Ankita Lokhande to make her Bollywood debut with Kangana Ranaut's 'Manikarnika'

Ankita was on hiatus for three years after her daily soap 'Pavitra Rishta' went off air. (PC: Instagram/ Aankita S Lokhaande)

NEW DELHI: TV actor Ankita Lokhande who shot to fame with titular role of Archana in Balaji Telefilms' tele-soap 'Pavitra Rishta' is all set to rule hearts once again. She has returned from her Bangkok trip and is excited for the new beginning. Ankita is making an acting comeback but not with television, this time she will be spreading her magic on silver screen.  The 'Pavitra Rishta' actress has bagged a pivotal role in Kangana Ranaut's ambitious project 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi'. She will be essaying the character of Jhalkaribai, a warrior in Rani Laxmibai's army. During the battle with British, the woman soldier disguised herself as queen to deceive them. Ankita is elated at portraying a historical character in her Bollywood debut. To look convincing on screen, Ankita has started prepping by taking lessons in sword fighting and horse riding. "I'm indebted to Kamal sir for this challenging role in a big-budget film scripted by Baahubali writer KV Vijayendra Prasad alongside a National Award-winning actress like Kangana, who exudes power and is an inspiration to all women. I'm looking forward to learning from her once we start shooting in August," the actress told Mumbai Mirror.   Poster of Krish directed 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi' starring Kangana Ranaut in titular role. "I'd never heard of her before, not many have, but Jhalkaribai was one of the greatest heroes of our proud history. I'm honoured that I'll be telling her story to the world, fighting alongside Kangana's Rani Laxmibai," she says. Ankita was on hiatus for three years after her daily soap went off-air. Reports also claimed that she was shattered after breakup of her six-year relationship with 'Pavitra Rishta' co-star Sushant Singh Rajput. When questioned whether she is in touch with Sushant, she blatantly said "no". While SSR has already gained foothold in Bollywood, Ankita will be making smashing entry with this grand movie.