Not Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar is the youngster's muse for his next role

In his next film, I Hate Luv Storys, Imran Khan plays the role of a Romeo, a compulsive flirt who endears himself to all the girls he encounters. The 27-year-old, was looking for inspiration to play that character and it came from a certain actor called AK. No, not Aamir Khan.

It is learnt that Imran kept the image of Akshay Kumar in his head when he played the character of Jay Dingra in Punit Malhotra's IHLS. The director adds, "Imran plays a flirt or womaniser in my film. He's a 23-year-old boy who looks at, and flirts with every pretty girl that comes his way."

Suitable study material
Before he got married, Akki had the image of a casanova. He had been linked to gorgeous ladies like Sushmita Sen, Shilpa Shetty, Raveena Tandon, Pooja Batra etc, and he seemed like perfect material. Even in his films, the Khiladi has played the romantic hero to the hilt, and Imran found the Punjabi actor suitable material for study.

Though the director is reluctant to comment on the Akshay connection, "Actually, I think Imran is playing himself," Punit jokes, "I don't think his character is based on any actor ” maybe persona yes. I have written the script of I Hate Luv Storys, keeping in mind, the characteristics of people I have known."

Aamir's nephew, however, is happy to confess, "I was at a loss how to play this confident and suave character ” a hit with the ladies. After some deliberation, I decided to base it on Akshay. I have met him twice and I have found him to be very cool and chilled out. The character needed to be like that, so it was a good fit."