‘I don’t need a man to reach somewhere in life’: Ankita Lokhande tells all post break-up with Sushant Singh Rajput

Ankita Lokhande and Sushant Singh Rajput were one of the most adored couples in the industry before they parted ways two-and-a-half years ago. A lot of speculation followed, and soon, Sushant allegedly got into another relationship. Ankita, on the other hand, was still nursing a broken heart and looking for a reason to get back into the groove. She finally did and signed the Kangana Ranaut-starrer, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi. Ankita, or her Version 2.0 as she calls it, opens up about how her relationship and subsequent break-up changed her choices in life, and how she’s still looking for her ‘prince charming’. Over to her...

Were your priorities different two years back?

Yes, of course! In many ways, actually. Back then, I was trying to be a homemaker and doing a very big job.

Did the break-up with Sushant affect your work?

Honestly, I have always been content. When I was working, I was satisfied; when I wasn’t, I was still happy. I’m okay with whatever I do. Aisa kabhi nahin tha ki mujhe yeh chahiye ya woh chahiye. I decided to take a break because I was happy with that then. It was not just for myself. I guess, the Universe wanted me to get back professionally, which is why I’m here now. I won’t say the break-up affected my profession, though. Love and work are two separate things. You need to balance them and I’ll say I wasn’t able to do that.

What did you learn from the episode?

I have learnt to love myself. I had forgotten to do that. Loving yourself helps because if you don’t respect your own feelings, how do you expect others to do that? Also, earlier, I didn’t know how to balance things. Today, I know how to do that. Mujhe pata hai kahaan kise importance deni hai. Lekin sabse zyada importance mujhe apne aap ko deni hai.

Deepika Padukone once said that post her break-up with Ranbir Kapoor, she channelled all her energy into work. Did you do the same?

Yes, in the end, it’s all about where you put your energies. If you focus only on love and keep talking and bothering about that all day, usi mein saari energy chali jayegi. After everything happened, when I was back to a state of normalcy, I kept asking myself,  ‘What do I want to do next?’ and I chose work. Being with my partner was my only priority but once I went back to the sets, I understood what true love meant. When I was acting in Manikarnika, I was thinking about nothing but my scenes. Love is about what you feel and I feel that about my dance and my acting. That, to me, is my love now.

So is this Ankita 2.0, now?

When it comes to work, I am the same Ankita. I believe in hard work. So that’s not changed. And my love for cinema is something I was born with. But, personally, I am more in control of my emotions and because my focus is work, personal life is all about family and friends and my two dogs. I am in a good space and I just want to keep going forward.

So there’s no place for a relationship anymore?

Of course, there is! (smiles) I’m still waiting for my prince charming (laughs). But I’m not consciously looking for a man. I’m done with that! I don’t need a man to reach somewhere in life. I’d rather have awards.

And has marriage been pushed ahead for now?

There are no marriage plans right now. Like I said, I’m still waiting for my prince charming.

You’ve never spoken about your break-up. Has maintaining a silence been difficult? 

Obviously, it affects you a lot. You don’t know what’s happening with you but it’s all there in the papers. However, I actually feel it makes you stronger. Today, I don’t feel anything. That’s it. Whatever the things were, my family and friends were with me.

Would you still be comfortable being friends with your ex?

Of course, I don’t have a problem.

Are you still in touch with Sushant?

I have really been busy with work. So I haven’t got the time. But I hope you are in touch with him!