Shweta Tripathi joins cast of Manikarnika, to play Rani Lakshmibai's trusted lieutenant

It seems Kangana Ranaut's Rani Lakshmibai has found a trusted lieutenant after all. Actress Shweta Tripathi is reported to have joined the cast of Manikarnika, the upcoming biopic on Rani Lakshmibai. The actress is expected to play Kashi Bai, a trusted lieutenant of the queen of Jhansi.

The actress, whose latest film, Zoo, premiered at the 19th MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, has earned critical acclaim for her realistic portrayal of characters in films like Masaan (2015) and Haraamkhor (2016). However, Manikarnika will see her take on a new challenge playing a historical character.

While there is not much known of Kashi Bai, she was one of the most trusted lieutenants of the queen of Jhansi, and followed her in the final battle with the British at Gwalior in 1858.

As per sources, "Shweta is all excited to play the part of Kashi Bai in one of the most anticipated film Manikarnika, very soon she will join the cast of the film and will begin  formal training of it."

Manikarnika:The Queen of Jhansi is being directed by Krish, and stars Kangana Ranaut as the eponymous queen of Jhansi. Apart from Ranaut, the cast also includes Atul Kulkarni as Tatya Tope, Sonu Sood as Sadashiv Rao and Ankita Lokhande as Jhalkaribai.

The film is expected to be released on 27 April 2018.