HT[M]-Sriti to play new character

Says Sriti Jha, who contrary to the rumours, will not replace Pratyusha but will play a fresh character

While my character too gets married as a child, there is difference between her fate and Anandi's. —Sriti Jha, actor

After rumours of Pratyusha Banerjee quitting her hit TV show Balika Vadhu (Colors) and Sriti Jha replacing her, here's some fresh news. The makers have signed on Sriti for the show, not to play Anandi but as Jagya's (Shashank Vyas) new love interest.

A source reveals, "It's time for love in Jagya's life. His wife Gauri will not return on the show, but a new character will be introduced in the coming week. It will be played by Sriti Jha, who was last seen on Saubhagyavati Bhav (Life Ok ) in the role of the abused wife Jhanvi. Like Anandi, Sriti's character too will be a victim of child marriage and Jagya will support her. Then, love will blossom between the two, leading to a new twist."

Sriti, all set for the new role, is happy to be part the successful show. Talking about her role in Balika Vadhu, she says, "While my character too gets married as a child, there is a difference between her fate and Anandi's, as she doesn't get the family's support like Anandi does. She faces troubles due to lack of support and education. She is a feisty girl. However, when something really bad happens to her, she will need Jagya's help to get out of it," she says, not willing to give out any more plot points.

Sriti adds, "I'm excited and nervous about doing the show. There's a lot of pressure. All the actors, including Pratyusha, Surekha Sikriji, Shashank and Anup Soni are brilliant, and matching up to them will be a challenge."

In the series, Jagya was married to Anandi and later left her for Gauri to stay in Mumbai and become a doctor. However, after many fights and differences, he returns to Jaitsar and even tries to break Anandi's engagement with Shiv. Having realised his folly currently, Jagya is on a path of self-discovery, during which he will meet Sriti's character.