Mahabharat's Bheem Ketan Karande turns Shumb for Vighnaharta Ganesh

MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television’s show ‘Vighnaharta Ganesh’ has been regaling audiences with the unheard stories of Lord Ganesh. Noted actor and famous body-builder Ketan Karande will soon be seen on the show portraying the role of ‘Shumbh’ asura. Shumbh and Nishumbh were two asuras who troubled Devas and were ultimately defeated by Goddess Durga. Ketan is known in the entertainment circuit for portraying landmark roles in cinemas and television shows. Ketan was chosen for the role of Shumbh owing to his sculpted physique.

When contacted, Ketan said, “I had never thought of getting into acting and the entertainment industry. But yes, I have always been a fitness freak. I have worked extensively to maintain a fit physique and my sculpted body is the result of many years of hardship and dedication. I have participated in multiple body building competitions at the national-level and also been a part of almost 300 body-building contests. I participated in the first body-building competition at the age of 17 and have been doing this since the last 26 years. I feel this is the sole reason I got the opportunity to play an Asura’s role in Vighnaharta Ganesh. I am hopeful that the audience will appreciate my performance. The makers of Vighnaharta Ganesh team approached me for the negative role of Shumbh. I had heard of the character in many stories during my childhood, so I was excited to enact this part. Additonally to get into the character and do justice to the role, I also read a lot of books and stories to understand what the character actually was.  An interesting thing that happens on the sets is that my fellow actors keep asking me for tips to build a great physique.”