Mega epic on Prithviraj Chauhan from next month

Mumbai, Apr 13 (UNI) Star Plus is all set to launch its next weekend offering in the form of a historical epic, ''Prithviraj Chauhan, Dharti Ka Veer Yoddha'' this May.

The epic drama has been produced by ''Sagar Arts Productions''.

The date and time of telecast will be announced later.

STAR India Executive Vice President Deepak Segal, in a press release, said this was the first ever series on Indian television on a character who had held such a central role in the history and yet remained unknown.

''A character who is truly larger than life, Prithviraj Chauhan, despite his young age, won many a crucial battles and set an example of indomitable character. His life has all the shades of grandeur, bravery and opulence which makes for a perfect television viewing and a great cast to our weekend line up,'' Mr Segal said.

Tracing the life of Prithviraj Chauhan from birth till his death, the series will highlight events and moments of his life. It is a story set against the backdrop of the 11th century era, which is shot on exorbitant sets created specially in Baroda.

Sagar Arts Productions official spokesperson Prem Sagar said, ''We feel there is a need to burst heroism in today's youth and, by depicting the tale of this greatest Bhoomiputra -- Prithviraj, we intend to dart on that emotion.'' ''We have worked upon every detail of the period very minutely then be it the opulent sets imposing the majesty of the unforgettable ruler or the props, costume and jewellery. This historical saga will surely set as a path-breaker for Indian viewers,'' he added.

The show is directed by Shakti Sagar and the cast includes Jjas Arora who plays Someshwar, Milind Gunaji who plays Vijaychandra, Benjamin Gilani who plays Shivendra, Anagad Bedi who plays Prithiviraj, Parivah plays Sonyogita, and Nirmal Pandey plays Ghori.

Incidently, the story of Prithivraj Chauhan has also fascinated Bollywood. Filmmakers like Raj Kumar Santoshi and Sunny Deol are working on the subject.

UNI MR MAZ KD BS1215