Aankita Lokhaande Lashes Out At People For Calling Her Sushant Singh Rajput's Ex!

Aankita S Lokhaande became a household name when she played the lead role in the TV show Pavitra Rishta. But she garnered even more attention when she broke up with boyfriend, actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Aankita is irked by the constant reference to her former beau.

“I don’t understand why am I [still] being referred as Sushant’s ex. I have my own identity. Why not talk about my work? Very soon, I will start shooting for my first Bollywood film and I hope everyone focusses on that,” says Aankita, who is all set to make her Bollywood debut in the film Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi.

Aankita and Sushant got into a relationship while working on the same show, Pavitra Rishta, and dated for six years before they parted ways early last year. Sushant finally confirmed their separation in May with his tweet, “Neither she was an alcoholic nor I am a womaniser. People do Grow apart & its unfortunate. Period!!” Asked Aankita if she is still in touch with Sushant, she replies, “I never spoke about anyone; won’t talk about it now also.”

After their split, Aankita was linked with Beyhadh actor Kushal Tandon, which again triggered fresh rumours. “Kushal is a very good friend. This year, I have already been linked with three guys. What’s wrong with people?” she laughs, adding, “Can’t I click photos with my friends? I have been a tomboy, having more male friends and even hugging them isn’t something new for me. I guess, now on, I will have to be extra careful.”

Meanwhile, Aankita is super excited about playing the historical character Jhalkaribai in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi. “Not many know about Jhalkaribai, her bravery, and her relationship with Rani Lakshmibai (of Jhansi). I thought it would be really great to become the face of the character,” says Aankita, who is currently taking lessons on sword fighting and horse-riding for the film that is directed by Krish, who had earlier helmed Gabbar is Back (2015), which had Akshay Kumar in the lead role.