After what has been a fruitful year for Pakistani celebrities to work across the border, another welcome name added to the roster is that of Shahroz Sabzwari, who will soon be making his Bollywood debut in acclaimed Bengali director Riingo Banerjee's upcoming project titled Luv Story.

Speaking to Dawn on the phone, he shares more about the upcoming venture.

"Producer Shamik Basu scouted me after coming across my Hum TV Awards performance as well as a few pictures. He said he wanted to launch me into Bollywood which was obviously great news to me," shares Shahroz. "There are so many superstars going to Bollywood and it is such a monumental opportunity."

The modest actor is quick to add: "Not that I'm a superstar. Nonetheless, it was nice to know someone was willing to put that kind of faith in me."

He further said: "Basu and I looked at a couple of scripts but nothing clicked, nothing was strong enough for a debut until the script for Luv Story came along."

"I'm also really excited to work with Riingo as he will be making his debut in Bollywood as well. He is essentially a Bengali director and I have immense respect for that industry, as it is full of highly-educated individuals and has produced brilliant filmmakers such as Satyajit Ray."

However, the movie didn't just fall into the lap of Khata's leading man.

"Riingo liked my look and thought I suited the character. However, I wasn't instantly cast. They were looking at other options and about a month after I sent over audition tapes from Pakistan that [my wife] Syra (Yousef) helped me record did I learn that I had been selected for the role. It's truly an honour because the project will be commercial entertainment without losing the essence of the art of filmmaking."

Luv Story also stars Riya Sen, Zarina Wahab, Aryann, Bidita Beg and Mukesh Tiwari among others.

The film's plot revolves around three friends – Luv (Sabzwari), Madan Chetri aka MC (Aryann) and Kushali (Beg) – who grow up in an orphanage in Kalimpong and the dynamics of their relationships. Zarina’s character adopts Luv after her son’s death.

After a murder takes place, Luv becomes the prime suspect and the plot thickens.

Taking the path less travelled, the 27-year-old model emphasises that it's not a typical masala movie and explains: "I feel like it's important to establish yourself as an actor first and foremost. The Khans (Shahrukh, Salman, Amir), they are who they are because they proved their acting chops first so now they can do masala movies and still be taken seriously."

Shahroz confirmed that he would be travelling to India in early January to do press conferences and shooting for the movie will start towards the end of that month.