By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, March 4 (IANS): The casting of Nikhil Advani's remake of Subhash Ghai's 1983 blockbuster "Hero" just got far more interesting and engaging. Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia has been cast as debutant Aathiya Shetty's father, a role played by the late Shammi Kapoor in the original.

Shammi Kapoor had played father to Meenakshi Seshadri's character.

Dhulia was selected for the part since Advani wanted an actor who could capture the original's ebullience and zest for life.

"I don't know what made Nikhil choose me. But it's an honour and a challenge to play a role originally done by Shammi sahab. I am his hugest fan," Dhulia said.

"Well, I don't know about 'hugest' because in terms of girth, there may be some others who can match up to Shammi sahab," he quipped.

Dhulia says the role of Aathiya's father has been amplified and fleshed out in the remake.

"I play a far more proactive role than Shammi sahab did in the original. I have some surprises up my sleeve," he said.

He may even be turning singer with "Hero". There is a wedding sequence in the film where his character will sing in his own voice.

"Well, I love to sing in real life. I also play the guitar. So why not sing for myself on screen if the occasion presents itself?"

So another filmmaker-turned-actor-turned-singer like Farhan Akhtar?

"Please! Farhan is so much more handsome and younger. He has six-packs and I have a family pack hai! I am working in a film called 'Hero'. But Farhan is hero material," he said.

Dhulia is also all praise for the debutants of "Hero" - Aditya Pancholi's son Sooraj and Suneil Shetty's daughter Aathiya.

"They are the superstars of tomorrow. They are very camera-friendly and so confident. I did a very dramatic scene with Sooraj. He was totally into it," he added.