Actress Ankita Lokhande’s recent selflessness in “Swatantrya Veer Savarkar” has left everyone in awe. Ankita Lokhande portrayed Yamuna Bai, the wife of freedom fighter Veer Savarkar. Her performance went beyond mere acting; it was a commitment to history and humanity. Representing a real-life character who played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence rested heavily on her shoulders.
The Unspoken Agreement
Before signing for “Swatantrya Veer Savarkar,” Ankita Lokhande had one condition: she wouldn’t accept payment from Sandeep Singh, the movie’s producer. Interestingly, they didn’t even discuss the film. Ankita Lokhande’s unwavering support for Singh’s dream of becoming a filmmaker and her faith in his abilities led to her convincing Sushant Singh Rajput to star in the movie Singh would direct. With the December release of “Safed,” Singh made his feature film debut as a filmmaker.
In an exclusive interview, producer Sandeep Singh revealed a remarkable truth: Ankita Lokhande worked for free. Yes, you read that right. She didn’t charge a penny for her role. But why? The answer lies in their unspoken agreement—a pact forged by belief and friendship.
Ankita Did Not Charge Money
Ankita’s decision was driven by a deep conviction in the importance of the project, not by financial gain. Sandeep Singh, who had previously worked as a CEO for Mr. Bhansali and co-produced films like “Ram-Leela,” “Bajirao Mastani,” “Mary Kom,” “Gabbar is Back,” and “Rowdy Rathore,” had a buddy named Ankita. She and Kangana Ranaut were among the first to tell him, “You should be a director.” Ankita boldly stated,
“Sandeep, ek cheez hai – tum film banana toh main hi acting karungi” (But there’s one thing—anytime you create a movie, I’ll act in it).
Sandeep agreed. When making “Safed,” he approached Ankita, but she could not participate then. After facing media trials following the production of “Savarkar,” nobody wanted to work with Sandeep. Performers were concerned that associating with him might tarnish their image. As a friend, sibling, or family member, Sandeep visited Ankita’s residence.
He never informed her about the challenges he faced. Instead, he said, “I want you to portray Yamuna Bai in Savarkar.” Ankita’s response was resolute: “Done. I will not charge anything for this film.” She told Sandeep, “I can never charge you money for any role.” His reply? “Then you are in all my films.”
Believing In Vision
Ankita’s unwavering belief in Sandeep Singh’s vision extended beyond the glitz of showbiz. When others hesitated, she stood by him. Her commitment wasn’t just to the film but to the legacy of Veer Savarkar and the countless unsung heroes who fought for India’s freedom.