Debutant Arjun Kapoor lost his mother before his film Ishaqzaade could be released. But he seems to have found incredible goodwill among family and friends. Arjun is suddenly the blue-eyed boy of the entire industry. And we are not the least surprised to hear his uncle Anil Kapoor raving about the boy like he has never raved about any newcomer.

After seeing some rushes of the film Anil called this writer to share his joy. Anil saw glimpses of himself in Arjun. Says the proud teary-eyed uncle, "I was so moved by mera bachcha. Arjun reminded me so much of my younger days. Wohi junoon, wohi josh. But he's far more confident and subtle in his first film than I was in my first ten films. Come to think of it he reminds me of my character in 'Tezaab'. So reckless, so young, so fearless and so much fun. In fact both Arjun and his co-star Parinati Chopra took me by surprise."

Anil makes it clear that he isn't raving about Arjun because the boy is his nephew. "Nahin, uss ladke mein kuch hai. He just won my heart over. I remember him running around with my daughters and son...just a kid. Today, he has grown up into such a responsible boy and a fine actor. And do you know, he got a Yashraj Film on his own without any recommendation from me or his father. We're very proud of him."

So is the protective paternal film fraternity. Making a surprising concession Yashraj is apparently allowing Arjun's near and dear ones to have a dekko at 'Ishaqzaade'. Yashraj never allows anyone from the outside to watch their films until release. One is not at liberty to reveal too much at the moment. But a very special tribute is being planned for Arjun's mother Mona Kapoor when the film is released. When Nargis had passed away weeks before her son Sanjay Dutt's debut film 'Rocky' released, a seat had been kept vacant next to Sanjay in her memory.