Small screen Akbar upset about leaving 'Maharana Pratap'

Teen actor Sahil Deshmukh, who essayed young Akbar in "Bharat Ka Veer Putra - Maharana Pratap", has quit the show after he was diagnosed with lymphoid leukemia. His mother Reshma says he is upset about it.

"Since he was diagnosed with lymphoid leukemia, he had to leave the show midway and Sahil is very disappointed about it," Reshma told IANS.

"He is very upset that he had to leave the show. 'Maharana Pratap' is a very popular show and his character was really appreciated. He was very happy to be associated with the show and the channel (Sony Entertainment Television)," she added.

Sahil was unwell since sometime, but it was on Oct 11 that his family learnt that he was suffering a serious condition.

"He had been unwell for quite sometime now. He recovered, but then suddenly he got high fever and we had to rush him to the hospital. The doctors recommended a bone marrow transplant on Thursday (Oct 10) and it was on Friday that we got to know about the disease," she said.

The 16-year-old is admitted to Holy Spirit Hospital, Andheri East, Mumbai. He will be under supervision there for a few days.

"The doctors have advised him to stay there for a few days. We don't know if his stay in the hospital will be extended," Reshma said.

In the meantime, Arish Bhiwandiwala, who played young Hrithik Roshan in "Agneepath", has been cast as Akbar in the show, which is on the life of the 16th century Rajput ruler.