I regret not doing SLB’s film: Ankita Lokhande

For five years, she ruled the small screen as Archana in Zee TV’s highly-popular drama Pavitra Rishta. After the daily soap ended, Ankita Lokhande decided to take it easy. For almost two-and-half years, the actress turned down every film and television offer that came her way and wanted to settle down with her then-boyfriend Sushant Singh Rajput, till the duo had a public break-up. Now, she has bagged her debut Hindi film, the Kangana Ranaut-starrer Manikarnika, which is a biopic on Rani Laxmibai. Ankita plays the main supporting female lead — Jhalkaribai. Here, the young actress talks about what made her face the cameras again, and how she plans to steer her career.

Two years ago, you said that you didn’t want to work. What changed?

Actually, I wasn’t lazy but I was too tired of working at the time. I thought ki thoda break lete hain and I’ll see what I wanted to do. Now, I’m doing a film and I’m really happy. I didn’t want to stay away from work. I did Pavitra Rishta for five years and I was shooting every day. So I was just exhausted and took a break. But, I realised I was done with my vacation and needed to get back. And I’m enjoying it now.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali had offered you a film, which you turned down. Do you regret it?

Of course, I do regret it. Meri bewakoofi thi that I couldn’t do the film. I did not reject him or the movie. I genuinely wanted to do it but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to get back to work at that point of time. You need to be responsible towards your work. I do feel I missed out on a great opportunity. He is Sanjay Leela Bhansali, after all! I hope he forgives me (laughs).

He offered you another film after that...

Yes, but again I messed up (laughs)! This might be my last chance to work with him if he offers me a film again...

Why did you choose Manikarnika as your Bollywood debut?

It’s a woman-oriented film and that appealed to me. Plus, we have all read about Rani Laxmibai as part of Indian History. But when I was asked to play Jhalkaribai, I didn’t really know who she was. When producer Kamal (Jain) sir and director Krish sir narrated the script to me, I found out that she was Rani Laxmibai’s right- hand woman and almost her replica who would disguise as the Queen in front of the British. So, I realised I had an opportunity to portray an unspoken hero, a warrior, and an integral part of Indian History. I’m sure I will play the typical Hindi film heroine and have my song and dance routines in future. But something like Manikarnika would never come back to me. And to debut with something like this, I’d say I’m lucky.

People hardly know about Jhalkaribai. Does it become more challenging since there was nothing to refer to?

There was no reference material at all. But the way the character was narrated, I made a sketch in my head; my version of how she must have been — brave, confident and sabki band bajaane wali (laughs). She is exactly how I am in real life. So, maybe, I played this character with my own thought process. 

So, will you only play a strong, independent woman on screen or would you be comfortable playing a vulnerable character?

In Pavitra Rishta, I played Archana who wasn’t me at all — this quiet, sensible, compromising or understanding person. It can’t be that I will only take a role if I can relate to it. Then, you can’t be an actor. We are supposed to play what we are not. So, I’d rather play something I’m not. For Manikarnika, I’ve learnt horse riding and sword fighting, so I have gone out of my comfort zone.

You were offered the protagonist’s role in SLB’s films but here you are a supporting lead. Wasn’t that a risk?

I don’t think about things like that. Sridevi started off with a supporting character in Julie. After that, she became a heroine and then a superstar. So the motivation is always there. You do ask yourself if you’re going wrong somewhere but you inspire yourself. Nawazuddin Siddiqui played the shortest roles initially, but look at him now. So, instead of seeing the negative side, I’d like to look at things positively. Ab toh kar li film. Now, it’s up to people and how I have fared in the film. 

What was your equation with Kangana like?

It was amazing. Kangana is a nice human being — lovable and caring. We bonded off the sets, too. She is very professional and completely into her character all the time. I feel she is what she is. I could connect with her because I’m the same, too. Plus, she works hard and is good to others on the sets.

Do you think male stars have still not warmed up to supporting women-oriented projects?

Men need to change their mentality. Talent has nothing to do with gender. If you’re making a good film, you should always support that. Shah Rukh (Khan) and Aamir (Khan) have done it, so it’s a progressive thing for sure. There’s no shame in working in a space where you are secondary to a woman. That’s again a mindset that men usually have. But it’s changing now. People are looking for great scripts and are enjoying characters more than being bothered about whether it’s the hero or heroine. 

So, are you averse to doing masala movies now?

I want to do masala movies. I love the Bollywood films that we are known for. I love the whole song and dance act. Mujhe sari pehenke baarish mein naachna hai — something like Tip Tip Barsa Paani (laughs). 

What about your next film? You have signed Malang opposite Sanjay Dutt...

You will get to know soon! I don’t know about Malang. Let the producers talk about it. 

Will you be conscious about picking films?

I don’t know. I don’t think about such serious things. If there’s a great script and a team where I can happily work and feel the positivity, I would do it. I go by my intuition. If I read a script and it connects with me, I will do it or then turn it down. I don’t dissect scripts that way.