Shahid launches all-India hunt for new girl

Shahid Kapoor will reportedly launch a nationwide hunt for an unknown actress to star opposite him in his father's directorial debut Mausam.

Pankaj Kapoor's project is to be finalised by January 2010 and Shahid is said to be planning to focus solely on the movie in order to give it his undivided attention.

In an interview with The Times of India, a source revealed: "Though there is still some time before the shooting starts, Shahid will begin preparing for the film long before January 2010.

"He has been urging his father to direct a film for many years. In fact, if Shahid had his way, his debut would've been with his father's film. But Pankaj likes to work at his own pace and only with those he's comfortable with. They've found the right producer now."

According to rumours, producer Religare Vistaar Entertainment is searching for a newcomer with a distinctive look for the romantic lead role.

The source added that the chosen actress "has to be fresh-faced, innocent, virginal and has to have a never-seen-before quality".