saleable stars and is flush with cash is that Sikander already has another film completed and ready for release. His next is "Summer 2007" by director Suhail Tatari that is likely to hit the silver screen in mid-June. The film also stars Gul Panag, Ashutosh Rana and Sachin Khedekar, among others.

Ditto for Sikander's "Woodstock Villa" co-star Neha Oberoi, who also debuts in the film (she had a small part in "Dus Kahaniyaan"). Neha, who is related to director Sanjay Gupta, will soon be seen in a film starring Sanjay Dutt called "Easy Monthly Instalment (EMI)".

The third newcomer this week is Nisha Rawal who debuted with "Hastey Hastey" opposite Jimmy Shergill. Nisha also has two other small budget Hindi films in her kitty. Another new face in the film is Monishka who has a bit role.

The month ahead will be witnessing one debut each week on an average till the much-hyped silver screen clash of Harman and Imraan.

The star-cast for movies waiting in the wings for release include famous surnames, former models and some small screen stars aspiring to graduate to the big screen. For an industry where for a very long time producers could not imagine making a film that did not have one of the three Khans and debuts were far in between, the deluge of newcomers is a welcome change.

Coming up next week itself, is "Aamir" which introduces TV star Rajiv Khandelwal. The film has a serious overtone and ample opportunities for the newcomer to showcase his talent.

Among multiplex crowds, however, it is the legendary Kamaal Amrohi's grandson Mashhoor Amrohi who is creating a flutter. He is probably the only one to have written his own debut film.

"Humsey Hai Jahaan", tentatively slated for release on June 6, features Mashhoor in the lead role and interestingly he has scripted the film as well. Vishakha Singh is the other new face who will be seen in the film.

Veteran Mithun Chakraborthy will return to Hindi film circuit after a long gap with a tentative mid-June release of "Zindagi Tere Naam". The film has three newcomers - Priyanka Mehta, Aseem Ali Khan and Aashish - though there is hardly any noise about them.

Mid-June is also likely to see the release of "Good Luck" that introduces Raajveer and Naazneen Patel with Ranveer Shorey and Lucky Ali. Directed by Aditya Datt, the film also stars Aryeman, Sayali Bhagat and Archana Puran Singh.

The much-delayed "Khushboo" will also feature two newcomers - Rishi Rehan and Avantikka - and "Haal-e-Dil" will introduce Amita Pathak, Nakuul Mehta and Adhyayan Suman.

The biggest clash, however, will be July 4 when two newcomers Harman Baweja and Imran Khan will take the bow on the silver screen with "Love Story 2050" and "Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na", respectively.

While Harman is the son of well-known filmmaker Harry Baweja and the hype around him is already reaching crescendo, Imran is superstar Aamir Khan's nephew. Aamir, who has produced "Jaane Tu...", is going all out to promote his nephew.

Even as marketers and brand-builders match their wits against each other to ensure good launch pads for both, for audiences, it is more the merrier.

Click the Movie button below for more info:
Love Story 2050