New kids on the block in Bollywood

Harman Baweja(L)& Imraan Khan

If some of Bollywood's big stars are competing with each other to grab the eyeballs on the small screen, just the opposite is happening on the big screen where two new kids are on the starting block.
And both the newcomers--Harman Baweja and Imraan Khan--are making their debut on the big screen next month, making the Bollywood abuzz with the question: Who will be the new star? Both the actors are coming to cinema with a little help from their mentors--Harman backed by his father Harry Baweja, who is a well-known filmmaker, and Imraan launched by his uncle and superstar Aamir Khan.
While Harman takes his bow on the big screen with Love Story 2050 directed by his father, Imraan makes his debut in Aamir Khan-produced Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na with both the movies lined up for commercial release on July 4.
Love Story 2050 is being touted as the costliest sci-fi film ever made in India and the launch of its music was a starry event in Mumbai recently with top Bollywood personalities making it to the do.
By contrast, it was a low key launch for the music of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na as Aamir visited veteran actor Shammi Kapoor, presenting him with the first copy of the CD. Aamir has always considered Shammi Kapoor as his lucky mascot, say Bollywood sources.
Those who have seen the promos of the two films say both Harman and Imraan have amply displayed their dancing skills.
While boyish looking Imraan has conjured up the image chocolate boy Aamir was in his debut film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Harman's look and mannerisms are found strikingly similar to that of another Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan. The similarities are already the talk of the town in Bollywood.
With both Mimoh, son of veteran actor Mithun Chakrabarty, and Sikander Kher, son of actor couple Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher, having failed to stir Bollywood with their debut films recently, Bollywood trade analysts are pinning their hopes on Harman and Imraan.
And why not? Because the first half of the year 2008 has so far seen just three box office hits--Jodhaa Akbar, Race and Jannat. Therefore, the film industry is hoping that both Love Story 2050 and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na succeeds. Will the new kids deliver?