T-Series has decided to relinquish the music rights of Dil Chaahta Hai, Aks & Nayak:

By IndiaFM News Bureau -

April 11, 2001 - 12:00 AM IST

He's a well-known model, besides being the winner of Gladrags Supermodel 1996, is managing an event management company, has started a nightclub [the 10,000 sq. ft 'Triple At The Brew Bar' in Lokhandwala Complex], has come up with a CD that guides aspiring models about the field and has now diversified to films as an actor. Meet Asseem Merchant, who wears many hats at one time.

Asseem [an extra 's' and 'e' have been added for numerological reasons, he says!] is all geared up to step in Bollywood. Films have been a passion since a very long time, he admits.

The model, however, rules out the fact that the success stories of some of his peers inspired him to take to acting. Modelling has its limitations, you are just walking the ramp wearing one expression throughout, he states, With films, you can explore new grounds, enact diverse roles and can connect to millions of people at one go.

Asseem is gung ho about BULLET, which marks his debut in Bollywood. Directed by Irfan Khan, the film has been shot entirely in Bulgaria. It's an action film, he says, adding that his role has negative shades. A 7-minute promo of the film witnessed by this writer depicts some skilfully executed action sequences, besides giving a gist of the story.

Besides BULLET, which should hit the theatres in April 2004, Asseem has bagged two more assignments Vikram Razdan's BLIND DATE [a love story of a blind girl and a cop] and Raju Patel's HANUMAN [revolving around three friends, the film will be shot entirely in the U.S.].

Notwithstanding the fact that equations change every Friday, Asseem is confident that he would make a mark on the big screen. I am here to stay, he says. Here's wishing the newcomer the very best!