Shashank Vyas steps in as Jagiya on 'Balika Vadhu'

New Delhi, Aug 3 (IANS) Ujjain boy Shashank Vyas has stepped into 'Balika Vadhu', Colors' popular show on child marriage, as the grown up Jagiya.

Ever since Jamshedpur's Pratyusha Banerjee replaced Avika Gor as Anandi, viewers have been eagerly waiting to see who will replace Avinash Mukherjee as the older Jagiya, her husband.

Vyas, 23, says he is confident he will do justice to the character.

'I am grateful to god that he has given me the opportunity to showcase my talent with India's most loved and popular show. My first day at the shoot was a dream come true, as I was welcomed with open arms to the 'Balika Vadhu' family. I go through my script thoroughly before delivering my shot to ensure that I give my best shot,' Shashank said in a statement.

'I am confident that I can do justice to Jagiya's character, which was popularised by Avinash Mukherjee,' he added.

Shashank said he and Pratyusha hope to create the same magic with their chemistry as Avika and Avinash did.

'Pratyusha and I are working hard to create the same magic which Avika and Avinash presented to the viewers. I am sure our hard work and dedication will pay off and we will be blessed and loved by the audience.'

'Balika Vadhu' became hugely popular as soon as it was launched in 2008. It started by depicting child bride Anandi, who is married off to an equally young boy Jagdish. It traced the journey of the girl, bound by the strict customs of her marital home.

The girl is sent to her parents' house once she attains puberty, and the new story takes off after a five-year leap.

After five years, Anandi will now meet Jagiya on her 18th birthday celebrations.