'Balika Vadhu' leap: 'Siya Ke Ram' actress Yukti Kapoor to replace Jayshree Soni

Several new faces will lend a refreshing feel to "Balika Vadhu" on Colors television channel when the show takes a generation leap. While popular actors like Mahhi Vij and Avinash Sachdev have been finalised to play important characters on the show, Jayshree Soni, who was supposed to play the antagonist, has opted out of the show.

According to reports, Jayshree could not take up the role due to her prior work commitments. The actress has now been replaced by Yukti Kapoor, who is currently seen on the mythological series "Siya Ke Ram" as Urmila.

"Yes, I am not doing Balika Vadhu any more as I was already committed to Creative Eye's upcoming project for SAB TV. Though I thought I will manage both the shows but it couldn't work out. I have always been very loyal to SAB TV and this would be my fourth show with them. I wish the team of Balika a great future ahead," Jayshree told Tellychakkar.com.

Yukti, however, chose not to comment on the development. "I am in talks for the show, but I cannot confirm anything at the moment," she said.

It had been reported that post-leap, Mahhi would essay the role of the grown-up Nimboli (currently played by Gracy Goswami) and Avinash would be seen as the male lead. Actor Ruslaan Mumtaz is expected to join Mahhi and Avinash as the other male lead.

"Balika Vadhu" will take the leap April 25 onwards and will reportedly narrate the story of yet another girl named Anandi to highlight the evils of child marriage. Besides focussing on social evils, the show is likely to also revolve around a love triangle between the characters played by Mahhi, Avinash and Ruslaan.

With this development, Surekha Sikri, Toral Rasputra and Rajeshwari Sachdev â€" who have been associated with "Balika Vadhu" since its inception eight years ago â€" will make an exit from the show.