STAR Plus goes historical this weekend with the extravagant "Dharti Ka Veer Yodha - Prithviraj Chauhan" based on the life and times of Delhi's last Hindu ruler.

Produced by Sagar Films that brought the epic "Ramayana" to the small screen, "Dharti...", touted to be cable television's first historical, was premiered late Tuesday with Vice President Bharon Singh Shekhawat as guest of honour.

"Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayana' brought cultural revolution in the country and this new series by Sagar family 'Dharti Ka Veer Yodha - Prithviraj Chauhan' will introduce bravery and courage.

"I would like them to make more such serials," he said after lighting the lamp at the Oberoi Hotel.

The event began with a sneak peek into the costume drama, offering a blend of culture and history followed by an introduction of the cast by Rajasthani folk musicians.

After the introduction, all the eight main leads walked down the ramp dressed in elaborately designed costumes reminiscent of the bygone era.

"We wanted a realistic ambience that suited the mood, so I took the help of Ila Arun who is acquainted with the Rajasthani culture. She brought these folk singers and dancers in," said Mumbai-based designer Achala Sachdev, who conceptualised the entire event.

"It is all done by me. I worked on the clothes, the expressions of the artist and I think Angad Bedi (who plays Prithviraj Chauhan) created the right impact of a brave warrior," said Achala, who has also worked as a choreographer with "Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin" and "Kkusum".

STAR is hoping to hit bull's eye with this lavishly made historical drama, which replaces the popular game show "Kaun Banega Crorepati 2" hosted by Amitabh Bachchan on the Friday, Saturday, Sunday prime time slot.

If Amitabh was the USP of "KBC", the success of "Prithviraj Chauhan" rests on the shoulders of Angad, former Indian cricketer Bishen Singh Bedi's son, who plays the brave warrior king.

"It was already planned that once the KBC will go off air we will launch this serial. But due to Mr. Bachchan's illness we had to take it off air before the schedule. This is the first historical serial of its own kind and mainly designed for the family," said Shailja Kejriwal, senior creative director, STAR India Pvt Ltd.

The serial also stars Milind Gunaji, Jas Arora, Rajni Chandra, Sunila Karambekar, Sanjay Singh, Vishnu Sharma, Ahmed Khan and Parivah.