Mumbai, May 26 (IANS): A contest titled 'Kaun Banega Poonam Ka Hero', organised to find a lead actor to be paired with Poonam Pandey in "Helen", attracted over 25,000 people, says the film's producer Suresh Nakum.

Nakum told IANS: "The kind of response that has come for the contest of 'Kaun Banega
Poonam Ka Hero' has been nothing less than mighty pleasing for the team. In fact, I have never seen such kind of a response for any Bollywood movie before the film goes on the floors."

He said that "over 25,000 followers of Poonam Pandey have uploaded videos and audio clips to try and play the male lead".

The hunt required the contestants to make a two-minute audition video, during which they were free to enact a movie scene or dialogue of their choice to the best of their ability. Poonam herself invited the candidates through a video in which she says she is looking for a male lead to star opposite her.

"Helen" is produced by Nakum and Vipin Medhekar under the World Networks banner.

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Shefali's kids tease her over 'Dil Dhadakne Do'

One person who is being teased over the "Dil Dhadakne Do" teaser is Shefali Shah.

The actress, who plays mother to Ranveer Singh's character in the film, is being teased by her real life children over the dialogue: "Sab upar upar se baat karte hain, asli baat toh koi karta hi nahi hai".

This scene is being practiced by Shefali's children, and it has almost become a funny one-liner in her home, said a source.

"The dialogue has become a trend in Shefali's family. It's funny how her children have related to the scene so well and have started teasing her as and when they find the opportunity," the source added.

Whatever it is, Shefali is said to be enjoying it!

Zoya Akhtar's "Dil Dhadakne Do", featuring an ensemble cast, is releasing on June 5.

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Rakeysh Mehra supports, promotes young Milkha

Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is said to have taken time out from the shoot of his forthcoming film "Mirziya" to promote Japtej Singh, who played the younger version of Milkha Singh in "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag".

Japtej is starring in a Punjabi film titled "Mitti Na Pharol Jogiya", which released earlier this month, and Mehra has been promoting the young talent despite his busy schedule.

Mehra said: “Japtej is a very talented actor and we have formed a very special relationship since 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'. He has impressed everyone yet again with what he has done in his recent film.”