Sooraj has a friend in Abhishek!

Komal Nahta

Now it turns out that Abhishek Bachchan's appearance in Sooraj Barjatya's Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon is only as a friendly appearance.

Although Abhishek has a running role, the billing is a joint decision of the Barjatyas and the Bachchans.

The film stars Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor in leading roles.

Sooraj is likely to take his new film on the sets in early 2001. Since all the lead artistes are busy, Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon may take well over a year to complete. Which means, it will be released in early 2003.

Even as the two heroes and the heroine have been signed, efforts are on to finalise two male and female character actors who will play the parents of Abhishek and Kareena.

The search is on to sign on four young girls to essay the roles of Kareena's friends. A comic artiste is slated to play Abhishek Bachchan's secretary.