Ankita Lokhande won hearts of the audience with her portrayal of Archana in the television serial ‘Pavitra Rishta’ where she starred opposite late actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

As the show turned 15 years today, the actress shared a post on Instagram recalling her journey from being a newcomer who hardly knew how to act to becoming a part of the industry for more than a decade.

Ankita shared a video which had glimpses of the show and attached a heartfelt note of gratitude.

The actress thanked Ektaa Kapoor for believing in her and providing her with the platform and opportunity to showcase herself.

Ankita also penned a paragraph for Sushant, expressing her gratitude to him for teaching her acting as she was very new to it.

The post read, “ 15 years ago, I started my journey as Archana in Pavitra Rishta. Little did I know that even after years, I will continue to get so much love for my role, which has even become my identity. I sometimes feel I was destined to be Archana. I had her in me, and I continue to have her in me. She has taught me a lot about life.

I am forever indebted to @ektarkapoor @ek_ek_ekoo ma’am and @balajitelefilmslimited for giving me a role of a lifetime right in the beginning of my career. Main rahoon ya na rahoon, the love I have received, Archana and Pavitra Rishta has received from each one of you will keep me alive forever in your hearts, and I don’t think there’s anything more precious than that. But my journey wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t have Sushant’s support. I didn’t even know how to act when I started Pavitra Rishta. He taught me, and I will always be thankful for him. The show started a new kind of storytelling. Hindi television par Marathi culture ko dikhaya. Isse pehle kabhi koi aisa show aaya nahi tha. People could resonate with the show because of the innocence the show and the people involved in it had.

And last but not the least, I would like to thank the television industry for giving me so much love. My first brush with fandom and stardom happened because of a television show, and I am always going to be thankful for that.”

After becoming a household name with her role in the serial, Ankita also ventured into Bollywood and has been a part of films like ‘Manikarnika’ and ‘Baaghi 3’.

She also appeared in the popular reality show ‘Bigg Boss’ last year with her husband Vicky Jain.

Despite not winning the show, Ankita managed to remain in the limelight throughout.