Gowariker casts new find Shamata Anchan in 'Everest'

Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowarikar's new find Shamata Anchan, whom he has cast as the female lead in his TV offering "Everest", is said to be undergoing rigorous training to look believable for her character.

Shamata won the Femina Miss India South title in 2012 and is currently seen in an advertisement for a shampoo brand. She managed to bag the lead in Gowariker's inspirational serial "Everest", which will be aired on Star Plus in August.

"It's a serial about a girl who aspires to climb the Everest. Ashu chose Shamata Anchan after auditioning dozens of athletic girls. He wanted someone who looked convincing as a mountain climber," said a source.

The filmmaker has put the debutant through rigorous mountaineering lessons.

"Ashutosh wanted Shamata to not only look convincing climbing the Everest he also wanted her to put forward the emotions and feelings of a girl who wants to touch the sky," the source added.

Gowariker had earlier introduced two actresses in very major roles: Gracy Singh opposite Aamir Khan in "Lagaan" and Gayatri Joshi opposite Shah Rukh Khan in "Swades".