Ankita Lokhande

Ankita Lokhande is an Indian actress and model known for her powerful presence on both television and in Hindi cinema. Born Tanuja Lokhande, she became a household name through her portrayal of Archana Manav Deshmukh in the long-running drama Pavitra Rishta, a role that earned her multiple awards and a devoted fan following.

Today, Lokhande continues to expand her repertoire, moving between period films, action blockbusters, and reality television. Her performance as Jhalkaribai in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi showcased her strength in historical roles, while her appearance in Bigg Boss 17 in 2023 revealed a more personal side to audiences. Known for her unapologetic personality and social media presence, she remains a beloved figure in Indian entertainment. [edit]

Ankita Lokhande was born in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, into a Marathi family. Growing up, she had a keen interest in performing arts, often participating in school plays and cultural events. After completing her schooling, she pursued a degree in commerce, but her passion for acting led her to Mumbai to try her luck in the entertainment industry.

Her early days in Mumbai were filled with auditions and small modeling assignments. She worked hard to make ends meet, attending numerous casting calls. Her persistence paid off when she landed the role of Archana in Pavitra Rishta, a part that would change her life. The show, which premiered in 2009, became a massive hit, and Lokhande's portrayal of a simple, devoted wife resonated with millions of viewers across India. [edit]

Ankita Lokhande's breakthrough came with Pavitra Rishta, where she played Archana for over five years. Her performance earned her three Gold Awards, an ITA Award, and two Indian Telly Awards, establishing her as one of television's most loved actresses.

After the show ended, she transitioned to films, making her debut in 2019 with Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, where she played the fierce warrior Jhalkaribai. She followed this with a role in the action film Baaghi 3 in 2020 and later appeared in Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. In 2023, she participated in the reality show Bigg Boss 17, which brought her back into the limelight. As of 2026, she is set to star in a project portraying the royal dancer Amrapali, and she recently exited Laughter Chefs Season 3 after a successful stint. [edit]

Ankita Lokhande is known for her unapologetic and fearless personality, which she showcases on her social media. Her Instagram feed, under the handle @lokhandeankita, features messages about self-respect and personal growth. She often shares motivational quotes and behind-the-scenes moments from her projects.

Fans appreciate her candidness, especially when she opened up about her past relationship with Sushant Singh Rajput. She has a strong fan base that defends her against online criticism, as seen during the hijab trolling incident. Her style is elegant and traditional, often seen in sarees and ethnic wear at events, but she also experiments with modern fashion. [edit]

Ankita Lokhande's audience operates as a fiercely protective unit, prioritizing her autonomy over public scrutiny. This dynamic crystallized in May 2026 when fans mobilized across Instagram and Twitter to shield her from backlash regarding her choice to wear a hijab during a vacation in Abu Dhabi. Supporters launched counter-campaigns with messages like "Mind your own business," neutralizing the criticism through sheer volume and loyalty. Beyond defense, the community celebrates her resilience, recalling anecdotes from August 2026 where she detailed working three months straight on *Pavitra Rishta* without returning home. Her official YouTube channel fosters intimacy through vlogs with husband Vicky Jain, while the narrative of their romance blooming inside *Bigg Boss 17* has transformed her into a power couple icon. The cultural mythology surrounding her remains anchored in her role as Archana Deshmukh, yet her modern legend is defined by this fairytale marriage story that fans actively retell. While no formal organization bears a specific title for her supporters, hashtags like #Anvi signal a unified front. These digital rituals underscore a fanbase that values her unfiltered persona above all else. In August 2026, iFANN Global Fame Rankings placed her at the 27th most famous person in Indian Dramas, a standing she has held steady since the previous cycle.[edit]

Born Tanuja Lokhande in Indore, she adopted the stage name Ankita and comes from a Marathi-speaking household. She is often credited as Ankita Lokhande Jain following her marriage to Vicky Jain. In May 2026, she faced online trolling for wearing a hijab during a vacation in Abu Dhabi but received widespread support from fans who defended her choice. A close friendship with actress Rashami Desai sees the two frequently supporting one another. Fans still retell the story of her dedication during the filming of *Pavitra Rishta*, where she worked for three months without going home, taking showers on set and reusing undergarments due to the grueling schedule. Another enduring legend involves her pivotal moment in 11th grade when watching the film *Devdas* sparked her acting aspirations. The narrative of her marriage to Vicky Jain, which began inside *Bigg Boss 17* in 2026, has become central to her lore, transforming her journey from a television star to a power couple icon celebrated by her followers.[edit]

Ankita Lokhande was born to parents in Indore, and she has a sister named Aparna. She often shares pictures with her family on social media, expressing her love for them. She married businessman Vicky Jain in December 2021 after dating for a few years. The couple lives in Mumbai and often posts glimpses of their life together. They have no children yet. Ankita is very close to her mother, who has been a constant support throughout her career. [edit]

Ankita Lokhande is married to businessman Vicky Jain, who launched his production house VJ Frames in 2026. She was previously in a long-term relationship with actor Sushant Singh Rajput, whom she met on the sets of Pavitra Rishta. She shares a close friendship with actress Rashami Desai. [edit]

Ankita Lokhande's most talked-about relationship was with actor Sushant Singh Rajput, whom she met on the sets of Pavitra Rishta in 2009. They dated for several years, and their breakup in 2016 was widely covered in the media. In May 2026, she opened up about the split, saying that 'things changed in one night.'

After that, she began dating businessman Vicky Jain. The couple got engaged in 2019 and married in December 2021 in a traditional ceremony. They appeared together on Bigg Boss 17 in 2023, showcasing their relationship. As of 2026, they remain married and often share affectionate posts about each other on social media. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Ankita Lokhande's net worth in 2026 at $10 million. Her primary income sources include her acting projects in television and films, brand endorsements, and paid social media collaborations. She has been a prominent face in the Indian entertainment industry since 2009, and her long-running role in Pavitra Rishta significantly boosted her earnings. In recent years, her participation in reality shows like Bigg Boss 17 and Laughter Chefs added to her income, with reports suggesting she charged a substantial fee for her appearances. She also earns from her Instagram promotions, where she has a large following. Her husband's business ventures, including the newly launched VJ Frames, contribute to their combined wealth, though her personal net worth is separate.[edit]

Ankita Lokhande has won several awards for her performance in Pavitra Rishta, including three Gold Awards, one ITA Award, and two Indian Telly Awards. These accolades recognize her outstanding contribution to television drama. [edit]