Confirmed: Mohit Raina to play grown-up Ashoka in 'Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat'

It looks like the makers of "Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat" have finally zeroed in on the lead actor who will play the role of grown-up Ashoka.

According to a Bollywood Life report, Mohit Raina of "Devon Ke Dev..Mahadev" fame will be playing the role of emperor Ashoka on the show, which will take a 12-year leap in April. Mohit will start shooting for the show from March 20.

The report stated that it was Mohits's mother who insisted him to take up the role. "She loves the historical and when Mohit got the offer she was the one who persuaded him to do it," a source told the entertainment portal.

For quite some time now, reports have been suggesting that the makers of "Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat" were keen on roping in a popular actor who will justify the role of warrior Ashoka. "The production house and channel wanted to rope in a well known name as leaps are always a risk. Ashoka is one of the top rated shows on the channel and the young Ashoka, played by Siddharth Nigam, has quite a fan following," IANS quoted a source as saying.

Earlier, Rishabh Sinha, Sidharth Shukla and Gautam Rode were considered for the role of grown-up Ashoka. There were also reports that the makers were mulling over the idea of postponing the leap, as they were unable to finalise an actor. However, with the news of Mohit being finalised, it appears the leap will take place as planned and will also mark the exit of Siddharth Nigam, who plays the role of young Ashoka.

In other news, Mohit was in news recently due to his alleged relationship with "Naagin" actress Mouni Roy. Rumour had it that Mohit had gifted a solitaire ring to his lady love Mouni during the Valentine's week and the couple are planning to get married soon.