Upen steps in for Salman Khan

Everyone is aware about Salman Khan's change of plans which resulted in his absence from the recently held Zee Cine Awards at London. Apparently he was unhappy with the choice of choreographer for the numbers he was required to perform during the function. However, not many are aware about the man who stepped when organizers were looking at Salman's replacement. It was the most unlikely of choices - Upen Patel!

Says Upen, "It was a matter of prestige for me to stepping for someone of the stature of Salman bhai.When the organizers told me that just a few hours from then I would have to be on the stage, I was a little petrified. After all I would have had to come up with a decent performance at the least even if it was at a short notice. However, I couldn't say no when I heard the numbers I had to dance on and took up the challenge."

Which were these tracks? "There were some full-on 'dhamaal' songs from 'Partner' on which I had to perform. Oh, how much I love such mainstream songs like 'Maria' and 'O My Love'. I guess I went ahead and did a fair job out there", says Upen who is continuing his stay in London for a wee bit longer to be with his friends and family. He would be back in Mumbai on Thursday.

"Life would be busy the moment I step in. I would be involved in the promotion of my next film 'Money Hai To Honey Hai'. I am banking on it in a big way because I seriously believe that 'this' would be my film. I know how people have complained - rightly so - that I was hardly there in 'One Two Three'. Well, even I never hid this fact, isn't it", reasons Upen.

He continues, "I had a thoroughly enjoyable experience while working on 'Money Hai To Honey Hai'. Ganesh Acharya is a fun man to work with. Moreover, it was a delight to be working with senior people like Govinda and Manoj Bajpai who are so down to earth and have absolutely no airs around them. They made a conscious effort to make me feel comfortable and took me under their wings."

What does the future hold for him?

"Things are going in the right direction and just the kind of pace I was looking for. I am one of those fortunate people to be working with some of the best film makers in the country today who also bring with them good budget and the right promotional strategies. To be signed by Suneel Darshan, Abbas-Mustan, Kumar Mangat and Zee are positive signs and I am not going to let it all go away from me", signs off Upen.

Joginder Tuteja.