When Anikta Lokhande turned down Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film

Mumbai: Ankita Lokhande, a popular TV star, is all set to make her Bollywood debut with a supporting role in Kangana Ranaut's 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi'.

She plays the role of Jhalkaribai in the film. In the interview with Mumbai Mirror, she talked about her role, she said: "People only know Jhalkaribai as a warrior and a replica of Rani Lakshmibai, and that made the role doubly challenging. When I discussed my scenes with Danny sir (Danny Denzongpa), he advised me to do it my way and today I believe she must have been someone like me."

The actress talked about her equation with Kangana Ranaut and how the 'Simran' actress was a constant motivating factor for her. She said, “She’s sweet with me like she is with everyone else on the sets. We’ve practised together and she has helped me many times and also appreciated my scenes and dancing skills. When you are new and someone like Kangana supports you, it really means a lot.”

Ankita Lokhande also revealed that she was earlier offered a film by 'Padmaavat' director Sanjay Leela Bhansali but she was not prepared for it then. She revealed by saying, “I love Sanjay sir and he lauded my talent and urged me not to waste my time. But I missed out on the opportunity. I would feel bad if something like this (hinting at Padmaavat) happens with our film given how much research we have done. If something happens tomorrow we will stand by the film.”

It is well known that Ankita ended her 6 years long relationship with Sushant Singh Rajput in 2016. When asked about it, she said, "I've always been open about my last relationship but even when I was in one, I didn't talk about my personal life, and I don't need to talk about it now. If it's my career, I can talk to you for hours, but not about this."

'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi' is based on the life of Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi and her war against the British East India Company, during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The film also stars Jisshu Sengupta, Atul Kulkarni, Sonu Sood and Nihaar Pandya. It is scheduled for release on 27 April 2018.