Wanted: 17-year-old Akshay Kumar!

By Subhash K Jha: Director Nikhil Advani is in a fix. The shooting of his new film 'Patiala House' started in this month on December 21. And he has not been able to find the right face to play the junior Akshay.

The scenes are part of a flashback where Akshay's screen father Rishi Kapoor interacts with his son at age 17.

Says Nikhil, "I've to find someone who looks and behaves like Akshay. His personality is too strong in the audiences' mind to sign any teenager. I've to get someone who resembles Akshay physically and who can act because the scenes are very important. I'm in a fix."

One option is to hold an all-India talent hunt. But Nikhil is not in favor of it.

Nikhil says, "The talent hunt is an option. But I don't much care for it. It's cumbersome and would attract too much attention. I'd rather go by Akshay's cousin if he agrees. Every time I ask he smiles. If this doesn't materialize then we'll reluctantly have to launch the talent hunt."

Nikhil also needs an actor to play the young Rishi Kapoor. "But that won't be such a problem. The physical resemblance is not that important here. Didn't Saif Ali Khan play the younger Rishi Kapoor convincingly in 'Love Aaj Kal'? We need an actor of about 35. I plan to cast someone unknown."

The earlier plan of casting Ranbir Kapoor as Rishi Kapoor was dropped. Both father and son vetoed the idea arguing that whenever they come together it would be for a home production.

--SAMPURN