Like any normal 23-year old, Sammir Dattani sighs at the very mention of his new co-star Dimple Kapadia.

"She is, in one word, gorgeous. And though Soha Ali Khan is my co-star in "Pyar Mein Twist", I wish I could've eloped with Dimple-ji instead.

"She plays my mother-in-law in the film. I'm supposed to have this major bonding with her. Believe me, I didn't have to act those scenes at all," Dattani told IANS in an interview.

But the upcoming double role in his next film would require a great deal of acting skills. "I've been watching all the famous double roles, from Dilip Kumar in 'Ram Aur Shyam' to Shah Rukh Khan in 'Duplicate'. I won't just change my look to be easily identified for the two roles. I'll actually work towards making the audience believe I'm two different people."

Sammir, arguably the most promising debutant of the last two years, is gung-ho about all his co-stars and his director in "Pyar Mein Twist" (PMT).

"I guess I'm twice lucky. While I was shooting for my first Hindi film "Uff...Kya Jadoo Mohabbat Hai" for Rajshri Productions, I felt like a part of one large family. Ditto "Pyar Mein Twist". All of us -- director Hriday Shetty, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple, Soha and me bonded so beautifully, and that shows on screen."

He brightens up at the mention of Rishi Kapoor. "Considering his own son is making his debut soon, he needn't have been so helpful. But he was. In a charged, emotional confrontation scene he helped me to get comfortable. Who says our film industry is filled with selfish actors?"

And Soha? "Damn cool! We were both very embarrassed by rumours linking us together. It sounded like a publicity gimmick for "Pyar Mein Twist". Please! I'd rather have people talking about my performance than some hallucinatory affair," Sammir says.

"Soha and I went out in a group a couple of times. The next thing we knew we were supposed to be...er, involved! Excuse me? Is this Mumbai or Patna? After these rumours we were too self-conscious to be seen together."

The young aspirant who's just been signed for a major Indo-British 3-million pound co-production brightens up at the thought of his co-stars.

"My stint in Mauritius with the PMT team was one of the happiest occasions in my life. My birthday occurred while we were there, and I thought I'd miss home dreadfully.

"But my co-stars never let me. I've been spoilt in my first two films. I'm warned not all units are as friendly as the Rajshri's and Hriday Shetty's. But I can't stop smiling just because there might be a frown around the corner."

At the moment Sammir has a lot to smile about. His performance in PMT is being talked about as an epitome of confidence and sensitivity.

Sammir shrugs. "Are people really saying all this? I'm surprised. As a complete outsider in the film industry -- no one here's related to me even via satellite -- I was told horror stories about exploitation and the casting couch. I've never come across a couch in any producer's office."

Sammir's stars seem to be beckoning the big time. "I hope so. I've signed a couple of films. And I'm about to sign two more.

"My greatest wish as an actor was to do just one passing shot with Mr Amitabh Bachchan. I got the chance to do much more in a Kannada film. I don't think any newcomer has had that privilege so early in his career, not even Abhishek."