Ankita Lokhande turns 40: Look back at her iconic roles & personal triumphs!

Initial Career Aspirations:

Before entering the entertainment industry, Ankita aspired to be an air hostess and enrolled at the Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training. However, a casual audition for Indias Best Cinestar Ki Khoj redirected her path towards acting

Sports Background:

Ankita is not just an actress; she was also a talented badminton player in her youth, winning several medals in state-level competitions. Her athletic background showcases her versatility beyond acting

Breakthrough Role:

She gained fame for her portrayal of Archana Deshmukh in the popular television series Pavitra Rishta, which aired from 2009 to 2014. This role established her as a household name in Indian television

Acting Debut:

Although Pavitra Rishta was her breakout role, Ankita initially appeared on reality television before transitioning into acting. Her participation in Indias Best Cinestar Ki Khoj marked the beginning of her career in showbiz

Diverse Roles:

After a hiatus from television, Ankita made her Bollywood debut in films like Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019) and Baaghi 3 (2020). Her filmography reflects her ability to transition between television and cinema successfully

Reality TV Participation:

In 2023, she participated in the reality show Bigg Boss 17, where she showcased her personality and resilience, finishing as the third runner-up

Personal Life:

Ankita was in a long-term relationship with actor Sushant Singh Rajput until his untimely death in 2020. She later married businessman Vicky Jain in December 2021, marking a new chapter in her personal life

Family Background:

Ankita comes from a middle-class Marathi family; her father worked as a banker and her mother was a teacher. She has two brothers and a sister, highlighting her close-knit family ties

Culinary Preferences:

Despite her glamorous image, Ankita enjoys simple home-cooked meals. Her favorite vegetarian dishes include bhindi (okra) with ghee and dal fry, while she also loves butter chicken for non-vegetarian fare

Real Name:

Ankita was born as Tanuja Lokhande on December 19, 1984, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. She adopted the name Ankita as a nickname during her childhood, which she later used professionally