Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; January 22, 2019)

She won hearts as Archana — the girlnext-door-turned-ideal-bahu — on the TV show, Pavitra Rishta, for almost five years. Now, Ankita Lokhande is all set to make her foray into Bollywood as a warrior, wielding her sword against the British, in the upcoming historical drama, Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi. In a candid chat with BT, she talks about the importance of playing a strong character over the central role, her equation with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and working in a film with an ex-boyfriend. Excerpts...

You were missing in action for about five year on the small screen, and then we suddenly see you make a comeback, this time on the big screen with an epic drama. Did the thought of making your debut with a solo-heroine project never cross your mind?
No, that thought never crossed my mind. Initially, for a while, I thought of Manikarnika as a Kangana (Ranaut) film. But after the narration, I was fascinated by the character of Jhalkaribai. The name (Jhalkaribai) itself was mesmerising, and I could relate to her, as I am strong and loyal like her. After that, I looked at this film as an opportunity to perform. I love to take risks and I am taking one — I decided to play a strong character and not the lead.

There were no apprehensions and after working with Kangana, sab clear ho gaya. I’ve never planned anything in my life. I either do what I like or I don’t do it at all. Besides, it doesn’t matter whether I am the first, second or the third lead. What matters is the character I am playing. Nowadays, even the audience wants to see characters and strong performances. The lead is someone who takes a film ahead, but it’s the characters who hold a film together. It’s always team work. Even during Pavitra Rishta, I didn’t consider myself the lead. It wasn’t just Archana’s show. Every character was well defined. Similarly, in Manikarnika, everyone is playing a crucial role, whether their screen time is five minutes or 15 minutes. I hope that the audience showers love and appreciation on me, the way they did during Pavitra Rishta.

Did you ever worry that your character might be lost amidst so many faces in the film?
Those who have followed my TV show might have observed that I am not the kind of face that gets lost in the crowd. I own the character I play. I live and breathe it and that is how I perform. I want people to see the film and tell me if I look lost.

Did the fact that you portrayed Archana for five years — you even played a mother on the show — influence the kind of roles that came your way? Did the popularity of your character ever feel like a baggage?
I played whatever role I got with total conviction, without giving it a second thought or letting the fear of getting typecast get to me. That’s how I am. I don’t mind being identified as Archana at all. In fact, I am proud of it. I am sure that after watching Manikarnika, people will address me as Jhalkaribai. Should I rue that, too? Would I mind being remembered as Archana just because it was a character on TV? Not at all. I feel proud to be a TV girl and I acknowledge what it has given me.

You are going to be back on screen after a gap of five years. During this long break, was there ever a point when you felt frustrated, especially when you were trying to get a break in Bollywood?
I took a short break after Pavitra Rishta ended, because I was tired of working every day. However, after a year, I felt the urge to get back to work. Even during the break, I was getting a lot of offers from TV, but I realised that I was done with television serials and wanted to challenge myself creatively. I was looking at doing films and was getting good offers as well. However, I wasn’t sure if I was prepared to take the plunge, because like I said, the character is paramount for me. I aspire to stand out in a film, rather than doing what a typical heroine does. Woh bhi maayne rakhta hai, but I wanted to portray a strong character to mark my debut with.

There were reports that you apparently declined Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s offer in 2016 because you felt that you were not ready to make your Bollywood debut...
I am extremely fond of Sanjay sir. I have always looked up to him and I love the cinema he makes. It is a dream come true when he offers you a role, but I wasn’t in a happy space at that time. And, trust me, it will always be my loss. Sometimes, we make mistakes, but it is okay, as it’s just the beginning. I don’t have a Godfather in the industry, who could guide me. Agar mujhe koi guidance milta toh main sahi tarah se woh cheez kar paati. However, I don’t regret anything. Sanjay sir and I haven’t discussed any movie after that. But now, if he wants me to be a part of his film, you know what my answer would be — A yes!

You mentioned about not being in a happy space. What has been your biggest learning from that phase and most importantly, what kept you afloat?
I am a very in-the-moment kind of person. For me, now matters a lot. Everyone has high and low phases, which are never constant. Everything happens for a reason and whatever happens in our life makes us stronger. Now, I am more confident and totally focused on my work. You have to fail or fall to know the importance of success. And I have just started this journey. My family and friends keep me grounded and strong. They are my reason for my happiness everyday.

You said that you give your everything to whatever you set your heart on — be it a role or relationship. However, have you become a bit wary and maybe, more careful, when it comes to matters of the heart after that phase (break-up with Sushant Singh Rajput)?
Poor heart! It just pumps blood and keeps the human body going, but it gets questioned a lot (laughs!). At the moment, I have unabashedly given my heart to my work. And I am not scared to do it.

Recently, Sushant Singh Rajput appreciated your look in the film on social media...
Many people have tweeted good things about me. That’s what he also did. There is nothing much in it to talk about. He has just appreciated my look and I am thankful that he did that. I also like it when he does something good.

You mentioned in a previous interview that you don’t mind being friends with your ex. What if you are offered a film opposite Sushant?
I don’t mind being friends with anyone. I will do any film that defines my character well, has a brilliant director and gives me the scope to make an impact.