Actor who was finally zeroed in to play Buddha on TV

Ask the makers of a television show based on Gautam Buddha's life, who have been on the lookout for a young actor to don the Enlightened One's character on the small screen.

Himanshu Soni will feature in Buddha

The producers of the show found their Buddha in Himanshu Soni to essay the character of the grown-up prince who eventually turns into a saint. "It was not at all an easy task to find the perfect person to play this challenging role.

The creative team was in discussions with many people and was in two minds whether to opt for a fresh face or an established actor. Himanshu was among the many actors who auditioned for the role and was chosen after a lot of debate between the channel and production house," says a unit member.

However, it wasn't a cakewalk for the Rajasthan-born actor either. "He had to go through a rigorous training and makeover of sorts. He was asked to do a yoga course, martial arts apart from workouts in gym. He even completed 10 days of a Vipasana course, that included maun vrat at Igatpuri," adds the source.

According to producer Dr B K Modi, the wait was worth the result. "For the role of Buddha, we had auditioned several actors both seasoned as well as newcomer. But Himanshu had suited the role naturally and he was put into a very rigorous training. He's come out shining like a prince."u00a0