'Ek Veer Stree ki Kahaani… Jhansi Ki Rani', the tale of an ordinary girl who goes on to become an extraordinary ruler premieres on Zee TV tonight, 18th August, Tuesday-Friday at the 8 PM slot.

We already know that Ulka Gupta is all set to play Mannu who later gets to be known as Jhansi Ki Rani. As reported earlier, Krratika Sengarr will play the pivotal role of Jhansi Ki Rani post leap, while Sameer Dharmadhikari will essay the role of Gangadhar Rao who marries Jhansi.

We had earlier reported that Madhura Naik who is presently seen in Kis Desh and Bhaskar Bharti will essay the role of Moti Bai, the courtesan. However, there seems to be a change in the casting and it is known actress Garima Ajmani who has bagged the role instead.

We talked to Madhura who tells us, "I was doing Kis Desh when I was offered the role of Moti Bai in Jhansi. I readily accepted it, but later on got a long running role in Bhaskar Bharti. Now that my plate is full with these two shows, I have opted out of Jhansi Ki Rani".

Garima Ajmani was earlier seen in Sahara One's Zaara. Her last stint on television was in Sony's Meet Mila De Rabba where she played a Muslim girl from Pakistan.

We spoke to Garima who seemed excited about her role. "I get to play a Muslim character yet again in Jhansi. I play Moti Bai who is the beautiful courtesan. We finished the first schedule of shoot recently in Jaipur".

According to our source, "Gangadhar Rao, played by Sameer Dharmadhikari will be blown away by the beauty of Moti Bai, and will always be attracted towards her. However, Gangadhar Rao will go on to marry Jhansi. As the story unfolds, Moti Bai will become one of the close associates of Jhansi Ki Rani".

In addition to Garima, some more known names will soon enter the Zee historical show. Siblings Malini Kapoor and Shalini Kapoor will be seen essaying important characters.

"Shalini Kapoor plays Yashoda, who is the neighbor of Mannu (Ulka Gupta). She is like a mother to the little girl and helps her in all her ordeals", adds our source.

Malini Kapoor is most likely to be part of the show post leap.

Reporter: Ranjini Nair, Srividya Rajesh
Author: Srividya Rajesh