He is replacing Sahil Deshmukh, who had to quit the show owing to ill-health.
Arish, who is a first year commerce student from H R College, auditioned for the role of young Akbar and is happy to have bagged it.
"It feels sad that Sahil is unwell and he couldn't do the role. Akbar has always been my favourite historical character. I love the way he conducts himself... He doesn't discriminate among anyone and respects everyone, these are few of his qualities that I admire," Arish told PTI.
"I feel lucky that I got to do this film. Hrithik sir and our director Karan Malhotra were very helpful and sweet to me. I will always cherish the moment I met Hrithik and doing this film. There were quite a few offers after that but as I was studying in class X, I chose to focus on my studies. But acting is something I am really enjoying and I am looking forward to make it as my profession," he said.
"I felt bad as I couldn't take up acting due to my studies. But I feel education is a must," he said.
"I don't know Urdu that properly but I am learning. Shahbaz sir and Jaya mam are helping me in every way possible," he added.
