Ronald Fenty, Rihanna’s father, has revealed that she had a childhood obsession with Whitney Houston.

“She used to love Whitney. Robyn would always sing along to I Will Always Love You,” The Sun quoted Ronald Fenty as saying.

“She admired Whitney because of her range, her voice, her appearance, her personality – everything. She loved Whitney so much she would be honored to play her. I think she would accept in a heartbeat.”

But Ronald Fenty, 58, a former crack addict, insisted that he hopes Rihanna does not emulate her heroine too closely.

“I hope she will be smart enough not to go down that path. I think she is smart enough not to,” he added.

Ronald Fenty, Rihanna's father, has revealed that she had a childhood obsession with Whitney Houston

And like the tragic diva, who was 48 when she died, fears have grown over Rihanna’s suspected drug use.

Last week Rihanna was accused of promoting drug use after posting a picture on photo-sharing website Instagram showing her sitting on her bodyguard’s shoulders and “cutting up” what looks like a white powder on his head.

The snap, taken at the Coachella music festival in California, triggered a barrage of criticism.

With the similarities stacking up, it is unsurprising that Rihanna is being touted to play Whitney Houston on the big screen.

Also, Rihanna has confessed she would love to take on the part.

“If I was going to do a biopic, it would have to be someone I admire and she is definitely one of those,” she said.

“That would be something I would have to give my entire life to do because I would want to really pull it off,” Rihanna added.