It's young people who decide the fate of movies. That's Bollywood's mantra, right now. Almost everyone is out to make a movie with youngsters from Subhash Ghai to Karan Johar to Shah Rukh Khan. For young talent, the opportunity could not get better. Most of this year's newcomers not only have heavy surnames but also weightier banners backing them. Will these new kids on the block deliver?
Zoa Morani
She's the daughter of one of Shah Rukh Khan's closest friends and film and events' producer Karim Morani. The Morani brothers have always been associated with SRK's international events. Little wonder then that Zoa is an SRK ‘discovery'. Roshan Abbas' forthcoming film Always Kabhi Kabhi stars Zoa alongside three other freshers. No guesses for who is hogging the maximum limelight here. The girl had earlier also assisted Rajkumar Santoshi on Halla Bol and Farah Khan on Om Shanti Om with no intention of directing but of familiarising herself with Bollywood and acting.
Alia Bhatt
While preparing for her International Baccalaureate exams, Alia Bhatt, the younger daughter of Mahesh Bhatt and Soni Razdan, managed to make time for her debut movie Student Of The Year . Karan Johar is making this teen flick, reportedly inspired by the success of Hollywood's High School Musical . He has done away with his lucky Shah Rukh Khan in the lead (carving out another special role for him) and has roped in four youngsters. All of 18, Alia is only too lucky to have not just Dharma Productions backing her first venture but have Karan Johar directing it too.
Arjun Kapoor
Boney Kapoor's son was to get a launch-pad under dad's banner but something went amiss and he's making his debut outside his home banner with no less than YashRaj. Born to Boney's first wife, Arjun has assisted Nikhil Advani on Kal Ho Naa Ho and Salaam-e-Ishq . Like his cousin Sonam Kapoor, Arjun too had a weight problem. Salman Khan's encouragement got the lad going and he took acting seriously, while his weight reportedly dropped from 140 kg to 80 kg. Arjun's first film Virus Diwan will see a year-end release. Y-films, the youth arm of YashRaj, is banking on the debutant to carry the movie about the best hacker in the business on his shoulders.
Varun Dhawan
The Dhawan suffix and experience as an Assistant Director on Karan Johar's My Name Is Khan . That was enough to help David Dhawan's younger son Varun net a role in Karan Johar's Student of The Year . We hope he will focus on his acting skills going forward because even before the release of his film rumours about his ‘affair' with co-star Alia Bhatt are doing the rounds.
Rohit Dhawan
If his younger sibling has got a dream acting debut, big brother is not far behind. David Dhawan's elder son is also facing his test by fire this year. His directorial debut Desi Boyz will release this year-end and boasts a star cast which any established director would be envious of. Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Deepika Padukone and Chitrangada Singh are part of Rohit's first effort which seems to be on the lines of a David Dhawan comedy.
Narmmadaa Ahuja
Govinda's daughter Narmmadaa finally makes her non-controversial debut this year with a romcom opposite boxer Vijender Singh. Those little birdies tell us that the film tentatively titled Manchali will feature Govinda and Salman Khan (!) in cameos obviously to enhance its star value. The film is being produced by Percept Picture Co and directed by Lovely Singh.
Tiger Shroff
Jackie and Ayesha Shroff's son has reportedly been signed by Bollywood biggie Sajid Nadiadwala for his next film after the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Rockstar . While no details are out, the leading lady will be apparently the same one who was finalised at a recent beauty pageant. Tiger, we hear, has been rigorously gymming and taking acting and diction classes for his dream Bollywood debut.
Ahana Deol
She seemed to have decided to give Bollywood a go-by but Ahana has finally come to the conclusion that the industry that's given her family their bread and butter is worth a try. We hear that Vikramaditya Motwane, who made last year's sleeper hit Udaan , wishes to cast Hema Malini's elder daughter in his next film. And news is that she has agreed in principle to play the lead role.
