Mohit Raina to lead new ‘Ashoka’ on Colors

After ‘Balika Vadhu’ taking a leap in its storyline, Colors’ ‘Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat’ will be the next show to see a big change with a leap of ten years.

The magnum opus, produced by Contiloe Pictures? will from Monday, narrate the story of Ashoka�۪s new avatar called Chand (merciless) ��� a vindictive force whose aggression will win him the throne of Pataliputra and eventually make him the Greatest Emperor of Akhand Bharat (the undivided India). Alongside will blossom his tender love story with the feisty and beautiful, Kaurwaki. Essayed by Mohit Raina in the lead role (as Chand Ashoka) and Somya Seth (as Kaurwaki).

?Shedding light on this new phase in the story, Manisha Sharma, Programming Head ��� Colors, said, ���Since its launch, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat has enjoyed tremendous viewership across age groups. As we take a generation leap, the show will now focus on the emotional turmoil inside Ashoka as he becomes Chand (the feared), his return to Pataliputra following his exile, and his unflinching love for Kaurwaki making him a multi-faceted character that will appeal to the viewers�۪ sensibilities.�۝

?W?hat started as a journey to restore his mother, Dharma�۪s honour soon transformed into Ashoka�۪s ascent as the rightful heir to the throne of Pataliputra. However, being wrongfully blamed for his brother Sushim�۪s transgressions finds him exiled from Pataliputra at the hands of his father Bindusar. 10 years on, having buried his emotions deep in the crevices of his soul, Ashoka has now become a true warrior whom the people fearfully address as Chand. But, even though the outside world sees a cold and heartless man, Ashoka�۪s feelings for Kaurwaki keep him from turning completely evil; he pines for her company and hopes to see her someday. But an unexpected twist of fate will separate them as Ashoka finds himself married to Devi instead. Under the watchful eye of his new teacher Radhagupta, Ashoka will continue his journey as a feared warrior and gentle lover, whose power and magnanimity shaped the future of our country.

Commenting on Ashoka�۪s new chapter, Abhimanyu Singh, CEO – Contiloe Pictures said, ���It is very encouraging to see the love and affection shown by the audience for our historic show Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat. It was our endeavor to show the life and journey of the greatest emperor who has ruled and created this great nation. While a chapter in his life has concluded, a new one is about to begin. Now, his journey will show how he created the empire of India against all odds�۝.

Commenting on taking Ashoka�۪s legacy forward, Mohit Raina said, ���The magnificence of a warrior king like Ashoka is unparalleled. Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat is a historical masterpiece and it brings me tremendous pleasure to be a part of the show. This role I feel will be the next milestone in my career. �۝

‘Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat’ brings together best minds from the world of entertainment, and an ensemble cast comprising of Somya Seth as Kaurwaki, Ankit Arora as Sushim, Kajol Shrivastav as Devi, Dakssh Ajit Singh as Radhagupta. The show also features actors Sameer Dharmadhikari and Pallavi Subhash who have immortalized the characters of Emperor Bindusar and Dharma respectively.

‘Ashoka’ airs weekdays at 21:00 (in India) and 22:10 (in UK).