Popular comic actor Ashiesh Roy, who stars in Eagle Films sitcom Jeannie Aur Juju (SAB TV), has reportedly been approached to replace Mahesh Manjrekar in Zahara Productions’ recently announced film Barkhaa. In the above movie, he will be seen playing a serious role. The story has been written by award-winning short filmmaker Shadaab Mirza, and produced by Shabana Hashmi. According to reports, the shooting of Barkhaa has already begun and its cast includes Sara Loren, Tahaa Shah, Shweta Pandit, Priyanshu Chatterji and Puneet Issar. When contacted, a happy sounding Ashiesh stated, “I just cannot say ‘no’ to Shadaab. He’s like my brother. I’ve been part of his short films, and it’s terrific that he has cast me in his big screen debut as well. I’m honoured and humbled.” When asked about the news of him replacing Mahesh Manjrekar in the film, Ashiesh sounded genuinely surprised. “Really? I wouldn’t know about it, frankly. When I’m offered a role, I don’t bother about who was approached or cast for it previously. And in any case, if what you say is true, then the role is going to be terrific – because Maheshji is a terrific actor, isn’t he?” Ashiesh will also be seen in another Bollywood movie starring Emraan Hashmi, Prachi Desai and Paresh Rawal which will release later this year. He is also in talks to feature in writer-director Vivek Sharma’s Bengali film. Furthermore, he is also excited about his stage performance, for the first time ever, at the Kala Ghoda Art Festival in Mumbai. He will be performing with his close friends Mantra Mugdh and Vrajesh Hirjee. Ashiesh….keep up the good work!!!