Anas not Angad Bedi is Yuva Prithvi

Chaya Unnikrishnan

hen the Sagars announced Prithviraj Chouhan, almost a year ago, the high point of the launch was Angad Bedi playing the role of the warrior king. Son of ex-cricketer Bhishen Singh Bedi, Angad who had hosted a cookery show prior to this was to make his acting debut with the historical. However, last week when the serial showed child Prithvi growing up into a young prince, it was not Angad Bedi but another actor called Anas Rashid in the princely role. What happened to Angad, we wondered?

Apparently, Rajat Tokas who played the child Prithvi turned out to be so endearing to the viewers that the makers who had initially planned to have him only for a few episodes decided to extend the child actor's tenure by four months. "Prithviraj did many things at the age of 13 and since Rajat was popular we could incorporate many incidents," admits Moti Sagar, producer of the series. Did Angad get tired of waiting and opted out? "No, we needed a young actor of 17-18 years for the role right now which is why we took Anas Rashid who is just 18. Later when Prithviraj is kidnapped by Mohammed Ghori and imprisoned, we will think of bringing in Angad because by then Prithvi will be 25 years old," reasons Moti. Yet, even that is not certain. "In a serial, it is difficult to say how things will progress," confesses the producer.

Anas who had played a small role in Kaahin Toh Hoga was waiting for a lead role. He was chosen as Prithviraj "because he looks like how Rajat would after three years. Besides, he has a good physique and is enthusiastic about the role," explains Moti. Anas underwent horse and fighter training to get into the character.

As for Angad, we've got it from sources that Angad who couldn't wait any longer for his entry signed up with a County Cricket and is currently playing cricket in UK.