I want to essay the role of Lakshmi Bai with élan: Kratika

Mumbai: Kratika Sengar, the actress who will play the grown up `Jhansi Ki Rani` on Zee TV from next week says she is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that she plays the legendary freedom fighter with dignity and élan. Kratika who has begun shooting for the serial at N D Studios in Karjat near here says she is thrilled to have Bollywood actor Salman Khan shooting next to her sets for his brother Arbaaz`s home production `Dabangg`.

The actress said she has been rehearsing for her role which she said was "tough". "Be it swordsmanship, horse-riding or just mastering the dialect, I want to ensure that I essay the legendary queen with dignity and elan," she said. Kratika expressed confidence that she would do justice to the role. "Interacting with Salman has been a dream come true. He`s been a complete sweetheart. We bumped into each other a couple of times just outside the set. He was very encouraging when he heard that I am gearing up to play the role of Rani Lakshmi Bai. He even offered me tips on horse-riding and stunts." Kratika makes an appearance from June eight episode. The 13-year-old child actor Ulka Gupta played the younger queen since the time the show went on air from August last year. PTI