In a candid revelation, television star turned actress Ankita Lokhande shared how she put her Bollywood ambitions on hold during her relationship with the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The 'Pavitra Rishta' fame actress, now 40, chose to prioritise her personal life over two major film opportunities that later became blockbusters.
The Two Iconic Roles She Said No To
Ankita Lokhande disclosed that she turned down a role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic historical drama 'Bajirao Mastani'. Recalling the incident from a 2021 interview with Bollywood Bubble, she shared that Bhansali himself called her with a warning. "I remember Sanjay sir calling me and saying, 'Karle Bajirao, warna, yaad rakh, bahut pachtayegi (Do Bajirao Mastani or you else you will regret it later),'" she said. The filmmaker appreciated her talent and told her the project would be something 'big.'
However, Ankita was focused on her impending marriage. Her response to the acclaimed director was, "Nahin, sir. Mujhe shaadi karni hain (No, sir. I want to get married)." She added that Bhansali was left speechless by her decision.
In another surprising move, the actress also refused a part in Farah Khan's star-studded film 'Happy New Year,' even after a meeting with Shah Rukh Khan. This decision was similarly driven by her commitment to her relationship at the time.
Building a Life, Not Just a Career
Explaining her mindset during that phase, Ankita stated she had no regrets about her choices. "Till today, I have no regrets. I was trying to build a man, and I did that. Quietly, I was trying to be a strong support for Sushant," she expressed. Her primary goal was to be a pillar of strength for Rajput, who was also navigating his early film career after transitioning from television.
Finding Self-Worth After the Breakup
The actress acknowledged that her perspective changed significantly after her breakup with Sushant Singh Rajput. It was a period of self-realisation. "After my breakup, I understood my value. It's very important to understand your worth," she emphasised. This realisation marked a turning point, leading her to focus on her own professional journey and self-identity beyond the relationship.
Ankita Lokhande, who became a household name through daily soaps, had always desired a transition to the silver screen. Her story highlights the personal sacrifices often made behind the glamour of Bollywood. In 2021, she married her long-term best friend and boyfriend, Vicky Jain. The couple frequently appears together on reality shows and social media, charming audiences with their bond.
