Love at first sight for Akshara...

Ali Merchant plays the perfect lover boy in his brief cameo role for Rajan Shahi's Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai on Star Plus. The actor will be making his entry on Monday, 9th February.

As Akshara (Hina Khan) goes thro' a phase where she is looking for her Mr. Right, she shortlists various grooms from the album given to her, and this is where Rituraj comes in as a prospective groom.

Ali Merchant plays the nice, polite human being and a complete family man, Rituraj. "He is a very 'adarsh' guy, a character which is very real and subtle. This is a very different role for me, because I have always stylized my way of acting, depending on the roles I have got", quips Ali.

It will be a love at first sight for Akshara. "Both like each other and the guy will be the first one to propose Akshara. However the marriage does not happen due to a reason", explains the actor.

On queried about the reason, the actor states, "There is a twist there. All I can say now is that the marriage gets called off for a practical reason which can be related to very easily in real life too".

Ali further adds saying, "The story seen now is to draw the attention of the viewers to the show as it was in its initial episodes. The manner in which our track will go will be a precursor to the main story".

Producer Rajan Shahi terms the entry of Ali Merchant as very interesting. "He plays a very significant role which will help in taking the story forward".

Ali has another reason to celebrate as he will be entering Sahara One's Ghar Ek Sapna next week. "I play a character who enters as a lover boy, but will have shades of grey. I am looking forward to this role. As the story moves, my character will turn out to be the guy in Kakul's (Aneesha Kapoor) life", concludes Ali.

Well, getting back to Yeh Rishta, wonder why and how Akshara misses out on her first love?

For all answers, tune in to Yeh Rishta from Monday-Friday at 9.30 PM on Star Plus…

Reporter and Author: Srividya Rajesh