Newcomer Sammir Dattani, who lost out on films like "Ishq-Vishk" and "Vivah" to Shahid Kapur, has been chosen out of 50 odd contestants to play the role of a young spy in Mani Shankar's new techno-thriller.

The role was desired by almost every 20-something wannabe in Bollywood. Vatsal Seth of "Taarzan The Wonder Car", Vishal Malhotra (the second lead in "Ishq-Vishk") and Shreyas Talpade (of "Iqbal") were among the 50 hopefuls who screen-tested for the role of the 19-year-old spy in Shankar's film, which he is shooting currently in Hyderabad.

Sammir had almost been finalized for Ken Ghosh's "Ishq Vishk" when Shahid Kapur replaced him at the eleventh hour. While director Ghosh was keen on Sammir, the producers, Tips, wanted Shahid.

Recently he was almost signed to play the lead in Sooraj Barjatya's "Vivah".

Reveals a source, "Sammir is almost like the Rajshri's 'ghar ka bachcha' (like a family member). They had launched him and looked after him like a family member. The role was written with Sammir in mind. But Sooraj-ji was under box office pressure. Sammir hadn't proven himself in the market. The director had no choice but to sign Shahid."

He almost missed the buzz again a third time.

Says the young actor, "When I got a call from Mani Shankar's assistant for a screen test I almost decided to stay away. First of all, they wanted dates, which clashed with my other current assignment. Fortunately, I was persuaded to go. And it all worked out."

The untitled film, being produced by a Hyderabad-based company called Color Chips and Mani Shankar, is expected to be completed in 40-45 days.