Actor Avinash Mishra, last seen in Yeh Rishte Hai Pyar Ke,  is back with a new show titled Durga on Star Bharat. The show will premiere on 14th December. Avinash who has been always particular about his fitness quotient lost 5 kilos for the role. He is also sporting a clean shaven look. He says, “Post Yeh Rishte Hai Pyar Ke, I had been getting similar characters to play and I wasn’t too keen on doing similar roles. I believe it’s easy for me to do chocolaty hero roles as my features go with it. But I was looking for a character which will push my limit. My character Dev in Durga is completely different from what I have done before. My character is a mentally challenged person who behaves like a 5 years old. The role demands a leaner look and clean shaven because I need to look younger than my real age.” He adds, ”I was trying not to lose any muscle and instead lose fat so I could lose weight. I changed my diet to boiled vegetables and started having black coffee. My workout only consists of cross fits now, I have stopped doing muscle gaining exercises.”

So how does it feel to be clean shaven for the first time? “It does feel a little different without a beard.  In Yeh Rishte Hai Pyar Ke I had shaved my beard for a scene but in Durga I will be clean shaven for a longer time. I really appreciate the good feedback that I have been receiving. My close friends and family know how passionate I am in my workouts. And I personally love my new look, it’s a different feeling when I look at myself in the mirror. This role is challenging for me and  as an actor, I have gone out of my comfort zone.”

Post Yeh Rishte Hai Pyar Ke Avinash took a small break and went to Goa. “I have enjoyed and relaxed during my Goa trip, the break was necessary. Working with Rajan Shahi in Yeh Rishte Hai Pyar Ke was a learning experience, I have replaced an actor in the show who was there for an year. Finally the audience have accepted me in the role that was a great reward.”  Chahat Pandey, who was seen in Hamari Bahu Silk, will play the lead character in the show.