Ankita Lokhande, who made her Bollywood debut with Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi starring Kangana Ranaut, penned a heartfelt note on Instagram, thanking everyone who has been a part of her journey. Ankita was overwhelmed to see herself for the first time on screen. The actress, who shot to fame with Zee TV show, Pavitra Rishta said that it was an emotional moment for her.
The period drama based on Rani Lakshmi Bai recounts the famous rebellion of 1857 and the warrior queen's contribution in it. Freedom fighter Rani Lakshmi Bai, who is an epitome of bravery fought against the East India Company and refused to surrender to their laws. While Kangana plays the titular role of the queen, Ankita Lokhande is the Jhalkari Bai. Ankita also thanked her co-star Kangana for ''always being there'' for her.
"I saw myself on the big screen for the first time. Yes, my dream has finally come true. Hardwork has paid off. Watching myself as Jhalkari Bai in Manikarnika, it was a very emotional moment for me. It was an overwhelming experience,'' she wrote.
She thanked Ekta Kapoor and also her fans for constantly encouraging her. She further wrote, "I want to thank each and every person who has been a part of my journey and has helped me achieve my goal. I want to thank Ekta Kapoor ma'am for recognising the talent in me and giving me Pavitra Rishta which gave me the identity across the country. The person that I am today is all because of my fans. Words are not enough to express my love for them. Thank you all for always being there for me and now that I am stepping into another phase of my life, I hope that they will shower more love. Their love encourages me to do better and I hope that I will always receive the same in future''.
Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut is garnering applause for her portrayal of Rani Lakshmi Bai, however, the screenplay and direction of the film has failed to impress the audience. Director Krish also launched an attack on Kangana saying that she is taking undue credit. Reacting on Kangana taking the first credit in direction, Krish said, ''Kangana has done 20-25 per cent of the first half and 10-15% in the second half. I didn’t shoot a song and I didn’t shoot her entry scene. In the second half, she has even re-shot some scenes which I had done in a different way''.
''Kangana even told me that Zee Studios hadn’t liked what I had made. It was looking like a Bhojpuri film. I laughed. People know my previous work. We argued but she wanted her own way. I just couldn’t understand,'' he further told Spotboye.
On a related note, the historical drama has earned Rs 26.85 crores in two-days.
