By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Jun 26 (IANS): As child actor Avika Gor is set to leave popular TV serial "Balika Vadhu", she will be replaced by Pratyusha Banerjee from Jamshedpur with the soap's protagonist growing up by five years.

In mid-July, the child bride in "Balika Vadhu" on Colors channel will be five years older and Pratyusha, who has never been seen on screen before, will replace Avika.

A source in Colors said Pratyusha was chosen for her lack of experience.

"We wanted a completely new face. The reason why Sakshi Tanwar's character didn't work in 'Balika Vadhu' is because she already had a very strong image," said the source.

Colors CEO Rajesh Kamat said: "'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," he said.

"Balika Vadhu" became the most popular show as soon as it was launched on Colors in 2008. It started by depicting child bride Anandi, who is married off to an equally young boy Jagdish. The girl is thus unable to have a joyful childhood and is bound by her in-laws' customs instead.