He is the new kid on the block. This expression was usually reserved for fresh crop of actors. Today it is the directors who are getting younger. Last year it was Ayan Mukherjee, now Punit Malhotra,28, is making his directorial debut with “I Hate Luv Storys”. Releasing in July, the film produced by Karan Johar, has Imraan Khan and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles. Excerpts from an interview:

How do you see the trend of directors getting younger? Has it something to do with mind boggling visual literacy of young audience…

It is a profound thought but I don't know if that's the reason. I simply feel more and more producers want to present the youngsters' perspective and young directors are better placed to do it. But this doesn't mean we are lacking experience. I have assisted Karan and other directors for ten years. The good part is earlier assistants didn't get a chance easily. Now it's not that difficult. Karan never interfered with the creative part but whenever I needed his help he was there.

The title sounds like a Shah Rukh Khan's quote to a journalist?

Really! It does sounds clichéd but that's whole idea. I want to look at the clichéd idea of Bollywood romance from a fresh perspective and I am sure people won't get bored. It's a fun film.

Is Imraan repeating his “Jaane Tu…” part?

On the surface you might find similarities but as I said the treatment is totally new. He is playing an assistant director on the film sets, who doesn't believe in the romantic idea of love. And Sonam Kapoor who is a set designer is his complete opposite. No, it is not my story or a film about film making. I just felt comfortable to use film sets as a background.

You are using Twitter to create the hype?

No, Imraan, Sonam, Karan and I are on Twitter. When we send messages to each other about the film it becomes news. It is an interesting but not entirely intentional way to promote the film.

There was news of your uncle, Manish Malhotra, directing a film. Has it been shelved or merged with your film?

No, no his film is very much on cards. He is great support. Casting Sonam was his idea. Soon we will have two directors in the family.