Hrithik Katrina now pairing

Hrithik Katrina now pairing

Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar have an enviable cast on board their next film

Bollywood is abuzz with talk of Excel Entertainment's road movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara that starts on June 7, in Spain. But, in this case, the rain in Spain or rather the buzz around this film is not restricted to the plain. With a handsome star cast that includes Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Farhan Akhtar, Spanish actress Ariadna Cabrol, Abhay Deol and Kalki Koechlin, Zoya Akhtar's film has already found itself a fan following. Secure in her own space, the Filmfare Award winning director says, "There is all kind of speculation going on about ZNMD, like it's a sequel to Dil Chahta Hai, another coming-of-age film. But, none of this is true. DCH is a cult film. And, Reema Kagti — my co-writer, and I are not interested in copying anything. We've set out to make a fun film that pertains to the youth and connects to the maximum consciousness.'' Producer Riteish Sidhwani knows that while the film will speak for itself eventually, the rush of adrenaline at this point is courtesy the terrific star cast. "We've managed a coup,'' he smiles.

Zoya, agreeing with Riteish, adds, "This is a dream cast. I'm fortunate that Farhan and Riteish got these actors to agree. Between Hrithik, Farhan and Abhay, I've pretty much got every chick in the audience covered. Their individual fan base is enviable.'' Hrithik is excited about Zoya's film because both she and he come from a space where they understand each other really well. Having worked together on Luck By Chance, they are in tandem with each other's sensibilities. Zoya, who knows her brother Farhan's strengths as an actor, feels he suits his role in ZNMD to the 'T'.

"And Abhay is going to be the surprise packet,'' she says, "I think he is truly sensible to not ape what other actors are doing.'' For Katrina, the fact that she is teaming up with Hrithik for the first time is very interesting. Says Zoya, "Katrina is t