Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; November 18, 2016)

Bollywood's directors in white Abbas-Mustan have locked in the leading lady for their next project, Machine, which will mark the debut of Abbas’ son, Mustafa. The action-adventure flick will feature South African model Carla Dennis.

Carla, who’s from Cape Town, moved to Mumbai a few years ago. She has appeared in several commercials as well as fashion glossies — she recently featured on the cover of a men’s magazine with Sidharth Malhotra.

The hottie was spotted by Abbas-Mustan in singer Arjun Kanungo and rapper Badshah’s music video, Baaki Baatein Peene Baad.

Says Carla, “I got a call from the makers saying they liked me in the music video. After several rounds of auditions, I was selected. Abbas and Mustan are warm, hospitable and sweet. They made me feel comfortable; it was family atmosphere on set.”

The model has been trying to find a foothold in Bollywood and feels she could not have asked for a better launch. The filmmakers are known for making thrillers and Carla has done quite a few stunts in the film. She’s also learning Hindi.

Machine has been extensively shot in Georgia and also stars Kiara Advani, who was featured in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story.