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Mumbai, Oct 13: Here’s a casting coup!

John Abraham and Aishwarya Rai have been teamed for the first time in Gaurang Doshi’s HAPPY BIRTHDAY, to be directed by Sriram Raghavan. Gaurang has a penchant for multi-starrers [AANKHEN and DEEWAAR] and HAPPY BIRTHDAY will have its share of stars too. While Gaurang and Sriram are in the process of finalizing one more leading lady, Paresh Rawal has been roped in for a pivotal role in the film.

There’s a big surprise too, but Gaurang wants it to be just that - a surprise - when people watch the film. Okay, let’s give you a clue: The icon will enact one of the key roles in the enterprise.

What’s HAPPY BIRTHDAY all about? “All I can reveal right now is its tagline - ‘Those who don’t believe in magic, will never find it’,” he smiles. So it’s all about magic? “Not at all! It’s a new genre, completely commercial, a complete dhamaal,” he isn’t in the mood to divulge more.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY begins shooting early next year and the makers are hopeful of releasing it in August 2007. Vishal-Shekhar are scoring its music.