Over the years, Akshay Kumar has introduced several new faces on the big screen, most of whom have gone on to become major stars. There`s a new addition to that list now with South African supermodel Michelle making her debut in Bollywood alongside Akshay in his new film, 'The Shaukeens'.

Akshay`s most special` appearance in The Shaukeens has been a topic of discussion ever since the film`s trailer hit the screens a couple of weeks back. Now, the focus on it is even more with Michelle joining Akshay in the film that stars Anupam Kher, Annu Kapoor, Piyush Mishra and Lisa Haydon.

The superstar is playing himself in the film and the makers wanted to introduce a new face in one of the film`s lead songs featuring Akshay. A lot of auditions were held in Mumbai but director Abhishek Sharma just couldn`t find the "perfect" face that had the inimitable combination of innocence and sex appeal.

Finally, the search was launched once again in Cape Town because that`s where the song was to be filmed. After three weeks of a dedicated hunt, Michelle was finally zeroed upon.

Michelle is a resident of South Africa but her job requires her to work and travel extensively across the UK and Europe. She was always a Bollywood fan thanks to her part Indian roots.

When she got an opportunity to star alongside Akshay Kumar in a prominent song, she grabbed it.

According to director Sharma, she was just the face they were looking for. "The song required her not just to look good but also emote. Once the camera was on, it was a cakewalk for her. The freshness she has brought into the song is something else," he quips.

For Michelle, being a part of a prestigious Bollywood project is almost like a new beginning. "It was too exciting and I hope people like me in the song," she says.

Watch 'The Shaukeens' Trailer