Pratyusha to replace Avika in Balika Vadhu

'Balika Vadhu" will no longer be a balika(child). The popular daily soap 'Balika Vadhu" is about to undergo a 'sea" change. In the middle of July, Avika Gor, the popular child artiste who has been playing the eponymous part for over two years now will exit the serial.

Yes , 'Balika Vadhu". is undergoing a generation leap. In mid-July the child-bride Avika Gor will grow up by 5 years. The girl chosen to replace Avika Gor is Pratyusha Banerjee from Jamshedpur who has never on screen before.

Sources from the channel Colors say Pratyusha was chosen for her lack of experience.

“We wanted a completely new face. The reason why Saakshi Tanwar"s character didn"t work in 'Ballika Vadhu" was because she already had a very strong image," says the channel source.

Adds Rajesh Kamat, the CEO, Colors, “"Balika Vadhu" is our flagship show that focused on an innocent child bride, Anandi, and how early marriage impacts her life. The show marked the beginning of meaningful entertainment on Indian television. Now, as a logical extension to the storyline the show will be taking a five year leap to portray the problems faced by child brides as they grow into their roles from being just playmates to their husbands to taking on the responsibility of a marriage. The leap is expected to be incorporated into the show mid-July."