MUMBAI: Next on 'abhineta se neta tak': television actor Amarr Upadhyay and Marathi - Hindi cinema actor Ajinkya Dev join the cast as fresh of the rolls Shiv Sainiks.

While the buddy party BJP has been in news with its celebrity endorsements, Shiv Sena seems to have decided to follow suit.

What with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi's Smriti 'Tulsi' Z Iraani waxing eloquent about the BJP, it seems appropriate that original 'Mihir' Upadhyay should plug the Sena ideologies. Adding to the glamour quotient is the 'son-of -soil' and Ramesh-Seema Deo's progeny- Ajinkya.

Both Upadhyaya and Dev were officially annointed as Sena men in an event held at Chitrakoot Ground, Andheri, today around 7 pm with 5,000 Shiv Sainiks in attendance.

Speaking to indiantelevision.com Upadhyay offered, "I know Sanjay Nirupam (Sen Rajya Sabha MP) since the last five years. He has been a personal friend. And I am a follower of Balasaheb Thackeray's ideologies. And I strongly feel that had Shiv Sena continued to be in power, Mumbai and Maharashtra would have had much more momentum in their progress."

He says he decided to join the Sena as both he and his family love the frank and fearless Balasaheb Thackeray.

While he isn't likely to contest for this election, he isn't ruling out the possibility of standing in the next. But he is quick to add that it would all depend on Uddhav and Raj Thackeray.

Ajinkya Deo, meanwhile, the son of the Dilip Kumar and Saira Banoo of the Marathi film industry - Ramesh and Seema Deo - fits the bill as spokesperson for the Sena brigade. Marathi cinema's original hunk is often remembered for his portrayal of a Maratha acrobat-turned-warrior in Sarjaa and then for memorable role in Marathi blockbuster Maherchi Saadi. After some forgettable stints in Hindi cinema, he had donned the director's hat for various Marathi features and documentaries. He, however, could not be contacted for his comments.