Many people have my photo in Maadeshwara's avatar at their shops, which they still worship," says Ughe Ughe Mahadeshwara actor Aryan Raj

Kannada mythological series Ughe Ughe Mahadeshwara, which narrated the story of Mahadeshwara (Incarnation of Lord Shiva), had indeed garnered the attention of the viewers with its compelling storytelling. It's been a few months since the show concluded it's journey. Actor Aryan Raj, who plays the role of adult Mahadeshwara got candid as she spoke to ETimes TV about the show and much more.

"Before playing the role of Maadeshwara, I was also seen playing the role of Lord Shiva and Sri Hari in the show Jai Hanuman. It was the assistant director of Hara Hara Mahadev who suggested my name to the makers of Ughe Ughe Mahadeshwara. The head of the channel airing the show and the production house contacted me, I gave a look test and things started falling in place."

"I was not sure if I could play this role. But then the director suggested me to read books about Male Madeshwara. This helped me a lot to know more about the miracle of God. I realised how powerful Madeshwara is only after reading the book. I felt blessed to play this role."

"My entry into the story was from the adolescent phase of Lord Mahadeshwara. The storyline demanded me to look very young. I had to cut down on my weight. I was more on the bulkier side, so I shed about eight kilos for this particular role."

"Being an actor, appearances do matter a lot for us. However, for this particular role, we did experiment with a wig. But it failed. I personally was not comfortable wearing the wig. It was somehow difficult for me to get into character too. So, I decided to tonsure my head. I went completely bald to get the feel of the character. Although I love my hair a lot, I motivated myself to go bald.

"While shooting for the show, the localities used to recognise me and reach out to me. Especially when I am in my costume, they literally assumed that I was God and offered prayers and sought blessings."

"I have come across incidents, where the devotees offered puja to the TV set right before the telecast of my show. Many people have my photo in Maadeshwara's avatar at their shops, which they still worship."