Ankita Lokhande: I feel I’ve matured in my relationship now
The actor talks about how she handles conflicts in her marriage and why TV will always be her favourite medium
Vicky (Jain) has taught me the importance of understanding your partner. ANKITA LOKHANDE, Actor
After conquering the TV and film industries, actor Ankita Lokhande forayed into the digital realm with a short film. In a candid chat with us, among other things, the Pavitra Rishta actor reveals how her take on relationships, resolving conflicts in her marriage as well as why television remains her favourite medium to work on. Excerpts:
The short film The Last Coffee is based on conflicts that every couple has to go through. How do you handle it in your marriage?
I think it’s very important to be patient in a relationship. I’ve never been a girl who has the patience to understand people; I do whatever I want. However, Vicky (Jain) has taught me the importance of understanding your partner. The most important tool for solving a conflict is communication. You need to hear the other person’s story. I feel I’ve matured in this relationship now. Although khat-pat hoti rehti hai, you can tell when something is off. You don’t argue or fight.
From television to the big screen and now OTT, you have never differentiated between platforms. How has the transition been?
After Pavitra Rishta, people thought I wouldn’t do television as I was working on Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019). Aap agar aap apne roots ko bhool jaoge toh kaise chalega? Even now, I am ready to work on television because that’s where I learned the ropes. It’s because of this medium that I can read and perform, even if you give me 15 pages. It is difficult, and not meant for everyone. I have seen many Bollywood actors come [to the sets] and not be able to say a line. Acting has no medium. I don’t have to perform differently for films, TV, or theatres. I respect and love my television industry.
How did you decide to go for a short film this time?
The Last Coffee has been produced by my dear friend, Sakshi Seth. And you can’t say no to your friends. Shoaib Nikash Shah (director, writer and the lead actor) also came on board as he wrote the script, which I didn’t even read once because I believed in him. I am very fond of love stories, and I was really excited to do it right after the narration. Working with Shoaib was a great experience, too. He’s a good writer, and all the shayaris used in our film are written by him. Sone pe suhaga I got a chance to shoot in Patnitop. It was covered in snow and looked beautiful.