Ravi Bhatia has ‘struck’ gold by bagging the role of the princely Salim in Balaji Telefilms’ successful Zee TV show, Jodha Akbar. As per reports, Ravi who was one of the 12 options to play the role was hand-picked by Ekta Kapoor herself. Earlier reports suggested that Desh Ki Beti Nandini fame Raafi Malik was also short-listed to play the son of Akbar (Rajat Tokas). An excited Ravi who was last seen essaying brother to Arhaan Behl in Do Dil Bandhe Ek Dori Se told us, “Yes, I am excited about being part of Jodha Akbar. I have begun shoot from today. It is nice to be part of Ekta Kapoor’s family. Since Salim is a warrior and also has a romantic track, I will have lots to do. I am already proficient in horse-riding and sword-fighting, as I was earlier part of the show Veer Shivaji. I will now have to polish my skills to get the tuning right. Since it is my first day today, I am a bit nervous. But I feel all will fall in place in days to come.” Ravi was earlier seen essaying the lead role in Sahara One’s Humari Beti Raaj Karegi. We wish the new ‘Salim’ all the very best.