...Who, you ask?
On December 19 ,1984 Ankita Lokhande was born as Tanuja to a Maharashtrian family settled in Indore. Bubbly and talkative, she dreamed from a young age to be in the world of glamour, frequently recalling a Pepsi ad featuring Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji which made her long to be an actress. Yet, being from a traditional middle class family, Ankita decided to study commerce and was made to enroll in an airhostess course.
Her luck turned around when she was selected to be a part of Zee Cinestars ki Khoj in 2004 and she set off to Mumbai to pursue her passion in the show. Although she didn't win the competition, she won the Best Dancer award and gained valuable knowledge and experience of how to navigate the entertainment industry. She went under the radar from the world of acting for four years after, doing print modeling and even walking the ramp for renowned designer Vikram Phadnis. Ankita was then selected to play the lead role in NDTV Imagine's Bali Umar Ko Salaam, but the show did not materialize even after promos were shot. With constant support from her family members, who realized her dedication towards her passion, she landed the lead role in Zee TV's Pavitra Rishta, under the Balaji Telefilms banner, as the character of Archana Karanjkar. Although shocked initially because she went to give the audition in a simple avatar sans make-up, the reality and magnitude of the situation dawned in June 2009 as the show went on air and received much acclaim. Along with two and a half years of ruling the television charts with Pavitra Rishta, Ankita participated in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa's fourth season as well as Comedy Circus, showing the world that she has a glamorous side beyond her role of Archana.
Despite being one of television's leading actresses, Ankita remains grounded and prefers to live her life in a normal way, relishing the simpler things in life. She delights in dancing as well as interacting with others, but prefers to keep her privacy in many matters. Even though she wouldn't mind having a career in Bollywood, she has decided not to chase any dreams but rather let opportunities come as they may. Her fans wish her all the best and pray that she attains success and happiness in all her endeavors.
On Zee Cinestars ki Khoj
Ankita did not win the competition, but had a long journey from Indore to almost being a finalist. Judges appreciated her acting and dancing talent throughout the contest and even awarded her with the title of being the best dancer in the series. This show proved to only be the base of Ankita's bright career to come.
On Pavitra Rishta
As Archana Karanjkar, Ankita captured many hearts with her simple and sound portrayal of the emotional character. While Archana may be different in personality from Ankita, nobody would ever know that by watching Ankita's highly convincing performance. Whether in tears as a typical heroine or staring at her husband with love, Archana's expressions come across as those of a real woman in her situation. Not only has the usual crowd of women come to love the sweet Archana Karanjkar, but young girls and a plethora of men adore her as well. Ankita shot to international fame in this chart topping daily soap, renown for it's wonderful acting and sizzling chemistry between the leads.
On Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa
Ankita aimed to show the world a side of herself not seen as Archana Karanjkar. She not only wanted to do that, but also aimed to learn how to become a better dancer in many styles aside from her token latkas and jhatkas. Paired with choreographer Nishant Bhatt, Ankita gave a wonderful performances and managed to make it well into the competition, even returning once in a wildcard round. Her natural grace and charm has already hooked the attention of Madhuri Dixit and brought Ankita into the hearts of all viewers.
On Comedy Circus
Ankita took the chance to show her comedic side in Sony's hit comedy program, Comedy Circus. Paired with veteran and former winner Kapil Sharma as the duo's resident comedian, Ankita gave excellent performances and gave full effort to each act. The stint sadly could not last long, but she left an impact on her fans by showing yet another dynamic side of hers.
Performances
A hot property in the world of television, Ankita has performed in many award shows and functions. Whether as Archana on Zee TV shows such as Choti Bahu and Mera Naam Karegi Roshan, or as herself at television awards, the Bangalore Ganesh Utsav, and other such events, Ankita has stolen hearts and left her mark in the world of stage performances. She even received the chance to perform internationally in South Africa and Mauritius, though the latter had to be cancelled due to shooting. Her natural bright energy, perfect expressions, and graceful moves leave even her dance partners staring along with the crowd.
Awards
Ankita has been nominated for many awards and won the majority of them:
Zee Rishtey Awards 2009: Best Jodi
Zee Gold Awards 2010: Best Debutante Female
Kalakar Awards 2010: Best Actress
New Talent Awards 2010: Best Personality and Best Actress
Xplore International Awards 2010: Best Actress
ITA Awards 2010: GR8 Face of the Year
Zee Rishtey Awards 2010: Best Jodi and Favorite Popular Actress
Apsara Film and Television Producers Guild Awards 2010: Most Popular Actress
Lion's Awards 2010: Favourite Television Serial Actress
Zee Gold Awards 2011: Best Actress
Zee Rishtey Awards 2011: Favourite Popular Actress
All fans at India-Forums wish the beautiful and talented Ankita Lokhande a very, very happy birthday and pray that this day and the year ahead be filled with success, happiness, and prosperity!
[DO NOT COPY ANY OF THE ABOVE OR THE FOLLOWING. BANNERS AND WRITING CREDIT TO TOOTHBRUSH13.] 
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