Upen's godfather: Suneel Darshan

Aap ka Hukm Sar aankhon par: Upen Patel

UK-born Indian model Upen Patel, who debuted in 36 China Town, is in the news thanks to his close friendship with Suneel Darshan. The director seems to have become his Guide To Signing Films.

According to a well placed source, "Suneel is advising Upen on what films to sign. After developing differences with Akshay Kumar, who was like family to him, Suneel has now 'adopted' Upen.

Wordly advice

Few days back, Upen backed out of Raj Kanwar's film to be directed by Anurag Singh. The final cast reads Rahul Khanna, Sharman Joshi and Tanushree Dutta.

Our source from the film reveals, "Kanwar had zeroed down on Sharman, Tanushree and Upen. The actor was with Darshan in Cannes, when he learnt that Kanwar was planning to include another hero — Kunal Kapoor to the cast. Suneel directed Upen to withdraw from Kanwar's project."

What happened next? "Upen got in touch with Kanwar and told him that he wasn't interested in doing a three-hero project. Kanwar got irked and told Upen that he, too, wasn't interested in continuing with him. Upen had been paid a signing amount of Rs 5 lakhs. Kanwar managed to extract that back.

Looks like Patel backed out too soon, as Kunal Kapoor still hasn't committed to the film. The plan was to cast Sharman and Kunal together after Rang De Basanti. Now, Kanwar and Singh are unsure whether to go ahead with two heroes or three heroes."

Evading the sawaal

When asked if Upen had backed out of his film, Kanwar tried evading the question, saying he hadn't put the cast together as yet directorAnurag Singh was vaguely forthcoming, "Talks with actors keep on happening," he said. Sharman and Tanushree told HiTLIST that they were doing Kanwar's film. Sharman admits that Upen was to be a part of the project."But I don't know the details," he added.

Dost dost na raha: Suneel Darshan with Akshay Kumar

Nemesis Akshay

The source further informs that Suneel does not want Upen to do Vipul Shah's film, the bone of contention being Akshay Kumar.

"Vipul has cast Akshay yet again after Waqt. Suneel does not want his new friend (Upen) to act in Vipul's film because it has Akshay. He has categorically told Upen that if he does Vipul's film, then he'll have to say goodbye to his project. Upen is confused. He does not know what to do."

Patel's guide

When contacted, Suneel's statement to HiTLIST clearly revealed that he was having some say in Upen's choice of films. "I guide Upen, but I don't interfere in his career," he quipped.

Vipul Shah would only say, "Upen is doing my film which also stars Rishi Kapoor, Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. He has not told me anything yet that will ndicate that he is not doing it."

Upen was unavailable for comment. We sent him a message to get his side of the story, but he did not revert back.

OMG i love his bod yaar he is soo fit he must really take care of it i loved him in 36 China Town and the remix song he looked so hot