Ankita Lokhande, a prominent Indian actress, rose to fame portraying Archana Manav Deshmukh in the popular television serial “Pavitra Rishta.” This comprehensive biography delves into her life, career, and public persona.
Wiki/Biography
Born Tanuja Lokhande on December 19, 1984, in Indore, Ankita’s zodiac sign is Sagittarius. She completed her schooling and graduation in Indore, showcasing an early interest in acting through performances at Ganpati Utsav and Navratri festivals. Initially pursuing training to become an air hostess at Indore’s Frankfinn Institute, she unexpectedly participated in and was selected for the talent hunt show, “Zee Cinestars Ki Khoj,” where she won the “Best Dancer” title. This led to a modeling career with various print shoots.
Physical Appearance
Ankita is approximately 5’6″ tall with light brown hair and black eyes.
Family & Caste
Ankita Lokhande hails from a Maharashtrian Hindu family.
Parents & Siblings
Her father, Shashikant Lokhande (deceased August 12, 2023), was a banker, and her mother, Vandana Pandis Lokhande, is a teacher. She has a younger brother, Arpan Lokhande.
Husband
Ankita married Vicky Jain on December 14, 2021.
Relationships/Affairs
Ankita’s six-year relationship with Sushant Singh Rajput, her “Pavitra Rishta” co-star, ended in 2016. Following this, she began a relationship with businessman Vicky Jain, confirmed after their appearance together at a 2017 Holi bash. Their relationship progressed, leading to the purchase of an 8 BHK flat in Mumbai in 2019, fueling engagement and marriage rumors confirmed by an Instagram post showing a diamond ring in 2020.
Career
Ankita’s acting career began in 2009 with Ekta Kapoor’s “Pavitra Rishta,” propelling her to widespread recognition. She also participated in “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa” (season 4) and “Comedy Circus” in 2011, and starred in “Ek Thhi Naayka.” Her film debut was in “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi” (2019), followed by a role in “Baaghi 3.” She won “Smart Jodi” in 2022 with Vicky Jain, and was a contestant in “Bigg Boss 17” in 2023, emerging as the 3rd runner-up. In April 2024, she released her first music video, “Laa Pila De Sharaab,” featuring Vicky Jain.
Controversy
A 2015 incident involved a public altercation with then-boyfriend Sushant Singh Rajput outside Yash Raj Studios; Ankita later clarified the situation.
Awards
Ankita received numerous awards for her role in “Pavitra Rishta,” including:
- 3rd Boroplus Gold Award for Debut in a Lead Role – Female (2010)
- Indian Television Academy Award for GR8! Face of The Year – Female (2010)
- 4th Boroplus Gold Award for Best Actress in a Lead Role (2011)
- Star Guild Award for Best Actress in Drama Series (2011)
- Indian Telly Award for Television Personality of The Year (2012)
- 5th Boroplus Gold Award for Best Actress in a Lead Role (2012)
- Star Guild Award for Best Actress in Drama Series (2014)
Salary/Income & Net Worth
Ankita’s reported income varies. She reportedly earned around ?1 lakh per episode in some roles and ?12 lakh per episode for “Bigg Boss 17.” Her estimated net worth was around ?25 crores in October 2023.
| Income Source | Approximate Earnings |
|---|---|
| Television Serials (per episode) | ?1 lakh |
| Bigg Boss 17 (per episode) | ?12 lakh |
Car Collection
Ankita owns a Porsche and a Mercedes Benz V-Class, purchased in March 2022 for over ?1 crore.
Favourites
- Food: Bhindi, Dal Fry, Butter Chicken
- Actor(s): Paul Walker, Simon Helbert
- Actress(es): Madhuri Dixit, Shilpa Shetty
- Restaurant: Urban Tadka in Mumbai
- Music: Soft Romantic Songs, Ghazals
- Colour: White
- Travel Destination: Ladakh
Facts
Ankita enjoys dancing, swimming, badminton, shopping, and listening to music. She was a state-level badminton player. She is known to enjoy alcohol socially and is an avid dog lover with a pet dog, Scotch. Early in her career, she was considered for the role in “Happy New Year” but was ultimately replaced. Her nicknames include Anki, Minty, and Babs (used by Vicky Jain).
During her time on Bigg Boss 17, Ankita and Vicky’s access to special services (haircut, hair color) sparked some controversy among fellow contestants, eventually resolved based on medical necessity.
