Emma Carson BBC News Online, Nottingham

Ram Asra plays the archetypal hero in a tale of forbidden romance

Ram Asra used to work for the family business in Long Eaton.

But seven years ago his childhood dreams of Bollywood stardom took him to its epicentre - Mumbai, which used to be called Bombay.

Asra admits that having no background in the industry made it tough at first.

He said: "The hardest thing is the auditions - there are probably thousands of guys there."

But his confidence started to grow when he beat off competition from 5,000 other hopefuls to star in a soft drinks commercial.

It's like a dream come true Ram Asra

Now Asra plays the archetypal hero in a tale of forbidden romance - "Hum Hain Pyaar Mein".

The film's title means "We are in love" and fans queuing around the block outside Indian cinemas bear out the fact that Bollywood's love affair with Asra has only just begun.

Director Kesar Mathuru said, "He's talented and well behaved - I think he has a great future."

Bollywood's love affair with the former chip shop worker has begun.

Asra undergoes a gruelling daily fitness session with his personal trainer in order to keep up with the demands of the all-important Bollywood fight scenes.

The actor acknowledges his life has totally changed, but says he still takes his turn behind the chip shop counter when he is back home in the East Midlands.

"In Long Eaton, I'm getting up early in the morning, ordering potatoes, and serving fish and chips to customers.

"But back in Bombay I'm walking up the beautiful beach, reading new scripts, going to the film parties, meeting stars - it's like a dream come true."