Upen Patel seems quite pleased with the positive reviews he has received from critics for 'Namastey London', though he had a small role in the film. And now he seems pretty excited about his forthcoming film 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom' where he plays the lead role.

Upen plays the role of an Indian Boy Raghav who has dreams to be a singer and goes to the US and becomes Reggie. He plays a very energetic character who is very lively, ambitious, aggressive & focused.

The film is about two warring musicians & their professional rivalry in the creative field. The film has always been in the news for various reasons. One of them being that Celina's role in the film is inspired by a PR professional.

Upen is gung ho about the way he has been stylishly presented in the film. He also seems pleased with the buzz the film is generating for the right reasons with the music becoming a rage.

Says Upen, I am so glad at the way I have been presented by Suneelji, he has done his best for a newcomer. It's my first film where I am playing an interesting lead character. In '36 China Town', I played a small cameo which got me noticed. In 'Namastey London', the critics have been very supportive towards me.

He adds, Though I was called wooden in '36 China Town' by the critics, I took it positively and that only urged me to do better in 'Namastey London'. Moreover in 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom', I have grown as an actor since my debut. I am thankful to the critics.

Even the industry is betting very high on this newcomer and are taking notice of his strides in Bollywood.

Says Suneel Darshan, He will go places. He is sincere, hard working and ready to learn, besides his extremely high screen presence. In fact I am quite upset about certain reports in the media that are trying to paint him with a bad boy image.

Upen seems unfazed about such criticism. He says, It's Ok, the media is doing its job, I have no complaints. In fact the media has got me here. I am only optimistic that 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom' has a great opening, as we have all worked really hard for it. I have put everything on hold because this film is actually my acid test.

He adds, I am very thankful to Suneelji. He has stood by me & supported me. I hope to live up to his expectations.

Besides numerous film offers, Upen has already been signed by Suneel Darshan for his next film 'Karle Pyaar Kar Le.