New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS): TV actor Abhaas Mehta, who is known for his role in the shows "Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?" and "Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev", says he took to time at all to accept the role of Betaal in the show "Sinhasan Battisi".

"I have spent most of my childhood watching and reading about the tale of Vikram and Betaal. When I got the offer of playing the character of Betaal in 'Sinhasan Battisi' without the blink of an eye, I straight away accepted the offer," Abhaas said in a statement.

Although the actor is more than happy to take up his new role, he admits that it is challenging and hopes he will live up to the viewers' expectations.

"Essaying the role of Betaal in PAL's popular historical series has given me a great opportunity to depict the challenging role. I hope I do justice with the character and I hope that the viewers will like it," he said.

Abhaas comes in as Betaal after replacing Rajesh Khera, who was all set to play the role but was said to have quit the show on medical grounds and had to be replaced overnight.

The show, which will feature a Vikram-Betal track starting Jan 5, is about 32 ideal qualities that a king should have to rule the kingdom.