ENTERTAINMENT

The actor talks about her second film, costarring Riteish Deshmukh and why she doesn’t address controversies

Actor Ankita Lokhande says she wants people to appreciate her craft as an artiste. “I’ve been in the limelight for one controversy or the other. But I really want people to talk about my acting,” she says, adding, “For me, what’s important is to do good work and be part of movies that do well.”

I really want to become Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s heroine one day. That is my biggest dream. I’m waiting for it to happen someday. It’s almost the only thing I want to do in life. ANKITA LOKHANDE, ACTOR

Earlier this year, Ankita Lokhande started her tryst with the big screen with Manikarnika – The Queen Of Jhansi. Ask her if the magnum opus opened doors for her and she says, “As an actor, it’s important to play characters that stand out. Jhalkaribai was one character that I never would’ve imagined coming my way. I don’t know if Manikarnika opened doors for me but I’m glad to play the parts that are coming my way. In the entertainment industry, you need to prove yourself in terms of your talent and looks. I’m quite capable of doing that and have proved myself in Manikarnika.”

Ankita has also been exposed to drama owing to her breakup with former beau,

Sushant Singh Rajput. “I’ve been in the limelight for one controversy or the other. But I really want people to talk about my acting,” says the 35year-old actor. She candidly shares that she won’t push herself to do ‘anything stupid’ to be in the limelight. “For me, what’s important is to do good work and be part of movies that perform well at the box office. Even if they aren’t faring well, I want to make sure that I’m lauded for my performance. My job is to be a good actor and dancer, and I’m confident about my talents,” she elaborates.

Her next project is the third instalment of the Baaghi franchise. Spilling the beans on the movie, she says, “Baaghi 3 is such a big project and I’m glad that I’m a part of it. I’m playing the part opposite Riteish Deshmukh.

He’s a superb actor and to be working with him is making me very happy. The most exciting thing is that Baaghi 3 is not a love story. It’s got more to do with family bonding and sibling relationships, and that fascinated me.”

Is there a dream role in her mind? “I really want to become Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s heroine one day. That is my biggest dream. I’m waiting for it to happen. It’s almost the only thing I want to do in life,” she signs off with a smile.