Upen doing comedies with Govinda, Paresh

The Govinda starrer, which will be produced by Suniel's Popcorn Entertainment, hasn't been titled yet.

"It would be very different from what one would expect the three of us to come together for. Am I scared of matching satirical steps with a stalwart like Govinda? You bet I am! But I've been working with another maestro of mirth, Paresh Rawal, in '123'. So I'm being trained by the best," Upen told IANS.

Recently, the actor was seen with Bobby Deol in the musical thriller "Shakalaka Boom Boom". Upen is preparing for his part in what he expects to be a significant move forward.

"I'm working in big banners. It's the only way to ensure a film gets released."

For the last one month, Upen Patel has been shooting in Pondicherry for his first comic role in "123".

"We're shooting on a set opposite a promenade next to the open waters. It's lovely. It's a film produced by Kumar Mangat where I have one of our comic virtuosos, Pareshji, to take me through my comic paces.

"Comedy, let me tell you, is the toughest form of acting. And thank god for Pareshji. I want to take up the most challenging kind of acting so I can prove my versatility."

"123" is directed by Ashwini Dheer who has done the sitcom "Office Office" on television.

"Ashwini's experience with comedy is of great help. I'm doing comedy for the first time and that too an out-and-out comedy."

At the launch of "123" in Mumbai while shooting the introductory song with Tanisha, Upen had a bit of a stress situation as his costume got delayed.

"Narendra Kumar, who's doing my clothes in '123', lives on the other side of the town. We were all waiting for the clothes to arrive. It was the last shot of the day. It was getting very late. We had to somehow finish the shoot. Although we lost a good two hours, I completed my solo performance of about 45 seconds in one take, thanks to my choreographer Ganesh Acharya."

Though Suneel Darshan's "Shakalaka Boom Boom" didn't do well, Upen has cut a three-film deal with Kumar Mangat.

"It was the first of my three releases where people saw much more of me. I was very happy I was appreciated. I want to do films only with the people who can help me grow as an actor.

"And yes, I'll be doing one more film with Suneel Darshan. Considering my non-film background I've made a good start. I'm working with big banners."