Raj Babbar's son Arya Babbar, who had a high profile launch in Raj Kanwar's AB KE BARAS opposite Amrita Rao, has been signed to play the third vital lead in Mani Ratnam's GURU. Abhishek Bachchan and Madhavan head the cast, while the search for the third lead was a big suspense. The role is that of Ash's brother in the film, who happens to be Abhishek's best friend as well.

Is the role substantial enough? "Yes, it's a challenging role," Arya, who is currently shooting for the film in Karnataka, called to say. "More than anything else, it's an honor to work with Mani Sir. To be recognized by someone like Mani Sir and being cast in his film is no small achievement," he sounds excited.

He continues in the same breath, "The best part is, I never bagged GURU through any source or contact. I actually auditioned for the role before it fell in my lap."

It's the first time that Abhishek and Arya are working together in a film project, although the two families have known each for a long time now. "Abhishek is a warm guy. Extremely helpful. The camaraderie is like brothers," he adds.

Things seem to be picking up for Arya on the career front. "I have just finished shooting for a Hollywood film called THE PARTITION. I portray a negative role in this film, which looks at the partition of India in 1947," he divulges. Co-starring with Arya in this film are Neve Campbell [WILD THINGS, THREE TO TANGO] and Jimi Mistry [THE GURU].