Akshay: Salman is the ultimate Prem

Barjatyas of Rajshri Productions have broken their tradition of calling their lead protagonist as 'Prem'. Though for decades, the leading man in a Barjatya production has always been known as 'Prem', in ISI LIFE MEIN debutant Akshay Oberoi is called Vivaan. If one was expecting Akshay to be disheartened about it, this is not the case as he truly believes that there is one and only original Prem - Salman Khan.

'I have no qualms whatsoever if I am called Vivaan and not Prem in the film,' says Akshay who has earlier acted as a child artist in a crossover film called AMERICAN CHAI. 'I think the name 'Prem' is very iconic for Sooraj Barjatya and Salman bhai.'

Barjatyas have made exceptions to the rule though. In their productions which haven't featured Salman Khan, their central protagonists have been called Prem, case in point being Hrithik Roshan/ Abhishek Bachchan [MAIN PREM KI DIWANI HOON], Shahid Kapoor [VIVAH] and Sonu Sood [EK VIVAAH AISA BHI]. On the other hand prior to these films, each of the Salman Khan starrers - MAINE PYAAR KIYA, HUM AAPKE HAIN KAUN and HUM SAATH SAATH HAI had featured him as Prem.

'However if you ask me, this is one name that is reserved for him', says Akshay, 'As a Salman fan, I truly believe that he is the ultimate Prem.'

The transformation though has come not just in the name but also the characterisation. While 'Prem' is an icon of someone who is humble, modest, shy and a little quiet, there are different shades that Vivaan carries in ISI LIFE MEIN.

'Yes, it's an altogether different Prem that you would see in a Rajshri film this time around with ISI LIFE MEIN', assures Akshay.

Also marking the debut of Sandeepa Dhar as the leading lady, ISI LIFE MEIN is directed by first timer Vidhi and releases all over on 24th December.