Punit Malhotra has cause for celebration, not only is May 13 his birthday, but the first look of his debut film I Hate Luv Storys has just been unveiled. It is well known Punit started out in the industry working with Dharma Productions, assisting on hits like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho, and Dostana. But did you know Punit had aspirations of being an actor? In 2008 he declared “I am born to act”, in interviews with Times of India and Hindustan Times. The former model was even profiled as a rising star in Filmfare.
In a plot that sounds suspiciously similar to I Hate Luv Storys, Punit revealed his plans at that time, “I’ve got a great script in mind. It’s a love triangle, two boys and one girl. It is thrilling, dramatic and entertaining. And I want to play the hero’s role in it. I believe, I can do full justice to it”. So it looks as though the rom-com now starring Imran Khan, Sonam Kapoor and Sammir Dattani was originally set to have director Punit playing one of the male leads.
Want to see the boy in action? You are in luck. In the last few days a video has emerged on YouTube showing Punit in a series of adverts he shot for Indian television. Selling half a dozen products from suits to soft drinks, Punit steals the show as much in front of the camera as he does behind. There is even one which sees Punit steal the style of Shah Rukh Khan, and he gets a high five from the Bollywood Badshaah. You can check out Punit in front of the camera at the IHLS YouTube channel.
Punit however swapped his acting dreams for direction after turning down three acting offers, “each of them cheesier than the other”. Our birthday wish for the director here at Bollyspice is success for your first film, and for your next we hope to see you in the role of the hero!
