TOI: Not into material pursuits - Anky

Oodles of praises have been showered on telly actress Ankita Lokhande for her small screen endeavors. Having won many a tellyviewer's hearts as Archana in the show Pavitra Rishta, the actress is gunning for more greasepaint on the small screen.

Even though Ankita feels she is content with what she has achieved in her life so far, the fire in the belly becomes obvious as the actress talks about her penchant to stay focused on her career dreams.

Hers is a story that any aspiring young Indian girl aiming higher would love to read. Hailing from a middle class family in Indore, Ankita decided to take the uncharted territory and make it big in the world of glam. "When I conveyed my desire to come to Mumbai to try my luck, my parents were apprehensive a lot. In a small town people ask so many questions. My dad told, 'you don't know how the industry works'. But I am fortunate that they gave me a chance to prove something in life," says Ankita who weaved a magic wand of success with her Subtle yet indomitable performances as did her sarees on the show.

The actor now revels in the compliments from her fans. "I feel overjoyed by the fact that people love me so much. I never thought I will be loved by my fans this much. When we started Pavitra Rishta, we didn't think it will garner such an amazing fan following. Both Manav and Archana are strong characters and now when their children are taking a lead in the storyline, I expect the same to click with the fans too," says Ankita who is also known for her relationship with actor Sushant Singh Rajput - her former costar in the show.

The actress feels her romantic undertaking with Sushant began with the love story of Manav and Archana - the protagonists in the show. "I owe my relationship with Sushant (Singh Rajput) to the show. It is from here that our pavitra rishta took a beautiful shape! We started loving each other and caring for one another," says Ankita.

Their love story albeit feels like old wine packaged in a new bottle as she says, "Sushant is a caring boyfriend. Nothing is common to us. We are poles apart when it comes to attitude towards life. He's genuinely loyal, calm, loves to read books, is a foodie and a person who likes to save for future; while I love to splurge during shopping. One thing that binds us together is that both of us are die-hard romantics."

Ankita, at the same time, is all praises for her current costar Hiten Tejwani. "What's special about Hiten Tejwani is his humility. He makes you feel comfortable and is a decent guy. Initially, it became difficult for me to acclimatize myself when Sushant quit the show. Later, I told myself that Manav is a character in that show who will always be loved by Archana, no matter what. That made the difference," says Ankita who is equally passionate about dancing. "Dance is my passion and when I did Jhalak Dikhla Ja- 4, it felt like my dream came true," says the actor.

On her mentor Ekta Kapoor, the actress says, "Working under Ekta's guidance has been amazing because she's a sweetheart and a great lady."

The actress feels viewer connect is intangible as compared to TRPs during the IPL season. "Irrespective of IPL or no IPL, the storyline continues with its USP. TRP matters only to certain level, after that it is only audience connect that matters," says the actress.

A very satisfied Ankita says, "I am not into material pursuits. I am content with whatever is happening in my life - the kind of lifestyle I am leading and the way my career is shaping up. I've got a wonderful boyfriend. So I do not have any other thing to long for."

Finally, quiz her when are they going to hire a wedding planner, Ankita says, "We will get married, but marriage would take some more time as I've my own career dreams and Sushant is pursuing his own dreams."