Aditya Pancholi plays Nari Hira in 'Raftaar 24/7'

Mumbai, Jan 22 (IANS) Decades ago media baron Nari Hira had launched Aditya Pancholi as a leading man in 'Shingora'. Now the actor is all set to pay homage to his mentor.

In his ready-for-release film 'Raftaar 24/7', Aditya stars as a media baron who believes sensational stories are the order of the day.

'I wouldn't say the role is a homage to Nari Hira. It's modelled on him. The stress on news-worthiness is what I've borrowed from him. The rest of the character's hunger for sensational headline is entirely fictitious,' Aditya told IANS.

'But yes we're living in an era of sensationalism. People are willing to do anything to be noticed,' added the actor who three decades ago got himself shot in the buff for a film monthly.

'Ya what a sensation that created,' he remembers. 'It was for Rita Mehta in Cine Blitz. My family was scandalised. Some of them disowned me. And looking back, I think, I went a little too far.'

Given the chance again, Aditya says he wouldn't do a nude photo-session now.

'There's a daughter and there's a lovely wife at home I've to think of. I've to keep their dignity in mind. And who's this young girl whose company I'm keeping these days? Please introduce me to her. I haven't been with a young girl for two years now,' Aditya said.

Aditya teams up with Emraan Hashmi in 'Raftaar 24/7' and is impressed with the young actor's commitment and professionalism.

'I play this media tycoon who invents news to keep his paper on the top. Emran Hashmi plays my protégé. And I must tell you I enjoyed working with him. He's so focussed on his work. He does his work and doesn't bother with what others do,' said Aditya.

'Raftaar 24/7' is produced by Percept Pictures and directed by Shamim Desai.

Aditya will also be seen in David Dhawan's 'Hook Ya Crook'.

Aditya's daughter is also ready to be finally launched after a false start.

'It's a very big set-up. Zarina and I wanted to wait for the right banner for Sana.'