15 years of 'Pavitra Rishta': Ankita Lokhande misses Sushant Singh Rajput, says 'Manav completed Archana'

Ankita Lokhande and Sushant Singh Rajput

Ankita Lokhande, known for her iconic portrayal of Archana in the beloved TV show 'Pavitra Rishta,' took to Instagram to commemorate the series' 15-year journey alongside her own in the entertainment industry. The show, which marked her acting debut, not only catapulted her to fame but also established a deep connection with audiences nationwide. In a heartfelt post, Ankita reminisced about her transformation into Archana and the enduring love she continues to receive for the role.

In her first post, marking 15 incredible years of herself as an actor with Pavitra Rishta, she thanked the makers for entrusting her with the TV show that made her a household name. Furthermore, Ankita took a poignant moment to remember her co-star, the late Sushant Singh Rajput, who played the role of Manav, her on-screen love interest. She credited Sushant for mentoring her through her acting journey, acknowledging his pivotal role in shaping her skills and the show's groundbreaking storytelling.

In another post dedicated to Sushant Singh Rajput, Ankita said she misses him and called their on-screen pair 'iconic'. She reflected on the impact of their characters Manav and Archana and how they complete each other.

Sharing a series of pictures of herself and Sushant from the show, Ankita wrote, "It's not just 15 years of Archana, it's also 15 years of Archana and Manav, a couple who personified love, marriage, understanding and companionship. They're perfect. They're what we call "Goals". They taught me what perfect marriage means. I bet there's no on-screen couple as real, sweet and iconic as Archana and Manav, and most of its credit goes to the audience who showered so much love on us. And of course, we could create that magic because of Ekta ma'am's trust in us. Manav completed Archana. He was, is and always will be remembered whenever Archana will be mentioned because their Pavitra Rishta was as pure as my pavitra rishta with you all! Without his guidance, I wouldn't have become what I am today. Without Manav, there's no Archana. As much as it's my celebration, it's his too. We are proud of what you've achieved and the acting prowess you've shown. And remember, aasmaan me jab tak sitaare rahenge, hum ek doosre ke sahaare rahenge. Nazdeekiyaan ya ho dooriyaan, bas pyaar hi rahega darmiyaan…. Pavitra Rishta then now and forever."

"We miss you #Sushant," concluded Ankita.

Sushant Singh Rajput, who rose to fame with his portrayal of Manav in 'Pavitra Rishta,' ventured into Bollywood with notable films like 'Kai Po Che!' and 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story.' His untimely passing in 2020 left a void in the hearts of millions, with his final film 'Dil Bechara' released posthumously as a poignant tribute to his legacy.

In contrast, Ankita Lokhande embarked on a journey in films, showcasing her talent in supporting roles in projects like 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi' and 'Baaghi 3.' Her latest endeavour is 'Swantantrya Veer Savarkar' alongside Randeep Hooda.

(with inputs from ANI)