Winner of India's Best Cinestar Ki Khoj 2004 bags the main lead in Zee TV's upcoming show

First it was Binny Sharma. Then, Vandana Joshi. Now, it's time for Himmanshoo Malhotra. It is fast becoming a trend with Zee TV to spot talent from various pockets in the country through its reality shows, groom them meticulously and then launch them as soap stars on the channel's primetime fiction shows!

Noticed for her natural simplicity and easygoing charm on Dance India Dance, Binny was promptly launched as the lead of 'Sanjog Se Bani Sangini'. Another Dance India Dance discovery, Vandana Joshi may not have made a mark as a dancer but insiders at the channel did not forget her striking good looks and today, she is the face of 'Dil Se Diya ... Vachan'.

Now is the time for hunky Himmanshoo to take a bow ... the handsome young lad was first noticed on Zee TV's hunt for acting talent - India's Best Cinestar Ki Khoj in 2004. Having won the hunt, Himmanshoo went on to play small-ish roles in shows such as Aap Ki Antara, Seven and Bindass Champ. However, 6 years later, it is Zee that is lending the actor's career a much-needed shot in the arm. Having landed the main lead in Zee TV's upcoming show 'Bhagonwali - Baante Apni Taqdeer', Himmanshoo seems poised for bigger and better things in life!

Playing the character of a jovial, street-smart chap called Guddu Shukla, Himmanshoo is being touted as the next heart-throb on television. At a recent shoot in Lucknow, the ladies in the crowd seemed to be going ga-ga over him, constantly following him around and calling out to him by his screen name.

“It is a very heady feeling to gain such adulation even before a show goes on air. I feel very blessed and I am thankful to the channel for having given me such an opportunity. I do hope that I can live up to the expectations everyone has of me” said Himmanshoo with a smile. All the best, boy!