Karan Patel all set to make a grand entry in 'Boll

Karan Patel is all set to start shooting for Mahesh Manjrekar's City Of Gold which will mark his entry into Bollywood. But before you see him on the big screen later this year, we tell you all you need to know about tinsel town's latest debutant. Karan was born in Kolkata but he comes from a Gujarati family and is the only son. He attended the Utpal Sanghvi School in Juhu and went to Mithibai College, Mumbai. His passion to become an actor led him to attend Kishore Namit Kapoor's Acting School as well as London School of Arts. He also attended Shaimak Daavar's dance classes.

25-year-old Karan first shot to fame as the arrogant rock star Robbie Sabarwal on Kasturi in 2007. His lead role in the soap immediately made him a household name but Karan was actually the fourth choice to play the part.

It was reported that the role was written keeping Eijaz Khan in mind. Due to other commitments Eijaz couldn't do the show. Then Angad Bedi was considered for the role but things didn't work out. Finally when Sanjit Bedi was finalised for the role, he opted out of the show and the role went to Karan Patel. The show wrapped up on March 31, 2009.

Before this, his first role was in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki where he played Vigyat. He has also worked on Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Kasamh Se and participated in the dance reality show Nach Baliye 3.

Now, the actor is all set to star in the film City Of Gold a film directed by Mahesh Manjrekar and starring Shivaji Shatam, Reema Lagoo, Sachin Khedekar and Chetan Hansraj.

Talking about his film debut, he says, "I went to meet Mahesh ji at his office a couple of weeks ago and after discussing City Of Gold, I was finalised for the role. All the actors associated with the film are extremely versatile and established and I am looking forward to working with them."

But Karan is also adamant on taking a break before he begins shooting for the film. He says, "I will start shooting after I go on vacation. Hopefully, people will get to see the film by the end of the year or at the start of 2010."

As for his role in City Of Gold, Karan says, "Talking about my role in the movie is not possible as it has not even gone on the floors."

And his TV fans shouldn't worry. Karan has no plans to quit television because of his film role. He says, "If I come across anything interesting then of course I will do it. Working on TV has been a great journey. I have come across and learnt to deal with many difficulties. There have been a lot of ups and downs but it has all been a good experience."