Ankita Lokhande has become one of the most talked-about contestants from the previous season of Bigg Boss. Her time on the show was marked by intense arguments and fights with her husband Vicky, as well as fallouts with fellow contestants. These moments made her journey widely discussed among fans and viewers. However, Ankita's rise to fame dates back much earlier, to her debut in the television show Pavitra Rishta 15 years ago. In this show, she played the character Archana opposite Sushant Singh Rajput, who portrayed Manav. Their on-screen chemistry turned both Sushant and Ankita into household names, and even today, Ankita is often fondly remembered as Archana. ALSO READ: 'Woh Bahut Sensitive Tha': Sushant Singh Rajput's Sonchiriya Co-Star Manoj Bajpayee REVEALS The Late Actor Was TROUBLED By Blind Articles
Celebrating 15 years in the entertainment industry, Ankita recently took to her Instagram to pen an emotional note and pay tribute to her late ex-boyfriend, Sushant Singh Rajput. She shared a throwback video that chronicled her journey from Pavitra Rishta to Bigg Boss 17. In her heartfelt note, she expressed, "15 years ago, I started my journey as Archana in Pavitra Rishta. Little did I know that even after years, I will continue to get so much love for my role, which has even become my identity. I sometimes feel I was destined to be Archana. I had her in me, and I continue to have her in me. She has taught me a lot about life." ALSO READ: Sushant Singh Rajput’s Sister Shweta Singh Kirti Launches Campaign To Investigate His Death, Urges CBI Probe
Ankita extended her gratitude to Ekta Kapoor and Balaji Telefilms for giving her the role that defined her career. She wrote, "I am forever indebted to @ektarkapoor @ek_ek_ekoo ma’am and @balajitelefilmslimited for giving me a role of a lifetime right in the beginning of my career. Main rahoon ya na rahoon, the love I have received, Archana and Pavitra Rishta has received from each one of you will keep me alive forever in your hearts, and I don’t think there’s anything more precious than that."
She also acknowledged the significant role Sushant Singh Rajput played in her journey, saying, "But my journey wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t have Sushant’s support. I didn’t even know how to act when I started Pavitra Rishta. He taught me, and I will always be thankful for him. The show started a new kind of storytelling. Hindi television par Marathi culture ko dikhaya. Isse pehle kabhi koi aisa show aaya nahi tha. People could resonate with the show because of the innocence the show and the people involved in it had."
Finally, Ankita expressed her gratitude to the television industry for the love and recognition it brought her. "And last but not the least, I would like to thank the television industry for giving me so much love. My first brush with fandom and stardom happened because of a television show, and I am always going to be thankful for that."
Ankita Lokhande's career, marked by significant highs and public challenges, showcases her resilience and dedication to her craft. Her journey from Pavitra Rishta to Bigg Boss is a testament to her enduring appeal and the strong connection she has built with her audience over the years.
Image Source: Instagram