Producer Karan Johar, director Punit Malhotra and the team of Dharma Productions I Hate Luv Storys have grown to admire and adore the light-eyed Imran Khan.

Imran, who plays Jay in IHLS, a guy who is a bit cynical about love has turned in such a convincing performance in the rom-com releasing worldwide on July 2; that Karan and Co are absolutely gaga about him. Punit says, “Imran is so dedicated that it is an absolute delight to work with him.”

The young actor, who has single-handedly spear-headed the IHLS publicity campaign despite his extremely busy work schedule, didn’t flinch when he had to go for 16 hours a day on one occasion. A source says, “Imran had a stomach infection and yet nothing could stop him from honouring his commitment to the promotion of the film.” The film also stars Sonam Kapoor.

Karan is so happy with IHLS and with Imran’s approach to his career that he is already looking at Dharma forging a permanent relationship with this tall, fair, chocolate-faced hero who has all the pre-requisites for a romantic hero, and who according to the trade is poised to be the next big thing.